Darkhugh's Den's Video Game Reviews

Darkhugh's Den's Video Game Reviews AS SEEN IN:

January 1997

PlayStation ProReview

Command & Conquer: Red Alert
(By Westwood Studios)

Real-Time Strategy
1-2 player via link cable

Replay: MED
Challenge: HI

By Boba Fatt

Graphics: 4.0
Sure, real-time strategy games aren't about graphics, but these vehicles and soldiers are awfully small and have a lot less character than the Orcs of WarCraft II.

Sound: 4.5
The music of Red Alert is both exciting and subtle, with eerie chants in the background reminiscent of Nazi rallies. Explosions and other effects are dead on.

Control: 4.0
The gamepad will be a tough transition for PC players, but the interface works well. If you're lucky enough to have one, the PlayStation mouse is much better.

Fun Factor: 4.5
Red Alert's dual forces, spread across two CDS, offers countless hours of strategy and cunning. If only there were a better way to go head-to head...

Strategy fans know there isn't a more addictive experience than the rush of creating an entire army from a few measly soldiers and setting out to destroy your opposition. With that in mind, this sequel to Command & Conquer storms the PlayStation in magnificent fashion. This translation loses nothing from its PC predecessor, providing you have mouse, link cable and a friend's PSX. No sweat, right?

Red Alert's an optimist, however, making the best of its situation. The single-player missions have improved AI over the PC version (it's unfortunate, however, that you still can't save in mid-mission), and the sharp gamepad control will accomplish the mission once you become accustomed to it.

If you've got the PC version of Red Alert, the minor AI and graphical improvements aren't worth another investment, particularly with the hardware constraints. If you're new to strategy games, however, or if your PC is AWOL, C&C: RA is A-OK. Ten-hut!

PROTIP: Never send five men into battle when you can spare ten. This game's all about power, and meek attacks won't get you anywhere.

PROTIP: Don't be afraid to just chill and build your armament for awhile, especially against an AI opponent.

PROTIP: Special forces, like the rocket launching soldiers, can do a lot of damage if you keep them on the back lines, with grunts to protect them.

PROTIP: On missions with Tanya, use her as a sharp shooter, and keep the medic nearby to fix her up. If she dies, all is lost, but she's too good a sharpshooter to keep her off the front lines!

PROTIP: When your men are held prisoner near gas barrels, be sure to kill their captors without hitting the fuel, they'll all go up in flames.

PROTIP: Send grunts ahead to scout for enemies. If there are dogs or rocket launchers, the front line just may have to be sacrificed.