DOS

Command & Conquer: Red Alert

Jag nynnar upphetsad Wagners "Valkyriernas ritt" medan helikoptrarna gör sitt, och ser med tårfyllda ögon på hur fiendernas tanks sprängs av mina bazooka-utrustade soldater. Jag ger ingen nåd. Jag är fältherren över alla. Och jag älskar Red Alert.

It's a compelling package - one of the best you'll find in the world of PC games. Red Alert belongs in the same category as Civilization II and Quake, games that followed legendary predecessors and immediately eclipsed them. One can only wonder where Westwood can take us from here.

This game’s a classic with almost anyone who’s played it, even those who’ve come to it fairly recently. It’s certainly retro but it paved the way, no arguments, this game’s still not bad, but with other modern offers in a sea of Real-Time Strategy at relatively low prices it’s probably best just to find a friend who’s actually got it before you spend any hard earned pennies.

In many ways, Red Alert is nothing more than a continuation of the first game, with a host of reused assets, a relatively small amount of new units, and the same exact formula of base-building mixed with puzzle missions. Likewise, in many ways, Red Alert would set the standard for every Command & Conquer game to come. It proved the value of taking the time to tell a story (and reveled in its cheesiness), gave a new idea of how to do balance under traditional C&C rules, displayed awesome variety with its missions, and solidified the C&C concept. If you enjoy RTS games, you owe it to yourself to play this one. If you're looking for a title to introduce you to the genre, few of the early RTS titles will make an impression like this one will.

For C&C fans, Red Alert is an absolute must. The new units, the great story and the variation of the mission styles make up for the limited improvements in the A.I. The multi-player action is still superb, so rely on the intelligence of your buddies to uncover Red Alert's lasting and compelling gameplay.