Like all Red Alert sequels, the developers had to choose which campaign storyline ends up being ‘canon’, so that they can work on what happens next. So far, the trend has been that the Allied Campaign has always been the winner, and this time is no different. Whilst Red Alert 3 begins with the Allies on the run from the Soviet War machine, if you play the Allied campaign it ends with them conquering Russia AND Tokyo, ensuring Allied supremacy in the world. And for some reason David Hasselhoff becomes president. Uprising is split into 4 campaigns, each with only a handful of episodes. There are the usual Allied, Soviet and Empire campaigns, but the fourth campaign deals with the origins of Yuriko Omega, and follows her through past, present and post-RA3.
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| Anything that has walking robots in it is ok in my books... | As Yuriko, you’ll often find yourself facing steep odds with nothing but a robe and the power of your mind in your arsenal. |
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Uprising is a bit thin on the ground when it comes to content. Traditionally, expansions tend to give a more complete added-campaign experience, instead of just the 3 or 4 missions that they have provided here. However, it appears that the developers had a completely different goal in mind with this addition. Instead of focusing mainly on chapter 2 of the RA3 story, they’ve instead shifted the focus to non-campaign modes, giving you all sorts of weird and wonderful things to do.
The theme of the add-on is purely single player, as neither the online cooperative nor multiplier modes are accessible in Uprising. Instead, the devs have provided a whole 30 extra skirmish maps which should help extend solo-play considerably, if you like that sort of things. Additionally, in a small homage to the ‘Generals Challenge’ mode found in the expansion to C&C Generals, there is the ‘Commanders Challenge’, which gives you 50 unique and challenging scenarios to work your way through as any of the 3 factions. You start off with basic troops, and as you complete challenges and advance through the mode, you unlock more tech. This mode will also feature some previously Campaign-only units from Red Alert 3, such as the Tesla tank, to further beef out a player’s roster.
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| Unicron, anyone? | The carnage doesn’t let up, no matter how they change the format. |
This mode seems to have its own vague storyline, as judging by the live cut scenes that accompany it, you’re actually acting on behalf of FutureTech, the mysterious company that fuelled the majority of the Allies technological developments in the absence of Einstein. Seems to brush on the clichéd notion of a rich uber-tech company trying to take over the world, but this plot doesn’t really impact on the game playing. It’s just there.
As can be expected, there are also a few new units for each faction. Each new unit fits in with their faction’s style, for example the Empire get’s a massive floating samurai head, and they all help complement the roster by filling a niche. Since Multiplayer is unavailable with Uprising, it is not known whether these new units will be usable online.
As mentioned earlier, EA Los Angeles has done something different with this game over your run of the mill expansion. You can see it most in the Yuriko Campaign, which features a completely different UI and control system to the other 3 campaigns. Your camera is fixed on Yuriko’s position, and there is no base building or unit management. You simply control her and her actions. This shifts the game from a classic RTS format to a more Strategic-Role playing format, and is actually a nice break from the norm. The devs don’t dawdle on Yuriko’s past either, and by the end of the first half of the first level, you have access to the full range of the schoolgirl’s abilities. You do feel a bit like a God lashing out with your powers of telekinesis and mind control.
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| Countering the myth that all Japanese girls have flat chests. | The new Maiden Archer unit is a curious choice. But no more curious then a walking metal samurai I suppose... |
The other campaigns each take their own little twist on things. Initially, you only have the Soviet or the bonus Yuriko campaign to choose from, but you can do the other two once you have finished the first Soviet mission. This mission provides a hint of things to come, as you start off by controlling a small group of soldiers, taking them through a maze of obstacles to overcome, with little support. The rest of the missions follow a similar pattern. Some have puzzles you have to solve (which are sometimes a bit annoying) some are more conventional build base/crush enemy scenarios, and others are something else entirely.
Even though it may not seem so at first glance, Uprising is a worthy expansion to the game. Whether it’s worth buying however depends on what you value more, single player or multi-player. If you’re looking for something to enhance the single player experience, then this is well worth the price. Unless you’re on one of those people who just like doing the campaign, then this may not be the choice for you. People who love multiplayer however will find little new here to keep one occupied, so think carefully before you buy. Ultimately though, if you’ve been following the series since its origins, you know you’re going to get this game anyway. Enjoy.
COMMAND & CONQUER RED ALERT 3 - UPRISING VERDICT
Even though it may not seem so at first glance, Uprising is a worthy expansion to the game. Whether it’s worth buying however depends on what you value more, single player or multi-player. If you’re looking for something to enhance the single player experience, then this is well worth the price. Unless you’re on one of those people who just like doing the campaign, then this may not be the choice for you. People who love multiplayer however will find little new here to keep one occupied, so think carefully before you buy. Ultimately though, if you’ve been following the series since its origins, you know you’re going to get this game anyway. Enjoy.
TOP GAME MOMENT
Giant uber robot head of death.
