
System: PC | Review Rating Legend | |
Dev: EA Los Angeles | 1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid | 4.0 - 4.4 = Great |
Pub: Electronic Arts | 2.0 - 2.4 = Poor | 4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy |
Release: March 12, 2009 | 2.5 - 2.9 = Average | 5.0 = The Best |
Players: 1-24 | 3.0 - 3.4 = Fair | |
ESRB Rating: Teen | 3.5 - 3.9 = Good |
Visually, Uprising is the same as Red Alert 3. The new units are modeled in the exact same style and fit well. The environments are as well-rendered as they were in the original. Conversely, the environments don't really offer much in the way of variety. Even the dungeon-crawl experience doesn't throw much new into the mix for the player. Moreover, the fact that the camera can't zoom in very far is another drawback, especially when other RTS games allow players to practically get down to eye-level and witness the action in a more intimate setting. On a brighter note, the game is full of bright colors and vibrant particle effects, so those looking for escape from the muddy colors of other games should find sanctuary.
The controls have remained untouched, so anyone familiar with Red Alert 3 should feel completely at home. And, being Uprising is a stand-alone expansion, newcomers with a little RTS experience will find them intuitive and easy to learn. Aside from the player controls, there are still some pathing issues that can make for a frustrating experience. Units aimlessly walking against barriers, and getting stuck on each other can be a painful thing to watch. Meanwhile, Uprising's music is probably one of its better qualities. With a number of different styles thrown into the mix, the music tracks complement the over-the-top style very well. Hard rock, oriental ballads, and the original music from Red Alert and Red Alert 2 sync well with each other.
Overall, there isn't much to say about Red Alert 3 Uprising because, frankly, there isn't much new to talk about. It is nice to see that gamers don't need to own the original in order to play the expansion. However, the campaigns from the original aren't playable in Uprising, so if you're at all interested in the single-player, buying the original is a necessity, despite the laughably short "recap video" that you can watch. To its credit, Uprising is just another installment in a series that knows what it is-a complete exaggeration on everything an RTS game is. Just don't go into it expecting anything more than that though, because you'll be disappointed.
By
Derek Hidey
CCC Freelance Writer
Game Features: