Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation is not amazingly beautiful, but then again, it’s not supposed to be. The graphics are an above view map type display, but there is an amusing level of detail. (Watch your infantry work out or goof off when they don’t have orders... too funny.) I still think it could have had a little better graphics without sacrificing gameplay, however. The soundtrack is composed of some very nice, high-energy music, which is very conducive to playing for many hours at a time. (Expect to miss a lot of sleep.)

If you like strategy games (and ONLY if you like strategy games), Red Alert Retaliation’s gameplay can be very addictive. If you don’t, however, you may be bored to tears. Command & Conquer games can last a long time; sometimes with big spaces between intense gameplay. The hours will just seem to fly by. You can select from campaign or skirmishes, and select such things as how many enemies, what level of technology is available, and how much funds to start with. By playing with the options, you can tailor a fun (and time consuming) game to suit your tastes. With the Link up capability, you can engage a friend in combat using just one copy of the game. The game is on two discs, one disc for the Allied side, and another for the Soviets. This game supports the use of a mouse, and is much easier to play when one is used.

Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation has some pretty tough A.I., but there are sufficient options which can be changed to make it less difficult, and less complex. Mainly, the key is to practice, practice, practice. OR, play a linked game with your little sister...

This game works very well, especially when used with a pointing device (read mouse or trackball). Command & Conquer: Red Alert Retaliation is a “Thinking man’s game,” and provides a slew of different units varying in cost, range, and damage. It allows a true implementation of strategy in real-time. Everything works very well together to form one addictive, slick, involving strategy game. Bravo.

Suggested Use:

This game is incredibly fun when used with a pointing device. I found the NYKO Classic TrackBall to be the best choice for extended C&C binges.