Title: Command and Conquer (red Alert)
Overall Rating: A-
Source: Westwood Studios
Playing Time: unlimited
Date: 1997
Cost: $29.99 http://www1.viaweb.com/westwood/comconredal.htm
Number of Players: 1 or 2
Special Equipment/Facilities Needed: CD-Rom
Subject Area: Social Studies (military
campaigns, war)
Objectives: To win 38 separate missions
in order to win a war.
Brief Description: This game is essentially
a battle between two sides (the allies and the Soviets), during which 38
missions must be one which all take place in a certain real geographic
area (Eurasia.)
Entry Capabilities Required: Reading Ability
(the game comes with a substantial instruction manual), mathematical ability
(the game requires some budgeting of finances so addition is necessary.)
Rating: (1-5)
Relevance to objectives: 5 (Does what
it says it is going to do)
Provides practice of relevant skills:
5 (The game requires exercise of forethought, planning, and budgeting.)
Likely to arouse/maintain interest: 5
(the game is very stimulating and can be extremely addictive!)
Likely to be comprehended clearly: 3 (This
game is very advanced and the manual should be read before attempting to
play a full-length game. The manual can be hard to understand at
times.)
Technical quality (durable, attractive):
5 (The graphics are very attractive and realistic.)
Game: Winning dependent on player actions (rather
than chance): 5 (There is no chance in this
game - only strategy.)
Simulation: Validity of game model (realistic,
accurate depiction): 5 (The depictions of
consequences of war are very realistic.)
Evidence of effectiveness (e.g. field-test results):
5 (The game has won several awards, including game of the year.)
Clear directions for play:
3 (The instructions are complicated and do not explain everything.)
Effectiveness of debriefing:
3
Strong Points: The game
is very realistic and technically accurate. It is strictly strategic
and so it cannot be won by chance. The game forces you to plan and
to anticipate future actions. A character in the game does provide
the player with praise if he/she completes a mission.
Weak Points: The
game is very complex, takes a long time to play, and takes a significant
time ciommittment to learn how to play well. It can be frustrating
because novices cannot move through mission quickly or easily. This
game might not be suitable for those without a lot of patience and intense
concentration ability. Also, the instructions do not cover everything
- some things the player must discover on his own.
Reviewer: Jennifer Heidemann
Position:Student
Date:3/22/98
Computer System Reviewed on: Macintosh
PowerPC 6500/250, 32mb ram.
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