Ces Jeux Qui M'Ont Marqué - Command & Conquer : Alerte Rouge

Salut, my fellow gamers and strategy enthusiasts! If you ask people about their favorite Real-Time Strategy (RTS) games today, you'll probably encounter puzzled looks and mentions of "strategy games" rather than "RTS." Those who do reminisce might recall classics like Starcraft, Warcraft, or Age of Empires. But let's face it, most of these games belong to a bygone era, with the most recent sequel being Age of Empires.

I, on the other hand, stumbled upon the world of RTS games in the '90s, but here's the twist: my initiation didn't happen on a PC. No, my first taste of real-time strategy came from none other than the PlayStation. Yes, you heard that right. Warcraft 1 and 2 were my initiation into this world, and I can't help but cringe a little thinking about playing such games with a controller.

Yet, this unique mix of RTS and my soft spot for B-movies, along with a deep appreciation for alternate history, made for a combination I'll never forget. Let's take a journey down memory lane and dive into a game that left a mark on me.

The Uchronic World of Red Alert

"Command & Conquer: Red Alert" stands as the precursor to the gameplay of "Command & Conquer." In this alternate universe, post-World War II, Albert Einstein invents a time machine, travels back to 1924, and shakes hands with the young Hitler. This paradoxical twist eliminates Hitler from history, giving rise to a different dictator with ambitions of conquering Europe.

The beauty of "Red Alert" lies in the plausible narrative it crafts. Without the rise of fascism in Germany, another power decides to make its move. This uchronic take on history is what drew me into the game. I've always had a soft spot for alternate history, and the notion of rewriting the past and reshaping the outcome intrigued me.

As we delve deeper into the game, you'll find that it's not just about the storyline. "Red Alert" is a classic real-time strategy game that pushes you to adapt to unique playstyles for each faction, the Allies and the Soviets. The Alliesthey favor mobility and cunning, with fast tanks and jeeps that can infiltrate enemy bases. On the other hand, the Soviets rely on overwhelming firepower, using heavy tanks and mammoth tanks to crush their foes.

This contrast reflects the historical Cold War era, where the Soviets emphasized quantity while the Western powers focused on quality. It's this attention to detail that makes the game more than just a simple RTS – it's a brief immersion into a fictional but somewhat authentic portrayal of the post-World War II geopolitical landscape.

A Dose of Quirk and Nanar

Now, what's "Red Alert" without that touch of quirkiness? The game didn't shy away from playing with the absurd, blending it with the over-the-top acting of full-motion video sequences. Picture a drunken Stalin attempting to fondle his secretary in a blatant B-movie style. It's so-bad-it's-good in the best way possible.

Of course, let's not forget the accents, the occasional poisoning, and the general mayhem that keeps the game entertaining. It's this unique mix of real-time strategy and B-movie aesthetics that sets "Red Alert" apart.

However, as the series continued, the intentional parody aspect grew stronger, particularly in "Red Alert 2" and "Red Alert 3." While the earlier game struck a balance between maintaining its own brand of quirkiness and a sincere narrative, the sequels sometimes overindulged in self-parody.

In the end, "Red Alert" laid the foundation for what we now know as the real-time strategy game genre. Its gameplay mechanics were far from sophisticated, but that's what made it appealing. It's a reminder of a simpler time in gaming, when the focus was on storytelling and creating unique factions, rather than overwhelming players with complexity.

With its charming mix of real-time strategy, alternate history, and a sprinkle of quirkiness, "Red Alert" is a testament to how the RTS genre had its heyday in the late '90s and early 2000s. Though it may have faded from the mainstream, it remains a beloved part of gaming history.

In the ever-evolving landscape of video games, let's take a moment to appreciate the classics like "Red Alert" that shaped our love for gaming, strategy, and the joy of rewriting history, even if just for a few hours. So, next time you hear "Red Alert," don't just think of it as a game; think of it as a time machine that takes you back to a simpler era of gaming, where creativity, humor, and strategy melded into something unforgettable.