Console versions

Command Challenges


Fight for world domination in this brand-new expansion, Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 – Command Challenges (PS3) / The Challenge (Xbox 360).

• Conquer 50 unique battlefields with unlockable items and rewards;
• Use 11 new units from the three factions, including the Giga-Fortress, Desolator and Cryo Legionnaire;
• Enjoy the unmistakable Command & Conquer style, with fast-paced, fluid gameplay and non-stop action.

  

Sony interview with Wes Eckhart, the game’s producer:

Could you give us a brief introduction to the game and its core mechanics?

Command & Conquer Red Alert 3: Commander’s Challenge is a fun and tactical experience. Starting out as a FutureTech Commander on the battlefield, players have access to three Red Alert 3 factions: the Allies, the Soviets and the Empire of the Rising Sun. Next, each player chooses a battle from the world map. Once the player has successfully completed the battle, new missions and units are unlocked.

The game’s main storyline revolves around 13 missions, but overall, Commander’s Challenge spans 50 extended battles. The order in which the missions are played and the faction chosen for each mission can make all the difference. Better still: the development team have included their benchmark times for each mission. Players can, if they wish, attempt to complete each mission by beating these records.

How does Commander’s Challenge stand out from other real-time strategy (RTS) games?

The light-hearted nature of the Red Alert universe, combined with highly specific scenarios, makes Commander’s Challenge a unique experience in the realm of RTS games. A variety of units, as unusual as they are fascinating – such as the Soviet Mortar Cycle and the Giga Fortress – the Empire’s flying, shape-shifting ‘head of death’ – play a central role in the gameplay. The Game Units’ humorous reactions, along with their fabulous and over-the-top powers, lend the game a playful edge. To top it all off, the cutscenes feature live-action actors. You’ll see enemy Generals mocking you at every turn.
What sort of players is Commander’s Challenge aimed at?

Commander’s Challenge has been designed for newcomers who want to get to grips with the RTS genre, as well as die-hard fans of the Red Alert 3 experience. We’ve also included a tutorial to help everyone get up to speed. The gradual increase in difficulty allows inexperienced players to engage with the game. As new missions and units are unlocked, players will find they can tackle the challenges in a variety of ways. Red Alert 3 veterans will appreciate the chance to try and beat the benchmark times for each mission and win rare trophies.

What sort of scenarios can we expect?

Every mission in Commander’s Challenge is unique. These scenarios include, amongst others, titanic clashes involving only tanks, battles amidst a hail of satellites, and engagements where you face your enemy whilst your units are outnumbered. One of the terrifying missions awaiting you takes place on a floating platform. Trapped there, you’ll have to face an army of Yuriko clones – a Commando unit of high school girls from the Empire who possess psychic powers!

What anecdotes can you share about the game’s development, having worked with stars who portray the Commanders, such as former professional wrestler Ric Flair?

I’m thinking of Ric Flair, nicknamed ‘Nature Boy’. Working with him was an incredible experience. Ric absolutely loved Commander Hill, his character. Everyone who worked with him had a brilliant time. My favourite part was seeing him dressed in his famous wrestling outfit, which had us all in stitches. So you could say that, to a certain extent, Flair really slipped into the character. Woooooo!

What was the funniest moment during the development of this game, which by its very nature is very tongue-in-cheek?

The units’ reactions still amuse us. During development, we’re used to using placeholders whilst playing, or not having a soundtrack. When you select a unit, it goes on the attack without saying anything interesting. Our soundtrack team is exceptional. They then added the units’ reactions, and the tone of the game changed completely. The first time we heard the final version of the allied Cryo Legionnaire, our laughter echoed throughout the development department. The dialogue and the actors’ performances were spot on!

What’s the best thing about Commander’s Challenge?

I really appreciate the strategic element that lets you choose which mission to start with. As you progress, the number of unlocked missions increases. Some are harder to complete than others… depending on the units you’ve unlocked. You end up focusing on choosing which mission to undertake to get the units you need, so you can succeed in the next one: it’s a real game within the game.

What advice would you give to budding commanders?

I’d give them three pieces of advice, which apply just as much to new players as to veterans:

The air power is phenomenal. Units such as the Soviet Twinblade and the Empire’s Striker-VX helicopter can make all the difference when facing ground units.

Use the Steel Ronin. The Empire’s new anti-armour robot is highly effective against both Allied and Soviet armoured units. If you find yourself on a difficult ground mission, the Steel Ronin can help secure victory.

Don’t get bogged down on a single mission. As there are plenty of missions and different units are unlocked with each one, don’t get stuck on a difficult mission. It’s better to tackle other missions and unlock new units. You’ll often find that these new units can help you defeat a tough enemy Commander.

Xbox 360 DdC Medals

Star Pupil (5 points) Complete all tutorial missions

First Blood (5 points) Complete the first challenge mission, ‘Dead Meat’.


Victor (20 points) Complete all 13 main challenge missions in Red Alert 3

Superior Commander (50 points) Complete all 13 main challenge missions within the time limit

Future Leader (20 points) Complete all 50 challenge missions

King Of The World (50 points) Complete all 50 challenge missions within the time limit

Battle Tested (10 points) Complete 10 challenge missions


Battle Hardened (20 points) Complete 25 challenge missions


Big Game Hunter (5 points) Kill all the giant bears in “Number One Threat to America”


Recycle (5 points) Kill 20 Steel Ronins


Killed A Ton (5 points) Kill 20 Desolators


Going Commando (5 points) Kill 20 enemy Commandos


DdC PS3 Achievements

King Of The World: Complete all 50 challenge missions within the time limit


Battle Hardened: Complete 25 challenge missions



Future Leader: Complete all 50 challenge missions


Superior Commander: Complete all 13 main challenge missions within the time limit



Battle Tested: Complete 10 challenge missions



Big Game Hunter: Kill all the giant bears in “Number One Threat to America”



First Blood: Complete the first challenge mission, “Dead Meat”.



Going Commando: Kill 20 enemy commandos



Killed A Ton: Kill 20 Desolators



Recycle: Kill 20 Steel Ronins



Star Pupil: Complete all tutorial missions



Victor: Complete the 13 main challenge missions