not finished yet. On to the interface....
The interface is much easier than the AOK one. There is a bar on the side that has 4 different tabs. One for buildings, defense structures, infantry, and tanks/air/navy. It is very effective, as you don't have to be at your base to buid units. You can queue up to 30 units of each, but you can only build one of each type of unit at a time (ie, you can builf 30 GIs and 30 tanyas at the same time). There are also repair and sell buttons on the interface, and the minimap of course. There is an option for fog of war if you want, but the shroud usually doesn't regenerate. And you have to a radar building to get the minimap.
Now, the allies in campaign, and both in MP have a unit called the spy. It can target any unit and it will look like it. So, you can sneak one into an enemy base, but guard dogs can see and easily killl them, as they are unarmed. If you get one into the weapons factory or barrack, all your new tanks and/or infantry will start out as verterans when built, which really helps. Get one into a power plant, and it will temporarily shut down power. This takes defenses offline, as well as radar. Get one into a refinery, and you steal the opponents money in that refinery. The allies also have "tanya" who can devestate enemy troops with her colt 45.s before they even get close. the has low hp points though, and does squat to tanks. She can building with her C4, but she ha to be right next to them. The soviets have a yuri, which can mind control 1 unit at a time. When that unit dies, it can immediately get another one. Also, it controls them instantly, unlike monks in AOK.
Ok, now for the resources. It is much easier than in AOK, you have am ore refinery, and harvesters. the allies harester carries half as much ore, but teleports back to the refinery when it has collected the ore. It has to drive to the field to get back though, no teleporting. the soviet harvester has a machine gun on top, toi harass enemy troop that get to close. Harvester have high HP, and are self regenerating, but for the most part they are harmless. It is always wise to have multiple harvesters, to support your army. the allies also have a special structure that gives them 1.5 as much ore with each load, whcih is very usefull.
Now for the sound. The sound is great. Like most rts's, each unit has multiple phrases that it says when you give it a command. They are very well done, which different voices and phrases that fit perfectly. Ok, the music. If there was only one thing that set this game apart, it is the music. It is simply incredible. All the music fits perfectly with game style, and it really good. Most games barely have any background music at all, but RA2s, has some very good tracks that fit in with the war theme.
The game also features real life cutscenes that were filmed. Every mission has one, before you start. They tell the story and give you a briefing. They really set the mood for the missions, and let you know what you have to do, so it is very clear. Also, the game has one incredible opening cutscene that comes up when you first open the game. Do not skip it, it is great, and really sets up the story. Plus, it has really great music.
Ok, i can't think of anything else to say, except that if you get it you will not be disapointed. IMO opinion, it is the greatest rts to date, and that includes AOK. It beats all of them by far. If you want to know anything else, just ask, or go to
www.westwood.com) You can get a unit list there if you want.
wow, thats long.......