Step into an alternate timeline where a single, pivotal alteration has reshaped the world into a battleground. In this reality, the year is 1946, and the absence of a certain historical figure has allowed the Soviet Union to rise as an unchecked global power. The narrative plunges players into a desperate conflict as the Soviet Empire, driven by an expansionist agenda, begins its "liberation" of Europe, overwhelming nations with its formidable military might. Caught off guard, the Allied forces must rally and confront this new Red Storm. The fate of the world rests on your strategic decisions as you command forces in this high-stakes struggle for ultimate control.

The Premise: A World Redrawn

The story begins with a journey back in time. In 1946, Albert Einstein successfully tests his Chronosphere, a device capable of temporal displacement. Traveling to 1924, he intervenes to prevent the rise of Adolf Hitler, effectively erasing Nazi Germany from history. Upon his return to 1946, Einstein finds a world where the Soviet Union, under Joseph Stalin, faces no significant opposition. This power vacuum leads to the Soviet Union's aggressive expansion into Eastern Europe, prompting the formation of a European alliance to counter this new threat. This sets the stage for a desperate and all-encompassing war.

Core Gameplay and Strategy

This is a real-time strategy (RTS) game where players engage in base building, resource management, and tactical combat. The core gameplay loop involves constructing a base, gathering resources to fund your operations, training various military units, and then deploying these forces to attack enemy bases and defend your own. Players must strategically choose which units to build, where to deploy them, and how to utilize their unique strengths and weaknesses to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents. The game emphasizes rapid decision-making and adapting to the evolving battlefield.

Unique Features and Mechanics

What sets this game apart is its emphasis on distinct faction playstyles. The Soviet Union and the Allied forces each possess unique unit rosters, technological advancements, and strategic advantages. Players will experience different challenges and opportunities depending on which side they choose to command. The game also features a variety of maps, each presenting different terrain and strategic choke points that influence combat tactics. The introduction of specialized units, such as spies and demolition experts, adds layers of tactical depth beyond direct confrontation.

What makes this game unique in its genre?

The game's unique appeal lies in its alternate history premise, which provides a fresh narrative backdrop for classic RTS gameplay. The distinct unit designs and technological paths for each faction offer significant replayability and strategic variety. The fast-paced nature of the real-time combat, combined with the need for careful base management and unit production, creates an engaging and demanding strategic experience.

Available Content

This is the main game, and it has received two significant expansion packs that add new campaigns, units, and challenges, further extending the gameplay experience. There have also been remasters released, offering updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements for modern systems.

Basic Game Information

Released in 1996, this title is a main game in the real-time strategy genre. It was initially available on DOS and PC (Microsoft Windows), with later releases for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation consoles. The game features a strong emphasis on strategic warfare and resource management.