Red Conquest! [App Store]
John Kooistra is a name I know well. I am a fanboy of his Blue Attack! and Blue Defense! series. Please see my Top 5 Shooter article to understand where I’m coming from. It is without question that when Cat In A Box games released Red Conquest! out into the App Store, I didn’t hesitate to make this purchase. Here is my adventure into once again the far reaches of outer space, almost zen-like in my pursuit of RTS domination.
Red Conquest! is a real-time strategy game for the iPhone or iPod Touch. Once again we wage intergalactic war: Blue Vs Red in outer space. You take command of your stellar fleet, and overcome your enemy. Built solely from the ground up to utilize every possible facet of multi-touch controls. It is the most complete strategy game there is for the gaming device. Yes, I just said that.
Graphically, it has the same niche appeal as John’s other games. Each unit onscreen has Kooistra’s signature all over it. The attention to detail and the neon retro look is synonymous with its predecessors and zooming in and out of the huge army has no lag nor does it skip a beat. The explosions add excitement to the game and the menu system is first class. The art designed cutscenes move along the weird story arc, with dialogue text during and after battle.
Gameplay in Red Conquest is well polished. All unit types are covered (combat units, harvesters and support teams all spawn from the initial base). You take full control of the Red Team this time round, with blue only available in multiplayer mode. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses. As with all key strategy games, controls will make or break you. With the advent of multi-touch, the iPhone is the perfect device to head the charge to perfection. Red Conquest! is no different. Gestured drag movements, pinching to zoom in or out, etc. This game does have steep learning curve, though the developer does provide you with a sweet tutorial to acclimatize you with your fleet, so newbies need not despair! So far there are 5 story level modes, and 4 challenges. Included is the skirmish mode for Adhoc WiFi and Bluetooth multiplayer modes. However, online multiplayer is on the cards real soon!
Sound wise it’s a fairly standard affair, with plenty of explosions to keep you immersed in gameplay.
John Kooistra has proven that brilliance does come in threes. Red Conquest! is the definitive sci-fi RTS currently for the iPhone. With amazing controls, and the option to go into battle head-on or to micro manage for better strategy, Red Conquest! really does feel like a well fleshed product. If you have an inkling of desire for a decent strategy game this season, you need not stare blankly in to space. Rather, just one-click yourself in the App Store. Simply amazing!
A touch expensive, but worth it. 4 Stars.
