Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 vs Meeple Station
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 is the latest installment of the real-time strategy game franchise, Command & Conquer: Red Alert. Despite the apparently intriguing storyline of a time travel gone awry and the brilliant live-action HD videos, the science fiction-themed narrative is somewhat weak in comparison to the previous titles. However, it's nice that this time around, you get to choose between one of three factions (Allies, Soviets, and the Empire of the Rising Sun, or the Empire for short) to play as rather than having only two. The campaigns are pretty fun as well and the game does have a rather nice co-command feature that links all the campaign missions together.Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 has a really nice take on the alternative world theme and the strategic gameplay is incredible as usual. If you're interested, you can try the game's demo before buying it on Steam.
Meeple Station
Meeple Station is a space-themed, sandbox simulation game that focuses a lot on exploration, trading and team management. In this game, you’ll need to build your starter space station and then venture out into the galaxy to find a place to set up shop, so to speak. Mine nearby resources and refine them into valuable bars and other alloys, and trade the resources you have with passing spaceships for resources that you don’t. Don’t forget to assign your meeples with tasks that suit their respective personalities, and give them everything they need to be content despite being cooped up in a tightly-packed space station.The game doesn't have a multiplayer mode (yet), but I can see the potential of having the game mode added in the future where players will be able to trade with each other and even raid other player’s stations to plunder resources. It’ll probably be somewhat similar to Minecraft’s multiplayer mode.
Overall, Meeple Station is definitely an early access game with plenty of potential. Despite the bugs and game issues, it is a rather fun sandbox game to play where you can build your own space station, explore the galaxy, mine and trade for resources, and manage your team of adorable meeples. If you’re interested, Meeple Station is currently available for purchase on Steam. Check it out!