Red Alert 2 was released in October 2000, four years after the original “Red Alert” and only one year after “Command & Conquer Tiberian Sun.” Despite the short time gap between entries, “Red Alert 2” brought a number of improvements to the franchise, from gameplay to graphics and presentation, making it one of the most well-regarded games in the “Command & Conquer” franchise.
A Blast from the Past: Red Alert 2’s Release and Legacy
Recently, “Command & Conquer Remastered” was released, bringing the original “Command & Conquer” and “Red Alert 1” up to modern standards with new graphics, music, and compatibility options. However, it is uncertain if later games in the franchise, such as “Red Alert 2,” will receive similar treatment.
Age Is Just a Number: Embracing Red Alert 2’s Vintage Charm
Despite feeling more modern than its 1996 predecessor, “Red Alert 2” is still an old game, almost twenty years old at this point, and its age is apparent in its presentation with a four by three aspect ratio, low resolution graphics, and weak special effects. Nonetheless, it remains a classic game worth playing, along with its expansion “Yuri’s Revenge.”
No matter how you slice it, there’s no getting around the fact that Red Alert 2 has obvious seniority. However, I am here to tell you that absolutely none of that matters. While aged, Red Alert 2 has a level of charm that I’m not sure I’ve seen anywhere else. In everything from its cutscenes to voice acting to music, all facets of its presentation just ooze with likeability. Legitimately within five minutes of booting the game for the first time, I had pushed aside any preconceptions I had and was just having a blast.
A Masterful Soundtrack: The Work of Frank Klepacki
Remember, this video is the first I’ve ever played of Red Alert 2, so I’ve got no bias coming into this one. In a bit of a change of pace from our usual order, let’s begin with the music. For as long as they’ve been on the internet, I’ve heard of how great the soundtrack is for Red Alert 2. Of course, I’ve heard the extremely popular “Hell March” here and there, but I never really sat down and taken in the game’s entire score. And I’ve got to say, it’s really exceeded my expectations. It’s very good.
However, I should have expected as much, as it’s composed by Westwood and CNC composer Frank Klepacki. While I didn’t know who he was at the time, I remember really enjoying the soundtrack for Tiberian Sun when I was a kid. And throughout the years, I was exposed to his work in other games, most recently, of course, the original CNC and Red Alert, which I reviewed. But also unexpected ones like Star Wars Empire at War.
A Timeless Experience
In the end, the age of Red Alert 2 is no barrier to the enjoyment one can get from this classic game. Its charm, music, and overall presentation make it a memorable experience that withstands the test of time. So, whether you’re a newcomer to the series or a nostalgic fan, give Red Alert 2 a try and experience the magic for yourself.
The Power of Music: Red Alert 2’s Menu Music and Beyond
As soon as you start the game, you’re given a taste of what you’re in for with the music, and I think this might be the best menu music I’ve ever heard. I mean, just listen to it. If this doesn’t get you in the mood to throw down a bet, I really don’t know what will.
It’s not just the main game either. Yuri’s Revenge adds a bunch of new songs that capture the expansion very effectively, and they all have their own tone that sets them apart from the original. I like the music so much I decided to get in touch with Frank, the game’s composer, and ask a few questions about how it came to be and why he thinks it’s stood the test of time so well.
A Chat with Frank: The Composer’s Insight on Timelessness
I mean, the love for that kind of stuff, I think, is really apparent with games like Red Alert 2. I always hear people say that’s their favorite game and also soundtrack, like from all the games. I hear it from all sides. You know, if people have got their individual favorites.
The Red Alert game received a lot of positive feedback, including compliments, fan mail, and articles. However, everyone has their own favorites, such as Yuri’s Revenge, Aftermath, or Red Alert. Each game can be someone’s favorite, which speaks to their quality. The speaker personally enjoyed the games even more when the expansions came out because they added something new and enhanced the overall gameplay.
For example, the Yuri’s Revenge expansion for Red Alert felt like a souped-up addition that really enhanced the gameplay. The same can be said for Firestorm in Tiberian Sun, which added a cool component with the Cabal faction. The speaker credits Brett, the president, for always pushing people to think outside the box and do something different, fresh, and new. Sometimes Brett’s feedback was vague, and the designers had to interpret it for themselves.
A Lasting Legacy: The Impact of Red Alert 2 and Its Expansions
In conclusion, the timeless nature of Red Alert 2 and its expansions can be attributed to the constant push for innovation, the memorable soundtrack, and the engaging gameplay. Each game and expansion brought something new to the table, making them a favorite among fans. So whether you’re discovering Red Alert 2 for the first time or revisiting a beloved classic, there’s no doubt that this game and its expansions will continue to resonate with players for years to come.
Pushing Boundaries: Graphics, Sound Effects, and Art Style
Ultimately, the goal was to push the boundaries and create something unique. After a while, I understood what that meant, and it was great to have that kind of encouragement because it meant that the game would have more personality and stand out in the long run. The sound effects in the game are also great, despite the age of the game. While they might not compare to modern titles, they offer a lot of individuality and variety.
The graphics, on the other hand, haven’t aged as well. Graphics usually suffer the most over time, but there are exceptions, and Red Alert is one of them. The game’s visuals are a step up from the previous games and have held up better over time. While the special effects might not be great, the unit and building designs are still charming and have signature CNC’d animations that we’ve come to love. Even though the game might not be a visual stunner, the art style still shines through. Overall, it’s easy to overlook the game’s visual shortcomings and appreciate it for what it is – an old but fun game to conquer.
B-Movie Magic: Cutscenes and Campaigns
As a fan of the game’s B-movie style, I think it delivers the perfect mix of seriousness, camp, and self-awareness that makes it so enjoyable to watch. The acting is well-done, and the game’s tone is consistent throughout.
The cutscenes are particularly entertaining, with purposeful camera movements and familiar faces from other properties. There are two separate campaigns to play through, one for the Allies and one for the Soviets, each with their own characters and stories. While both campaigns are entertaining, I personally preferred the Soviet campaign because it took more liberties with the story and was a bit crazier, resulting in some really entertaining scenes.
For example, if you play as the Soviets, you get teleported back to the dinosaur age and have to fight your way through. Overall, this game has a secret sauce or X-factor that makes it a joy to play and watch.
Classic Gameplay with a Twist: Red Alert 2’s Mechanics
The game takes you on a wild ride without getting into the campaign presentation. The cutscenes are amazing with B-movie styling that is hard to put into words but the game just has it. There are two separate campaigns in the game, one for Allies and one for Soviets. Both campaigns are entertaining but the Soviet campaign is preferred as it feels like the developers were willing to take more liberties in the story and be a bit crazier throughout the whole thing.
The narratives in the base game and expansion are not very nuanced and the characters aren’t really developed, but the game completely owns it and is just a good time. The gameplay of Red Alert 2 is classic real-time strategy, but there are a lot of new mechanics and systems here that players will recognize from later games in the series. These additions bring a fresh and engaging experience, showcasing the innovation and creativity that went into the development of Red Alert 2.
Smoother Gameplay and Enhanced Mechanics
I find it very interesting to see the origins of this game in Red Alert. However, it’s not just the gameplay elements that make it enjoyable. Playing the game feels smoother and there are fewer glitches than in earlier games like Tiberian Sun or the first Red Alert. This is likely due to the higher frame rate and improved fluidity in animations. The UI also plays a big role in the game’s playability. It’s the first version of the modernized and updated sidebar that would see refinements throughout Tiberium Wars and Ruler 3. It’s surprising how much more playable the game is when we have categories for units and structures, rather than an endless list of everything like in earlier versions. However, there are still no tooltips showing what buildings unlock.
When it comes to progressing through the tech tree, I know some of you may be typing about how the game came with a manual or had the information already in your head. Regardless, let’s take a step back and focus on the game’s core tenets. As I mentioned earlier, Red Alert 2 is a classic real-time strategy game that many people fondly remember from the glory days of the genre. The game features three unique factions – Allies, Soviets, and Yuri (added in the expansion) – each with an extensive range of units and buildings.
Unique Features and Engaging Missions
The game mechanics in Red Alert 2 make each faction unique and enjoyable to play. While the game includes familiar elements such as base building, resource harvesting, and rolling over your enemies with massive armies, it represents a significant advancement over its predecessors. I mentioned this earlier, but I was surprised by the number of recognizable mechanics from newer games in the series, especially as someone who had never played it before. For example, unit veteran C, which I previously thought originated in Command and Conquer Generals, is present here as well. Although I have no idea what bonuses units get when promoted, I observed that my soldiers and vehicles became significantly stronger as they gained experience. There are other unique features in the game that set it apart from others in the genre.
There are some pretty unique mechanics in Red Alert 2 that clearly illustrate the advancements made to the game since the last release. In the campaign, these mechanics become available as you progress through the mission roster, and often your objectives are built around one of these mechanics to make for unique and engaging missions. One mission in the Allied campaign stood out to me in particular, where you are given a team of spies and tasked with infiltrating and destroying key buildings in a Soviet facility. You have to watch out for dogs that can smell you and break your cover, and there’s a race against time to set charges before you get caught. Fortunately, you can take out any infantry that come your way, but it’s the added challenge of avoiding detection that makes this mission so exciting.
In this mission, you have to worry about defense towers as well, which adds another layer of complexity and challenge. It’s a fun mission and a welcome change from the expected “build base and destroy enemy objectives” format. On a side note, Tanya is an absolute monster. She can wipe out infantry units like they’re nothing. I found it amusing to watch her completely annihilate hordes of soldiers. Is she as strong as the Chrono Legionnaires though? I’m not sure. Maybe we need to put them in a 1v1 deathmatch and see who comes out on top. Perhaps they’re overpowered. As expected, you unlock these mechanics, along with powerful structures and abilities, as you progress further into the campaign. In skirmish and multiplayer, it’s all about mastering these mechanics to gain the upper hand against your opponents.
Faction Variety and Multiplayer Options
And I was really glad to see the ability to choose different factions within the Allied and Soviet sides returned from Red Alert 1, as it gives a bit more variety when playing outside the campaign. If you’re unfamiliar, each faction grants its own unique unit which can help you push your gameplay style in a particular direction. Speaking of multiplayer, you can actually still play it without much difficulty at all. Though the game and expansion are not freeware like its predecessor, you will still need to own the game legitimately. But if you don’t own it, you can still get it right now offered as an Origin service as part of the Command & Conquer collection.
Conquer Ultimate Collection. Download the CNC Nick client and boom, you’re in! It doesn’t just add the functionality for multiplayer either. There are also a lot of quality of life features for hosting and joining games, and giving more options for those games as well. There’s even an optional community patch for the Yuri’s Revenge faction that aims to make it a bit less overpowering and more micro-intensive. Talking about the gameplay in general, it’s really nice to have something be so lean yet so enjoyable. There’s no nonsense to slow you down or get in your way, just pick, play, and go battles.
Fast-Paced Action and Mods
Fast actions are heavy and its use of the now classic rock-paper-scissors mechanics mean you’re always thinking ahead to what’s next. Like a lot of classic RTS games, Red Alert 2 has no shortage of mods to expand the experience from what’s on the disc. In this case, the most well-respected is almost certainly Mental Omega. Of course, there are a ton of interesting and varied mods out there for both your base game and your Yuri’s Revenge. Unfortunately, I can’t cover them all, but if you do want to change things up, then go and check out what’s available on Mod DB. There’s sure to be something for you.
Mental Omega: An Impressive Expansion
Back to Mental Omega though, I wanted to talk a bit about it as it’s so popular and so good. Seriously, the amount of stuff that this mod adds, as well as the quality that comes with it, is frankly astounding. It’s essentially a full expansion to Red Alert 2, and here’s just some of what it includes: a new faction, a campaign for Yuri, hundreds of maps, new single-player missions, sub-factions with unique units, an entirely new soundtrack, and integrations with C&C Net for online play.
Play – the list just goes on. I’m sure there’s a bunch of stuff I missed too, but you get the idea. And it’s not a quantity over quality thing either. Everything is really well implemented and works seamlessly with what’s already available. This reminds me of something like Rise of the Reds for Generals. The new Snow Maker is damn impressive, and it’s easy to set up – you do need to own the game, of course, like if you’re playing with the CNCNET client. But providing you do, it’s a breeze to download, install, and just get playing. It has its own integrations with CNCNET, so you can play online with other people using the mod with just a few clicks. So while I can’t say I’ve played everything it has to offer, because there’s a lot to explore, and what I have seen has left a really positive impression.
Value and Technical Issues
While there are some problems with it, purchasing the Command & Conquer ultimate collection is a really good value. It costs 15 US dollars. You can’t complain too much about the price, especially when you consider that it’s not free like the original Red Alert games.
Technically, the game runs pretty well too. Although there hasn’t been much work done to make it run exceptionally well on modern PCs, I’ve found that it generally plays okay. It runs in full screen mode and doesn’t have any major performance issues. However, I have run into some issues with alt-tabbing, which often causes the game to crash.
And it really messed up my open windows sprawled across my triple monitor setup. Another thing that I do understand, one affected most people though, is I did have some real trouble recording this game. For whatever reason, it just wouldn’t record at all with AMD’s built-in software. And to get OBS to record my screen, I either had to run it in a tiny window to get a guaranteed result, or just boot it normally and cross my fingers that I would see it. In my testing, it seemed to work around one in every five times. Like I said, not a big deal, but it’s worth mentioning. And of course, as with any technical issues, you at home may not see any of these problems or you may get twice as many. As always, your mileage may vary.
CNC Net to the Rescue
But there is a solution to most of that, a good one actually, and it’s CNC net coming to save the day as it has before. If you’re interested in playing skirmish or multiplayer matches online, then you can run the game through the CNC net client, and it may just alleviate most of the technical issues.
In my experience, CNC net worked really well and was just as easy to set up and configure as Red Alert 1 and Tiberian Dawn. The developers have done an excellent job making all the stuff so easy. I recommend you give it a go if you haven’t already, although I’m sure most of you probably have. If you really like it, maybe consider tossing them a few bucks to support the project, as it’s completely community-driven.
Conclusion: Red Alert 2 Still Holds Up
Red Alert 2 is an old game, but unlike many others, it’s still highly playable and one of the best examples of an RTS from the golden era of strategy that still holds up incredibly well today. It has a special combination that you don’t often see with older games: the gameplay is engaging enough to still be enjoyable after nearly 20 years, the visuals hold up mainly because of the excellent art style, and the soundtrack is just great, even if you don’t have an enormous level of nostalgia for it. The whole package remains surprisingly accessible regardless of whether you want to play the campaign or online multiplayer. Normally, this would be the conclusion.
And it’s for that reason that I’m going to keep this conclusion short. If you’ve been thinking of revisiting Red Alert 2 or haven’t even played it to begin with, then I recommend you do. You can even buy it on Origin digitally.
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