Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy video game developed by Westwood Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It was released in 2000 as a sequel to the original Command & Conquer: Red Alert game.
Set in an alternate history universe, Red Alert 2 takes place during the 1970s and 1980s. The storyline revolves around the conflict between two factions, the Allied forces and the Soviet Union, as they battle for global supremacy. The game features an engaging single-player campaign with live-action cutscenes, as well as multiplayer modes for competitive gameplay.
Facts
- Release: Red Alert 2 was released by Westwood Studios in October 2000.
- Setting: The game is set in an alternate history where the Soviet Union launches a full-scale invasion of the United States.
- Storyline: Red Alert 2 features an engaging storyline with live-action cutscenes that advance the plot and provide context for the gameplay.
- Factions: Players can choose to play as either the Soviet Union or the Allied forces, each with its own unique units, structures, and technologies.
- Base Building: The game revolves around base construction, resource gathering, and strategic planning to build and maintain a powerful military force.
- Gameplay: Red Alert 2 is a real-time strategy game where players engage in battles, control armies, and make tactical decisions on the battlefield.
- Units: The game offers a diverse range of units, including infantry, tanks, aircraft, naval vessels, and special units with unique abilities.
- Special Abilities: Each faction has special abilities and superweapons that can turn the tide of battle, such as the Allied Chronosphere or the Soviet Nuclear Missile.
- Multiplayer: Red Alert 2 features multiplayer support, allowing players to compete against each other online or via LAN connections.
- Expansion Pack: The game received an expansion pack called “Yuri’s Revenge” in 2001, which introduced a third playable faction led by Yuri, a mind-controlling psychic.
- Popular Soundtrack: Red Alert 2 features a memorable soundtrack composed by Frank Klepacki, known for his work on the Command & Conquer series.
- Graphics: The game featured improved graphics compared to its predecessor, with detailed units, buildings, and environments.
- Unique Campaign Missions: Red Alert 2’s single-player campaign offers a variety of unique and challenging missions, ranging from infiltration operations to large-scale battles.
- Notable Actors: The live-action cutscenes in Red Alert 2 feature notable actors, including Ray Wise, Udo Kier, and Kari Wuhrer.
- Modding Community: Red Alert 2 has a dedicated modding community that creates custom maps, mods, and modifications to enhance the game’s content and replayability.
- Cheesy Humor: The game has a humorous and light-hearted tone, with over-the-top characters and exaggerated voice acting.
- Expansion of the Red Alert Universe: Red Alert 2 expanded the lore and universe of the Red Alert series, further exploring the conflicts between the Allied forces and the Soviet Union.
- Map Editor: The game includes a map editor that allows players to create their own custom maps and scenarios, providing endless replayability.
- Critical Acclaim: Red Alert 2 received positive reviews from critics, praising its gameplay, graphics, and storytelling.
- Legacy: Red Alert 2 is considered one of the standout entries in the Command & Conquer series, with a dedicated fan base and a lasting impact on the real-time strategy genre.
Gameplay Tips
- Expand Early: Secure additional ore fields and build additional ore refineries to boost your economy. The more resources you gather, the more units you can produce and the stronger your forces will be.
- Build Defenses: Construct defensive structures such as Tesla Coils, Patriot Missile Systems, and Prism Towers to protect your base from enemy attacks. Strategic placement of defenses can help deter or repel enemy forces.
- Scout Constantly: Use reconnaissance units like Spies, Attack Dogs, or the Allied Navy SEAL to scout the map and gather intelligence about your opponents. Knowing their strategies and unit compositions can give you an advantage.
- Infantry Support: Mix infantry units with your tanks and aircraft to provide support. Infantry units like GIs, Rocketeers, and Yuri Clones can take out enemy infantry and provide anti-air capabilities.
- Use Engineers: Engineers are versatile units that can capture enemy buildings, repair your structures, or capture key structures on the map. Utilize them to gain advantages or deny your opponents access to resources.
- Take Advantage of Tech Buildings: Capture neutral Tech Buildings to gain access to powerful technologies or units. Tech structures like Radar Domes, Battle Labs, and Tech Airports can give you an edge over your opponents.
- Naval Superiority: Build a strong naval force to control waterways and deny your opponents access to resources. Naval units like Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, and Submarines can be devastating if used effectively.
- Special Abilities: Each faction has unique special abilities and superweapons. Use them strategically to turn the tide of battle. Coordinate your attacks with Chrono Shifts, Iron Curtain, Psychic Dominators, or Nuclear Missiles to maximize their impact.
Game Controls
Mouse Controls:
- Left-Click: Select units, buildings, or objects on the screen.
- Right-Click: Issue commands such as moving units, attacking enemies, or deploying structures.
- Middle Mouse Button: Rotate the camera view.
- Mouse Wheel: Zoom in and out of the game’s camera.
Keyboard Controls:
- WASD or Arrow Keys: Scroll the camera or move the cursor around the map.
- Spacebar: Centers the camera on the selected unit or group of units.
- Enter: Opens or closes the chat window.
- Tab: Cycle through selected units.
- Delete: Deletes the selected unit or structure.
- H: Selects all construction yards.
- B: Opens the build menu to construct new buildings.
- M: Selects all military units.
- G: Selects all gatherable units (e.g., harvesters).
- C: Centers the camera on the selected unit.
- F1-F4: Selects pre-set unit groups (if set up).
Cheats
- “allyourbasearebelongtous” – Instantly win the mission.
- “ihavethepower” – Instantly gain full power.
- “thequotablepatella” – Reveals the entire map.
- “strengthandhonor” – Removes the need for ore or power to build units or structures.
- “motherland” – Instantly gain 10,000 credits.
- “gimmegimmegimme” – Instantly gain 10,000 credits and 10,000 power.
- “blackhole” – Instantly destroy all visible enemy units.
- “isurrender” – Instantly lose the mission.
- “itcamefromredalert” – Grants a Voxel Tank, a powerful armed vehicle.
- “bringiton” – Increases the game’s difficulty level.
- “danegeld” – Instantly gain 100,000 credits.
- “canuhandleit” – Enables faster building and unit production.
- “thereisnocowlevel” – Skips the current mission.
- “balsamic” – Displays the game’s version number.
Quotes
- “I’ve got the knowledge.” – Tanya Adams
- “I’m there.” – Various units
- “The battlefield is a chemistry set.” – Yuri
- “You can’t escape.” – Yuri
- “Death comes silently.” – Yuri
- “You have a target for me?” – Natasha Volkova
- “Silent but deadly.” – Natasha Volkova
- “Nothing to see here.” – Spy
- “New construction options.” – EVA
- “Virus ready.” – Virus
- “Let’s get it on!” – Allied GI
- “For Mother Russia!” – Soviet Conscript
- “The apocalypse has begun.” – Yuri
- “Allied reinforcements have arrived.” – EVA
- “Ready to roll!” – Allied Grizzly Tank
- “Let’s melt some metal!” – Soviet Apocalypse Tank
- “Rise, my Soviet war machine!” – Soviet Yuri Prime
- “Our base is under attack.” – EVA
- “No one can stop me.” – Yuri
- “We have prevailed.” – EVA
Red Alert II Units
Allies Faction:
- GI: Basic infantry unit armed with rifles. Can be upgraded with rocket launchers.
- Guardian GI: Advanced infantry unit equipped with a powerful sniper rifle.
- Prism Tank: Advanced tank armed with a prism cannon that can fire laser beams at multiple targets.
- Chrono Legionnaire: Elite infantry unit capable of teleporting and erasing enemy units from existence.
- Aircraft Carrier: Mobile naval unit that can launch and recover aircraft.
- Mirage Tank: Tank unit that can become invisible and disguise itself as other units.
- Spy: Special infantry unit that can infiltrate enemy structures and gather intelligence.
Soviet Faction:
- Conscript: Basic infantry unit armed with rifles. Can be upgraded with Molotov cocktails.
- Tesla Trooper: Infantry unit armed with a Tesla coil gun, capable of electrocuting multiple enemies.
- Rhino Tank: Heavy tank armed with a powerful cannon and able to crush enemy units.
- Kirov Airship: Massive aircraft that drops bombs on enemy targets.
- Yuri Prime: Elite infantry unit with mind control abilities and access to special technologies.
- Dreadnought: Powerful naval unit armed with long-range cannons.
- V3 Rocket Launcher: Mobile rocket launcher capable of launching powerful long-range missiles.
Where to Play
- Official Origin Store: You can visit the official Origin website or access it through the Origin client software to find and purchase Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2.
- Steam: Red Alert 2 may also be available for purchase and download on the Steam platform. Visit the Red Alert 2 store page on Steam if it is available there.
Red Alert II Gameplay