Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer: Red Alert"
From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
m (Updating infobox with StrategyWiki guide link) |
(Tried where I could to distinguish what was natively supported and what was part of the fan patch. Everything should be done in context of what was originally supported. Also added in screenshots.) |
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| Line 57: | Line 57: | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
{{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert High Res.jpg|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p|3.03p]] patch.}} | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert High Res.jpg|1024x768 resolution using the [[#3.03p|3.03p]] patch.}} | ||
| − | ===[http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ 3.03p]=== | + | ===[http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ 3.03p Fan Patch]=== |
{{ii}} Patch is included in installation via [[#Unofficial downloads|RA1 Installer]] (see above). | {{ii}} Patch is included in installation via [[#Unofficial downloads|RA1 Installer]] (see above). | ||
{{ii}} Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there. | {{ii}} Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there. | ||
| Line 74: | Line 74: | ||
==Game data== | ==Game data== | ||
| − | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External General.png|External general settings.}} | + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External General Fan.png|External general settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}} |
| + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Options.png|In-game options menu.}} | ||
===Configuration file(s) location=== | ===Configuration file(s) location=== | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
| Line 99: | Line 100: | ||
==Video settings== | ==Video settings== | ||
| − | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External | + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Options.png|External options menu (for the original release).}} |
| − | {{ | + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Video Fan.png|External video settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}} |
| + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Video.png|In-game video settings.}} | ||
{{Video settings | {{Video settings | ||
|wsgf link = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-red-alert | |wsgf link = http://www.wsgf.org/dr/command-conquer-red-alert | ||
| Line 107: | Line 109: | ||
|ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete | |ultrawidescreen wsgf award = incomplete | ||
|4k ultra hd wsgf award = incomplete | |4k ultra hd wsgf award = incomplete | ||
| − | |widescreen resolution = | + | |widescreen resolution = hackable |
| − | |widescreen resolution notes= | + | |widescreen resolution notes= A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. |
|multimonitor = false | |multimonitor = false | ||
|multimonitor notes = | |multimonitor notes = | ||
| Line 117: | Line 119: | ||
|fov = n/a | |fov = n/a | ||
|fov notes = | |fov notes = | ||
| − | |windowed = | + | |windowed = hackable |
| − | |windowed notes = | + | |windowed notes = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. |
|borderless windowed = hackable | |borderless windowed = hackable | ||
| − | |borderless windowed notes = Disable borders, enable windowed, then stretch the resolution in the configuration program. | + | |borderless windowed notes = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Disable borders, enable windowed, then stretch the resolution in the patch configuration program. |
|anisotropic = n/a | |anisotropic = n/a | ||
|anisotropic notes = | |anisotropic notes = | ||
|antialiasing = n/a | |antialiasing = n/a | ||
|antialiasing notes = | |antialiasing notes = | ||
| − | |vsync = | + | |vsync = hackable |
| − | |vsync notes = Be | + | |vsync notes = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. Be sure to enable OpenGL too.{{cn|date=October 2015}} |
| − | |60 fps = | + | |60 fps = hackable |
| − | |60 fps notes = | + | |60 fps notes = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. |
| − | |120 fps = | + | |120 fps = hackable |
| − | |120 fps notes = | + | |120 fps notes = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. |
|color blind = false | |color blind = false | ||
|color blind notes = | |color blind notes = | ||
| Line 136: | Line 138: | ||
==Input settings== | ==Input settings== | ||
| − | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Remapping.png|External input settings.}} | + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert External Remapping Fan.png|External input settings (for the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]]).}} |
{{Input settings | {{Input settings | ||
| − | |key remap = | + | |key remap = hackable |
| − | |key remap notes = | + | |key remap notes = A [[#3.03p Fan Patch|fan patch]] is required. |
|acceleration option = false | |acceleration option = false | ||
|acceleration option notes = | |acceleration option notes = | ||
| Line 171: | Line 173: | ||
==Audio settings== | ==Audio settings== | ||
| + | {{Image|Command and Conquer Red Alert Audio.png|In-game audio settings.}} | ||
{{Audio settings | {{Audio settings | ||
|separate volume = true | |separate volume = true | ||
|separate volume notes = | |separate volume notes = | ||
| − | |surround sound = | + | |surround sound = n/a |
|surround sound notes = | |surround sound notes = | ||
|subtitles = false | |subtitles = false | ||
| Line 234: | Line 237: | ||
|lan play = true | |lan play = true | ||
|lan play players = 8 | |lan play players = 8 | ||
| − | |lan play modes = | + | |lan play modes = Versus |
| − | |lan play notes = | + | |lan play notes = Use the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] to enable modern LAN support. |
|online play = true | |online play = true | ||
|online play players = 8 | |online play players = 8 | ||
| − | |online play modes = | + | |online play modes = Versus |
| − | |online play notes = | + | |online play notes = The original multiplayer service is no longer available. Use the [[#3.03p Fan Patch|3.03p fan patch]] and [http://cncnet.org CnCNet.org] to re-enable support. |
|asynchronous = | |asynchronous = | ||
|asynchronous notes = | |asynchronous notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
| + | |||
{{Network/Connections | {{Network/Connections | ||
|matchmaking = false | |matchmaking = false | ||
| Line 352: | Line 356: | ||
|shader model versions = | |shader model versions = | ||
|shader model notes = | |shader model notes = | ||
| − | |64-bit executable = | + | |64-bit executable = false |
|64-bit executable notes= | |64-bit executable notes= | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 04:55, 5 July 2016
 |
|
| Developers | |
|---|---|
| Westwood Studios | |
| Expansions | Intelligent Games |
| Publishers | |
| Original | Virgin Interactive |
| Current | Electronic Arts |
| Release dates | |
| DOS | October 31, 1996 |
| Windows | October 31, 1996 |
 |
|
| ⤏ Go to series page | |
| Command & Conquer | 1995 |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert | 1996 |
| Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor | 1997 |
| Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun | 1999 |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 | 2000 |
| Command & Conquer: Renegade | 2002 |
| Command & Conquer: Generals | 2003 |
| Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars | 2007 |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 | 2008 |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising | 2009 |
| Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight | 2010 |
| OpenRA (unofficial) | 2010 |
| Command & Conquer (2013) | Cancelled |
| Command & Conquer Remastered Collection | 2020 |
| Renegade X (unofficial) | EA |
Key points
- Released for free following the release of Red Alert 3.
- 3.03p fan patch is highly recommended to install.
- If you want a modernized C&C experience, check out OpenRA.
- Language support can be further extended with language add-ons.
- CD/ISO installer is 16-bit and doesn't run under modern operating systems, see Availability for solution.
General information
Availability
| Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | |
|
||
| Amazon.com | |
Bundled with other games in the franchise up to Generals. | |
|
| Origin | |
Bundled with other games in the franchise up to Tiberian Twilight. | |
DLC and expansion packs
| Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert: Counterstrike | Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. | |
| Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The Aftermath | Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. | |
Unofficial downloads
- OpenRA is a modernized open-source version of with mature support for "Red Alert".
- PortableRA is available in installable or portable (stripped, multiplayer-only) form with add-ons. Extra contents included (PSX-exclusive cutscenes for the expansions and music).
- RA1 Installer is a special installer that can either download the game, install it from old CDs/ISOs or patch an existing installation. Extra contents included.
- RedAlert1.com is a bare-bones version optimized for multiplayer (small size, portable). Missions, music and cutscenes are omitted. The music and map editor are downloadable inside the CnCNet settings. The site offers a Mac-compatible version too.
- Mac OSX Wineskin package - Mac-compatible web installer that works outside the box. Includes single-player campaign and extra contents for the single-player.
Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems
- Like many 32-bit games released during the mid-90's, the game's installer is 16-bit. This and some other issues prevents you the game from being installed (using the ISOs released by EA or the game CDs) on modern operating systems and PCs.
- The RA1 Installer (see above) includes an option to install games from original CDs/ISOs and patch the installation afterwards. More information available at CnC-Comm forums.
Essential improvements
1024x768 resolution using the 3.03p patch.
3.03p Fan Patch
- Patch is included in installation via RA1 Installer (see above).
- Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there.
- This patch contains:
- Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130).
- New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
- Support for newer Windows systems (including 64-bit)
- Online (via CnCNet) and LAN playability up to 8 players
- Support for higher resolutions
- No-CD option
- Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions (plus PSX videos for these missions and soundtrack)
- Complete feature list.
- In the compatibility tab all compatibility options should be turned off.[1]
- Support for regular Red Alert installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
Game data
External general settings (for the fan patch).
In-game options menu.
Configuration file(s) location
-
redalert.inicontains normal game settings. -
ddraw.inicontains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch). -
cncnet.inicontains CnCNet settings.
Save game data location
Save game cloud syncing
| System | Native | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Origin |
Video settings
External options menu (for the original release).
External video settings (for the fan patch).
In-game video settings.
Input settings
External input settings (for the fan patch).
Audio settings
In-game audio settings.
Localizations
| Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | ||||
| German | See Language add-ons. | |||
| French | See Language add-ons. | |||
| Spanish | Fan translation, see Language add-ons. | |||
| Russian | Partial audio support; fan translation, see Language add-ons. |
- RA patch also adds support for Language add-ons.
Network
Multiplayer types
| Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAN play | 8 | Versus Use the 3.03p fan patch to enable modern LAN support. |
||
| Online play | 8 | Versus The original multiplayer service is no longer available. Use the 3.03p fan patch and CnCNet.org to re-enable support. |
||
Connection types
| Type | Native | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Matchmaking | ||
| Peer-to-peer | ||
| Dedicated | See: CnCNet.org. | |
| Self-hosting | ||
| Direct IP |
Online play
CnCNet
- Official forums
- An unofficial community-run online service for older C&C games.
- Uses an external client to launch its own improved lobby that supports private games, pre-determined alliances and spawn locations, its own online map directory, map preview, spectator mode, kick/ban and better chat capabilities (ignore, whisper, Mumble voice chat).
- Predominantly used by Red Alert players.
- Supports playing over LAN.
- Already included in the 3.03p patch.
- Additional lobby sound add-ons
XWIS
- Official forums
- A semi-official, community-run replacement for Westwood Online (WOL), Westwood's online service.
- In-game 'Internet' menu redirects to this service.
- XWIS service is not used by online Red Alert community.
Issues unresolved
- This list assumes you're using the patch. If you experience a new game issue, please make a support thread on the CnC-Comm forums.
- Flickering mouse under cnc-ddraw
- Left-handed mouse setups have problems with selecting multiple units.[2]
Issues fixed
- If you have problems with The First Decade or The Ultimate Collection, be sure to check this FAQ on EA forums.
General fixes
| Instructions |
|---|
Crash after overheating
| Instructions |
|---|
Game is laggy after installing the patch
| Instructions |
|---|
Game speed/Map scroll rate issue
| Instructions |
|---|
"Unable to set video mode" error
| Instructions |
|---|
No music in the portable version
| Instructions |
|---|
No videos after installing the patch
| Instructions |
|---|
Other information
API
| Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DirectDraw | 3 | |
| DOS video modes | MCGA, VGA |
| Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows |
Middleware
| Middleware | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Multiplayer | Westwood Online |
Maps
- C&C has support for external maps, both multiplayer and singleplayer.
- CnCNet includes its own online map directory.
- Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
- Cnc-Comm.com - Mapping discussion
Re-implementations
- OpenRA - community developed recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay and UI.
- The Red Alert - A total conversion of Red Alert 3
System requirements
| DOS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| Operating system (OS) | 5.0 | 6.2 |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel 486 66 MHz | Intel Pentium 75 MHz |
| System memory (RAM) | 8 MB | 16 MB |
| Hard disk drive (HDD) | 40 MB | |
| Video card (GPU) | VGA or MCGA (256 colour) video card | |
| Windows | ||
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Recommended | |
| Operating system (OS) | 3.1, 95 | 98 |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 75 MHz | Intel Pentium 120 MHz |
| System memory (RAM) | 8 MB | 16 MB |
| Hard disk drive (HDD) | 40 MB | 500 MB |
| Video card (GPU) | PCI video card 1 MB of VRAM DirectX 3 compatible | |
- ISA video cards are not supported