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Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer: Red Alert"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
(Renamed all images for better clarity.)
(Updated (rewordings, deleted few points))
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'''Key points'''
 
'''Key points'''
 
{{++}} Released for free following the release of [[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3|Red Alert 3]].
 
{{++}} Released for free following the release of [[Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3|Red Alert 3]].
{{++}} Completely playable on modern PCs after installing the [[#3.03p|3.03p]] fan patch.
+
{{++}} [[#3.03p|3.03p]] fan patch is highly recommended to install.
{{ii}} [http://www.openra.net OpenRA] is a modernized open-source version of C&C. Also includes Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000 modes. Includes skirmish maps and multiplayer, campaign missions are in progress. Playable on Linux too.
+
{{++}} If you want a modernized C&C experience, check out [http://www.openra.net OpenRA].
 
{{++}} Language support can be further extended with [[#Localizations|language add-ons]].
 
{{++}} Language support can be further extended with [[#Localizations|language add-ons]].
 
{{--}} CD/ISO installer is 16-bit and doesn't run under modern operating systems, see [[#Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems|Availability]] for solution.
 
{{--}} CD/ISO installer is 16-bit and doesn't run under modern operating systems, see [[#Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems|Availability]] for solution.
Line 26: Line 26:
 
'''General information'''
 
'''General information'''
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/ C&C Communications Center forums]
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/ C&C Communications Center forums]
{{mm}} [http://forums.cncnz.com/forum/34-red-alert-counterstrike-aftermath/ CNCNZ subforum]
+
{{mm}} [http://forums.cncnz.com/forum/34-red-alert-counterstrike-aftermath/ CNCNZ forums]
 +
{{mm}} [http://cncnet.org/ CnCNet]
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc.wikia.com/wiki/EVA_Database Command & Conquer Wiki]
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc.wikia.com/wiki/EVA_Database Command & Conquer Wiki]
{{mm}} [http://forums.cncnz.com/topic/17482-portablera-beta/ PortableRA and ra303p patch discussion]
 
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
Line 42: Line 42:
  
 
===Unofficial downloads===
 
===Unofficial downloads===
{{ii}} [http://www.openra.net OpenRA] is a modernized open-source version of C&C.Also includes Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000 modes. See [[#OpenRA|OpenRA]] for more information.
+
{{ii}} [http://www.openra.net OpenRA] is a modernized open-source version of C&C. Also includes Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000 modes. See [[#OpenRA|OpenRA]] for more information.
{{ii}} [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra/ PortableRA] is available in installable or portable (stripped, multiplayer-only) form with add-ons. Extra contents included.
+
{{ii}} [http://iran.cnc-comm.com/ra/ 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).
{{ii}} [http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ RA1 Installer] Install game on modern systems. Patch 3.03p included, widescreen support included. (It doesn't install expansion videos from PS1 version).
+
{{ii}} [http://funkyfr3sh.cncnet.org/ 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.
{{ii}} [http://redalert1.com RedAlert1.com] is Optimized for multiplayer (small size, up-to-date). Missions, music and cutscenes are omitted.<br>(go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings).
+
{{ii}} [http://redalert1.com 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.
  
 
===Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems===
 
===Installing CDs/ISOs on modern Windows systems===
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{{ii}} Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there.  
 
{{ii}} Not needed for fan-made packages, it is already present there.  
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
 
{{ii}} This patch contains:
::* Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130)
+
::* Latest official 3.03 patch and community fixes (over 130).
 
::* New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
 
::* New optional mods (no changes to default graphics or gameplay by default)
 
::* Support for newer Windows systems (including 64-bit)
 
::* Support for newer Windows systems (including 64-bit)
::* Online (by [[#CnCNet|CnCNet]]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
+
::* Online (via [[#CnCNet|CnCNet]]) and LAN playability up to 8 players
 
::* Support for higher resolutions
 
::* Support for higher resolutions
 
::* No-CD option
 
::* No-CD option
::* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions
+
::* Missions from Counterstrike and Aftermath expansions (plus PSX videos for these missions and soundtrack)
  
 
{{mm}} [https://github.com/cnc-patch/ra303p/blob/master/docs/features.md Complete feature list].
 
{{mm}} [https://github.com/cnc-patch/ra303p/blob/master/docs/features.md Complete feature list].
 
{{ii}} In the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility tab]] all compatibility options should be turned off.<ref>[http://hifi.iki.fi/cnc-ddraw/#configuration CnC-DDraw optimal configuration]</ref>
 
{{ii}} In the [[Windows Compatibility Mode|compatibility tab]] all compatibility options should be turned off.<ref>[http://hifi.iki.fi/cnc-ddraw/#configuration CnC-DDraw optimal configuration]</ref>
{{++}} You could also download [http://www.mediafire.com/download/31j37i171bivsu6/Red+Alert+Movies+TLF.zip The Lost Files] which complement expansions with videos from PSX Red Alert.
 
::*There is also [http://www.mediafire.com/download/rodawbbw3r310tz/Red+Alert+Music+Extra.zip extra music] to download, from PSX Red Alert as well.
 
 
{{++}} Support for regular Red Alert installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
 
{{++}} Support for regular Red Alert installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
  
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|steam cloud          =  
 
|steam cloud          =  
 
|steam cloud notes    =  
 
|steam cloud notes    =  
|gamesave manager      = false
+
|gamesave manager      = true
 
|gamesave manager notes=  
 
|gamesave manager notes=  
 
}}
 
}}
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|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync                      = true
 
|vsync notes                = Be Sure to enable OpenGL too.
 
|vsync notes                = Be Sure to enable OpenGL too.
|oculus rift                = unknown
+
|oculus rift                = n/a
 
|oculus rift notes          =  
 
|oculus rift notes          =  
 
|high frame rate            = true
 
|high frame rate            = true
 
|high frame rate notes      =  
 
|high frame rate notes      =  
|color blind                = unknown
+
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
}}
 
}}
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|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu                = true
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
 
|mouse menu notes          =  
|invert mouse y-axis      =  
+
|invert mouse y-axis      = n/a
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|invert mouse y-axis notes =  
 
|controller support        = false
 
|controller support        = false
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|matchmaking notes  =  
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
 
|p2p                = true
 
|p2p                = true
|p2p notes          = CnCNet only
+
|p2p notes          =  
 
|dedicated          = true
 
|dedicated          = true
|dedicated notes    = CnCNet only, see [http://cncnet.org/network-status here].
+
|dedicated notes    = See: [http://cncnet.org/network-status CnCNet.org].
 
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|self-hosting notes =  
|direct ip          = unknown
+
|direct ip          = false
 
|direct ip notes    =  
 
|direct ip notes    =  
}}{{Network/Ports
 
|tcp  =
 
|udp  = 8054
 
|upnp =
 
}}
 
{{++}} This game supports Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for automatic port configuration through [http://cncnet.org/download CnCNet UPnP tool].
 
  
 
===Online play===
 
===Online play===
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{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=71.0 Official forums]
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=71.0 Official forums]
 
{{ii}} An unofficial community-run online service for older C&C games.
 
{{ii}} 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, map preview, spectator mode, kick/ban and better chat capabilities (ignore, whisper, [http://www.mumble.com Mumble] voice chat).
+
{{++}} 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, [http://www.mumble.com Mumble] voice chat).
 
{{++}} Predominantly used by Red Alert players.
 
{{++}} Predominantly used by Red Alert players.
 
{{--}} LAN play requires Internet connection to work.
 
{{--}} LAN play requires Internet connection to work.
{{ii}} '''Already included in the patch.'''
+
{{ii}} '''Already included in the 3.03p patch.'''
{{ii}} It is recommended to run once with administrator privileges.
 
 
{{ii}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2469.0 Additional lobby sound add-ons]
 
{{ii}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?topic=2469.0 Additional lobby sound add-ons]
  
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{{mm}} [http://xwis.net/forums/ Official forums]
 
{{mm}} [http://xwis.net/forums/ Official forums]
 
{{ii}} A semi-official, community-run replacement for Westwood Online (WOL), Westwood's online service.
 
{{ii}} A semi-official, community-run replacement for Westwood Online (WOL), Westwood's online service.
{{ii}} In-game 'Internet' menu directs to this service.  
+
{{ii}} In-game 'Internet' menu redirects to this service.  
 
{{--}} XWIS service is not used by online Red Alert community.
 
{{--}} XWIS service is not used by online Red Alert community.
  
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===Maps===
 
===Maps===
 
{{++}} C&C has support for external maps, both [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=97.0 multiplayer] and [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=98.0 singleplayer].
 
{{++}} C&C has support for external maps, both [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=97.0 multiplayer] and [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=98.0 singleplayer].
 +
{{++}} CnCNet includes its own online map directory.
 
{{ii}} Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
 
{{ii}} Map editors can be downloaded inside CnCNet's game options.
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=6.0 Cnc-Comm.com - Mapping discussion]
 
{{mm}} [http://cnc-comm.com/community/index.php?board=6.0 Cnc-Comm.com - Mapping discussion]
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===Re-implementations===
 
===Re-implementations===
 
====[http://www.openra.net/ OpenRA]====
 
====[http://www.openra.net/ OpenRA]====
{{ii}} Red Alert recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay of older Command & Conquer games (and Dune 2000).
+
{{ii}} Multiplayer-only recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay of older Command & Conquer games (and Dune 2000).
{{++}} Cross-platform multiplayer for Windows, OS X and Linux.
+
{{++}} Multi-platform
{{++}} Features a reimagined interface amongst other things.
+
{{++}} Re-imagined interface
{{ii}} Music and campaign (in the works) are missing from the game; download the music from [http://www.desura.com/games/openra/download Desura mirror] and put it into:
 
::* Windows: <code>{{p|userprofile}}\Documents\OpenRA\Content\ra</code>
 
::* OS X: <code>~/Library/Application Support/OpenRA/Content/ra</code>
 
::* Linux: <code>~/.openra/Content/ra</code>
 
  
 
* [http://theredalert.cnclabs.com/ The Red Alert] - A total conversion of Red Alert 3
 
* [http://theredalert.cnclabs.com/ The Red Alert] - A total conversion of Red Alert 3

Revision as of 08:50, 10 December 2014

Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Cover image missing, please upload it
Developers
Westwood Studios
Publishers
Original Virgin Interactive
Current Electronic Arts
Release dates
DOS October 31, 1996
Windows October 31, 1996
Command & Conquer: Red Alert on Wikipedia
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

C&C Communications Center forums
CNCNZ forums
CnCNet
Command & Conquer Wiki

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Amazon.com
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
CD key
Bundled with other games in the franchise up to Generals.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty
Origin
Origin
Bundled with other games in the franchise up to Tiberian Twilight.
Error: key type '{{{5}}}' not recognised
Error: OS parameter cannot be empty

DLC and expansion packs

Name Notes
Command & Conquer: Red Alert: Counterstrike Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations.
DOS
Windows
Command & Conquer: Red Alert: The Aftermath Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations.
DOS
Windows

Unofficial downloads

OpenRA is a modernized open-source version of C&C. Also includes Tiberian Dawn and Dune 2000 modes. See OpenRA for more information.
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.

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

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

Configuration file(s) location

Template:Game data/row
System Location
redalert.ini contains normal game settings.
ddraw.ini contains CnC-DDraw settings (present after patch).
cncnet.ini contains CnCNet settings.

Save game data location

Template:Game data/row
System Location

Save game cloud syncing

System Native Notes
Origin

Video settings

These are video settings alongside the fan patch.

Template:Video settings

Input settings

Template:Input settings

Audio settings

Template:Audio settings

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
German
See below.
French
See below.
Spanish
Fan translation, see below.
Russian
Partial audio support; fan translation, see below.
RA patch also adds support for multiple languages. Download them from PCGamingWiki repository.

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8
Online play
8

{{Network/Connections

|matchmaking = false |matchmaking notes = |p2p = true |p2p notes = |dedicated = true |dedicated notes = See: CnCNet.org. |self-hosting = true |self-hosting notes = |direct ip = false |direct ip notes =

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.
LAN play requires Internet connection to work.
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

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

Multiplayer-only recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay of older Command & Conquer games (and Dune 2000).
Multi-platform
Re-imagined interface

System requirements

DOS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 5.0
Processor (CPU) Intel 486 66 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 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
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 75 MHz
System memory (RAM) 8 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 40 MB
Video card (GPU) PCI video card
1 MB of VRAM
ISA video cards are not supported

References