Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge

Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge is a real-time strategy game from the early 2000s that is still accessible for play today on the PC platform, enabling both fans and new gamers to experience one of the best RTS titles of all time.



The game is set in an alternate history where the Soviet Union is attempting to invade the United States, and the player takes on the role of a commander for either the Soviet Union or the Allies, with the goal of defeating the opposing force.

Like in other RTS games, the players are tasked to personally manage their bases, collect resources, build offensive/defensive structures, enlarge their army, and tactically deploy groups of units to defeat AI-controlled opponents.

In addition to the award-winning Red Alert 2 game, this bundle also includes full access to an ambitious expansion Yuri's Revenge that introduces a new faction, Yuri's Army, and new campaigns, maps, and units.



Features

• Three Diverse Factions – Take full control over the alternate Soviet Union, Allies, and the powerful Yuri's Army.
• Cinematic Campaigns – Determine the fate of the world by waging a ruthless war for resources.
• Large-scale Battles – Dominate land, air, and sea in battles that include hundreds of units.
• Diverse Units and Support Powers – Experience diverse tactical options that can dramatically impact the course of battles.
• Coop and Multiplayer – Engage in large-scale Coop battles with the help of friends or challenge them for a gripping MP match.
• Lightweight Requirements – Easy playback even on very old PC hardware configurations.

Installation and Setup

To play this bundle of two retro RTS hits from the early 2000s, users will not have to jump through any hoops to get it up and running. Even though the previous versions of this game were not optimized for new Windows operating systems, Electronic Arts has made sure the current games are fully ready for modern hardware.

The game is accessible for download and play either from the EA Origin platform or Steam PC client, but the games cannot be purchased directly since they are only offered via EA Play subscription (accessible from Steam).

Users who own a physical copy of Red Alert 2 can install it from the disc but may experience stability and startup issues on Windows 10/11.

How to Play

Upon the first startup, players are immediately introduced to the rich storytelling experience this title offers, with stylish full-motion cinematics as intros to the large single-player campaigns. The game promotes easy access to campaign content, as well as multiplayer and custom games where players can set up fully modular matches against AI opponents.



During the missions, players have full control over the “top-down” camera with direct control over units that can be commanded and moved with ease. A large side HUD enables effortless commands for the production of new units, as well as a small minimap where both friendly and enemy units are showcased.

User Interface

The user interface of this popular RTS title is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with streamlined mouse and keyboard controls for fast management of large armies and base structures.



The main menu provides fast access to the game's core features, including single-player and multiplayer modes. The in-game interface allows players to manage their base, train units, and issue commands to their forces, with players spending most of the time focused on direct unit control with the mouse, while the keyboard is used for shortcut commands such as unit group assignments, camera positions, unit building orders, and more.

FAQ

What is Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge?
They are popular real-time strategy games that were released in 2000 and 2001, enabling players to experience an alternate history of conflict between the Soviet Union and the Allies.

Is it safe?
Yes. These modern digital versions are optimized for the new Windows 10/11. However, due to subscription access and aggressive DRM, players need to be aware that these titles require an internet connection for play.

Alternatives

Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 – A full sequel to Red Alert 2, also published by Electronic Arts via their EA Play subscription.

StarCraft 2 Remastered – One of the most popular PC RTS titles of the early 2000s and the father of modern eSports, now available with updated visuals.

Pricing

Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge are available as part of the EA Play subscription, which offers access to a library of games for a monthly fee. Users can pick between a $4.99 monthly subscription or a full yearly package for $29.99.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11/10
• CPU: 2.2 GHz Intel or AMD CPU
• GPU: GeForce 4+/ Radeon 8500
• RAM 1 GB of memory
• Storage: 2 GB of free space

PROS

• Excellent retro RTS experience.
• Wide variety of units, weapons, and building types.
• Three playable factions.
• Lavishly produced cinematic campaigns.
• Full support for coop and MP gameplay modes.

CONS

• Complex gameplay for newer players.
• Dated visuals.
• Accessible only via subscription.

Conclusion

Command & Conquer Red Alert 2 and Yuri's Revenge are a great addition to the Command & Conquer series, offering both older gamers and newcomers to the genre access to a variety of gameplay styles, long cinematic campaigns, and streamlined coop/MP modes of play. However, users should be aware that these celebrated RTS titles cannot be purchased as standalone games, as they are part of the EA Play subscription offering.