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1996-12-11
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Westwood Studios Official
Command & Conquer: Red Alert
Frequently Asked Questions List
Last Update: December 2nd, 1996
Version 1.3
About this document....
This FAQ file contains all information
currently being released regarding Westwood
Studios' newest Command & Conquer game, RED
ALERT. Because the game has not yet been
finished (but we are only days away now),
some details may change before our final
release.
This FAQ is available from our web site:
(www.westwood.com).
All information contained herein is
copyright 1996 by Westwood Studios. You are
allowed to distribute it freely, but not to
make changes.
(support@westwood.com)
--- PART 1 : GENERAL INFORMATION --------------
1.1 What is Red Alert?
1.2 System Requirements.
1.3 Is this Command and Conquer 2?
1.4 When is the game going to be released in
North America? Elsewhere?
1.5 Are there screenshots or maybe a Demo
available to download?
1.6 Where are GDI and Nod?
--- PART 2 : NEW FEATURES --------------------------------------------------
2.1 What new units and structures are there?
2.2 What kind of missions are there?
2.3 How is the computer AI in comparison to C&C?
2.4 What new controls are there?
2.5 How do I set waypoints?
2.6 Are there any cheat codes?
2.7 Is there any kind of editor included?
---PART 3: MULTI-PLAYER OPTIONS---------------------------------------------
3.1 Can I play Command & Conquer against a
friend?
3.2 What kind of Internet support is there?
3.3 What is Westwood Chat?
3.4 Can DOS and Wind95 play together?
3.5 How many players, IPX, modem, null modem?
3.6 Does the AI build bases in multiplayer
games?
3.7 What is "skirmish" mode?
3.8 Are the crates back?
--- PART 4 : TROUBLESHOOTING -----------------------------------------------
4.0 Read Me First!
4.1 What is DirectX?
4.2 Video Card Problems
4.3 Sound Card Problems
4.4 DOS and Win95 LAN connection
--- PART 5 : GETTING MORE INFO ---------------------------------------------
5.1 How to Order Red Alert.
5.2 Contacting Westwood Studios directly.
5.3 Our Internet WWW and ftp sites.
--- PART 6 : IN THE FUTURE -------------------------------------------------
6.1 Will there be a mission disk for Red Alert?
6.2 When is C&C2: Tiberian Sun going to be
released?
*************************************************
** GENERAL INFORMATION **************************
*************************************************
-------------------------------------------------
1.1 WHAT IS RED ALERT?
-------------------------------------------------
Red Alert is a real-time strategy-combat game
developed by Westwood Studios, the creators of
DUNE II and the original COMMAND & CONQUER:
TIBERIAN DAWN; Red Alert is a prequel to the
latter game.
The Press Release :
With the release of Command & Conquer last
year, Westwood Studios broke new ground in
the computer real-time strategy genre. C&C
has been heralded as one of the year's
best, selling over 1 million copies to
date worldwide. Thousands of people
challenge each other daily, with the war
raging over phone lines and Internet as
all strive for supremacy over their peers.
Now, Westwood Studios prepares to once
again re-define the real-time strategy
game with Command & Conquer: Red Alert.
The prequel to C&C, Red Alert probes
deeper into the mystery of the C&C
universe, giving the player all new
strategies and elements to further their
conquests in solo, LAN, and modem play.
At least, not the way we think of it.
Hitler never rose to power and threatened
all of Europe - something more terrible
happened: Joseph Stalin. The Soviet empire
is storming into Europe. Towns are falling
and countries collapsing before the
overwhelming might of the Soviet forces.
Does anyone stand a chance, or will the
red storm engulf all of Europe?
New Features for Red Alert include :
Enhanced AI - The computer is smarter than
ever! Base construction and management are
the smallest of the enhancements. New
settings will allow the player to set the
difficulty of the opponent they want.
New Units & Structures - Thieves, Medics,
Attack dogs, Spies, Land mines, Tesla
Coils, Mobile Radar Jammers, Saboteurs,
Destroyers, Cruisers, Bombers,
Paratroopers, and Submarines... to name
just a few. We won't even hint at what the
Chronosphere and Gap Generators do.
Improved unit control - Complete control
over air, land and sea. Formations control
for those with specific tactics in mind,
and waypoint plotting for all those that
want units to get to their destination in
a certain way.
Enhanced Multiplay - New Internet head-to-
head and 8 Player IPX multiplay. Improved
chat interface that allows for longer
messages and more transmission of
information to the player. New setup
options make starting a game even faster.
Skirmish Mode - Want a little practice?
Take on one to five computer opponents in
a solo Multi-player game.
Detailed, interweaving story-line - an
Allied and a Soviet path through the game
with 13+ missions per path. A large cast
of characters, including Stalin and
Einstein, brings it all to life, drawing
you into the C&C universe.
Play in standard VGA and Super VGA screen
modes with detailed graphics like you have
never seen before!
Add to this the superb 3D cinematics and
audio that people expect from Westwood
Studios, and the result is obvious - A
game so addicting you'll swear the history
books are wrong.
-------------------------------------------------
1.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
-------------------------------------------------
Red Alert will be released in both a DOS
version and a Windows 95 version, both of
which are included in each box on 2 CD's.
** DOS VERSION:
MS-DOS 5.0 or higher
486 DX2/66 or higher
Double Speed CD-ROM
8MB RAM
30MB of free HD Space
VGA compatible video card (320x200
with 256 colors)
Keyboard & Mouse
100% Sound Blaster compatible sound
card. (Gravis Ultrasound,
Ultrasound Max, ESS Audiodrive,
Ensonique Soundscape,Roland
RAP-10, Gold Sound Standard,
Pro Audio Spectrum,Microsoft
Sound System)
Multiplayer Requirements:
* 2-8 Players over IPX compatible
network
* 2 Players over Null modem
cable
* 2 Players over minimum 14.4
baud modem
** WINDOWS 95 VERSION :
Pentium Required
Windows 95 Required
8MB RAM (16 recommended)
30 MB HD space
Double-Speed CDROM
1MB Local BUS video card with MS
DirectDraw compatibility.
Sound Card: Sound Blaster (all
models), ESS: 488, 688,
1488, 1688 Mediavision
(most models), Aztech:
Nova 16, Washington 16,
Rocky 2 or any Microsoft
DirectSound supported card
Keyboard & 100% Microsoft Compatible Mouse
Multiplayer requirements:
* 2 players over Winsock 1.1
compliant Winsock stack
(requires ISP connection over
28.8 baud modem or direct
Internet connection such as
ISDN or T1).
* 2-8 players over IPX compatible
Network
* 2 players over null-modem cable
* 2 players over minimum 14.4
baud modem
-------------------------------------------------
1.3 Is this Command & Conquer 2?
-------------------------------------------------
Red Alert is commonly mistaken for Command &
Conquer 2: Tiberian Sun. C&C 2 will be out
late in 1997.
-------------------------------------------------
1.4 When will Red Alert be released?
-------------------------------------------------
Red Alert is available now! We appreciate
everyone's patience during the past few months
while we made Red Alert the best game we
possibly could.
-------------------------------------------------
1.5 Is there a demo or screenshots available?
-------------------------------------------------
There is no demo available yet. We do have
movie files, plenty of screenshots, and music
from the game available at our website :
http://www.redalert.net
-------------------------------------------------
1.6 Hey! Where are GDI and the Brotherhood of Nod?
-------------------------------------------------
Red Alert takes place early in the history of
the alternate Earth where the Command and
Conquer saga takes place. At that time, GDI
was not yet formed, and Nod was still hiding
in the shadows. Red Alert will show you the
beginnings of these two powers. In addition,
the mineral Tiberium has not yet been
discovered, so the wars and technology
surrounding that mysterious substance are not
yet around.
*************************************************
** NEW FEATURES ********************************
*************************************************
-------------------------------------------------
2.1 What new units and structures are there?
-------------------------------------------------
Lots! There are many new units and structures
in the game such as Badger Bombers, Mine
Layers and the Chronosphere, and a few that
will be familiar to C&C players like the
Mammoth Tank, Artillery and Barracks. Also new
for C&C is the addition of several naval
units, so you can take the battles to the high
seas. As with C&C, each side has different
units, strengths and weaknesses, so strategies
will vary.
Check the quick-reference cards included with
the game for unit types and info for both
sides.
-------------------------------------------------
2.2 What kind of missions are there?
-------------------------------------------------
There are many different styles of missions in
Red Alert - protection, assassination,
sabotage, search and rescue, etc. Also new for
Red Alert is the addition of timed missions -
you need to be quick to finish the objective
before time runs out! - and multiple mission
goals. To help you out, EVA will state your
goal periodically on screen.
-------------------------------------------------
2.3 How is the computer artificial intelligence
compared to C&C?
-------------------------------------------------
The AI has been enhanced since its C&C days.
It will now use all of its options to the
fullest. In multiplayer games and Skirmish
mode, the AI players will build bases, form
alliances, and will generally make your life
difficult. Don't think that your tried and
true Command and Conquer strategies will work
here!
For those that find the AI a little TOO tough,
there are 3 difficulty level settings to choose
from.
-------------------------------------------------
2.4 What new controls are there?
-------------------------------------------------
There are many new ways to control your units.
You can still use the group hot-keys and map
bookmarks that were in Command & Conquer. In
addition, you can now keep your groups
information, so that keeping those grenadiers
or rocket troops behind the tanks is a snap.
Air units can now be selected in the air, for
ease of control. And for those that want their
units to follow a specific route, you can now
set way-points for each unit.
-------------------------------------------------
2.5 How do I set Waypoints?
-------------------------------------------------
Waypoints are set using the "Q" key. You will
not see the waypoints appear on the map, but
your unit(s) will begin following the path you
set immediately. You can set up to 10
waypoints per unit/group.
For other command keys, see the Red Alert
manual or README file.
-------------------------------------------------
2.6 Are there any cheat codes?
-------------------------------------------------
There are as many cheat codes in Red Alert as
there were in C&C - that is to say, none at
all.
-------------------------------------------------
2.7 Is there any kind of editor included?
-------------------------------------------------
Yes! Red Alert will include a Terrain Editor,
which can be used to create your own
multiplayer maps. The maps can now be twice as
large as they were in C&C. With some
creativity, you need never run out of terrain
to battle your friends!
*************************************************
** MULTIPLAYER OPTIONS **************************
*************************************************
-------------------------------------------------
3.1 Can I play Command & Conquer against a
friend?
-------------------------------------------------
Yes! Westwood has built lots of multiplayer
support into Red Alert. Get ready to face
battles with generals via the Internet (Win95
version only), IPX network, modem, or direct
connection via null-modem.
As with C&C, each copy of Red Alert comes with
two CDs, so that you can loan one to a friend
for instant multiplayer action. Each player
must have one of the Red Alert CD-ROM's in
their system before play can begin.
-------------------------------------------------
3.2 What kind of Internet support is there?
-------------------------------------------------
One of the most exciting additions is our
built-in Internet support for the Windows 95
version of Red Alert which allows you to go
head-to-head against people all over the world.
This is all done through our Westwood Chat
service. Because Westwood Chat and Red Alert
are tightly integrated, starting a game is as
easy as clicking a button!
We'll let everyone know when any arrangements
have been made with other multi-player
services.
Westwood does not test with IPX emulators such
as KALI and KAHN, but for those people who
cannot run the Windows 95 version, you may want
to check them out.
-------------------------------------------------
3.3 What is Westwood Chat?
-------------------------------------------------
Westwood Chat is an IRC server designed
specifically to allow players to meet and play
games via the Internet. Westwood Chat has
been in service for over a year, playing host
to thousands of Monopoly games. Westwood Chat
is constantly updated to provide for new game
releases (such as Red Alert and Command &
Conquer Gold) and to provide a great place to
meet friends and have a good time.
How can I join you ask? All you need to do is
visit the web site at:
http://www.westwood.com/wchome
and download the client software. Follow the
instructions, and soon you too will be member
of Club Westwood!
Westwood Chat requires Windows 95, or Windows
3.11 with the Win32 driver.
-------------------------------------------------
3.3 Can DOS and Windows 95 play together?
-------------------------------------------------
The DOS and Windows 95 versions of Red Alert
are compatible for modem head-to-head, IPX
network, and null modem connections. Internet
connections are available only in the Windows
95 version.
-------------------------------------------------
3.5 How many players, IPX, modem, null modem?
-------------------------------------------------
Internet, modem, and null modem connections
support 2 players head-to-head. IPX network
connections support up to 8 players. All
connection types can add AI players up to a
total of 8.
-------------------------------------------------
3.6 Does the AI build bases in multiplayer games?
-------------------------------------------------
Yes! The AI will now build a base, and use
every trick it knows to grind you into the
dirt. The computer is no longer the pushover
it used to be. You can ally with your human
companion against the computer, or go at it no
holds barred. Rest assured, the computer players
just might gang up on you!
-------------------------------------------------
3.7 What is "skirmish" mode?
-------------------------------------------------
Skirmish mode is a way for you to practice
multiplayer games against AI opponents. You
can play on any of the multiplayer maps with
all of the same options that are in the
multiplayer game setup (tech level, ore
re-growth, starting units, etc.) You can then
add 1 to 7 AI players, and set the difficulty
level.
-------------------------------------------------
3.8 Are the crates back?
-------------------------------------------------
Yes! The crates will be back for multiplayer
games. Watch for old favorites such as credits,
heal-all and map reveal, and watch out for all
new crates, such as unit power-ups, designed to
make your life easier, or much tougher.
*************************************************
** TROUBLESHOOTING ******************************
*************************************************
-------------------------------------------------
4.0 READ ME FIRST!
-------------------------------------------------
Included on both Red Alert CD's, and installed
to your harddrive is a file called README.TXT.
This file contains important information for
both troubleshooting and gameplay. Please
check the README.TXT file before writing mail,
as your question is probably covered there.
If your question isn't covered by the
README.TXT file, or by this FAQ, you may write
us mail at support@westwood.com.
0123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678
-------------------------------------------------
4.1 What is DirectX?
-------------------------------------------------
DirectX is a set of drivers used for Windows
95 and Windows NT which allow for the easy
setup of hardware devices. If your hardware
devices support DirectX (and most do) you can
play any DirectX compatible program without
fear of having to go through a tedious setup
process. Red Alert contains the newest version
of DirectX - 3.0. Red Alert uses only the
DirectDraw (for video) and DirectSound
(for sound cards) portions of the DirectX set.
To be fully compatible with DirectX, you must
have certified drivers. To check if your
drivers are certified, you can run the DirectX
setup program from the CD in the following
directory:
D:\DEXSETUP\DIRECTX\DXSETUP.EXE (Where D is
your CDROM drive)
This will open a window showing your current
driver sets. ALL of the drivers must have the
word CERTIFIED in the right column for your
hardware to work correctly with the DirectX
drivers. If you do not see a certified label
next to a driver, contact the manufacturer of
the device for updated drivers that are
DirectX 3.0 compatible.
-------------------------------------------------
4.2 Video Card Problems
-------------------------------------------------
Most Video card problems are caused by drivers
that are not DirectX certified (see above). If
you get a blank screen or an error message
when you run the game, try reinstalling
DirectX from the Red Alert CD and rebooting.
If you still get a blank screen or error
message, your video drivers are likely not
compatible with DirectX. Contact Microsoft,
or the manufacturer of your video card.
There is a comprehensive listing of video card
manufacturer's web sites at:
http://www.windows95.com/drivers/video.html
-------------------------------------------------
4.3 Sound Card Problems
-------------------------------------------------
Sound card problems which are DirectX related
included stuttering sound, pauses, and can
sometimes affect the video as well.
A full listing of sound card drivers can be found
at:
http://www.windows95.com/drivers/sound.html
-------------------------------------------------
4.4 DOS and Win95 LAN Connection
-------------------------------------------------
The DOS and Win95 versions of Red Alert are
fully compatible in an IPX LAN environment.
In some cases, you may find that your DOS
machine will not see your Win95 machine in the
multiplayer setup, and vice-versa. Try the
following to correct this problem (thanks to
Tom Wright for these tips!)
1) On the DOS machine, you must run LSL,
your card driver, and the IPXODI
protocol.
2) On the Win95 machine, make sure you
are running the Client for MS
Networks, your card driver, and the
IPX/SPX protocol.
3) You will need to adjust the Win95
machine to see DOS. To do this:
a) Open the Network Icon in the
control panel.
b) Select the properties for the
IPX/SPX protocol in the list.
c) Select Advanced.
d) Change the default of AUTO to
the Frame type used by your DOS
machines (this is generally
stated when you load the card
driver on the DOS side).
e) Hit OK, until Windows asks you to
restart.
f) It is suggested to turn off the
machine and restart it to
reinitialize the net card.
4) Run the game on the DOS machine, then
the Win95 machine, and it should
connect.
5) Have fun!
*************************************************
** GETTING HELP / ORDERING INFORMATION **********
*************************************************
-------------------------------------------------
5.1 What is the purchase price/How can I order
Red Alert?
-------------------------------------------------
As of October 25th, the Virgin Interactive
Entertainment order line is pre-selling Red
Alert for $54.99 plus $4.00 postage and
handling.
In the United States, call...1-800-874-4607
Everywhere else..............1-619-549-0222
-------------------------------------------------
5.2 How to contact Westwood Studios
-------------------------------------------------
You can email Westwood Studios at :
support@westwood.com
Westwood also has online support available
through America Online, CompuServe, GEnie,
PRODIGY, and the Westwood BBS. After connecting
to these services, simply do a search for
"WESTWOOD" or "WESTWOOD SUPPORT" and you'll
find our section. Check your manual for exact
instructions.
-------------------------------------------------
5.3 Westwood FTP / WWW site.
-------------------------------------------------
You can get to our web site at:
http://www.westwood.com
Or our FTP sites at:
http://ftp.westwood.com
http://ftp2.westwood.com
*************************************************
** IN THE FUTURE ********************************
*************************************************
-------------------------------------------------
6.1 When will "Command & Conquer II: Tiberian
Sun" be released?
-------------------------------------------------
There is no official date set yet, but we
expect to release it late in the fourth
quarter of 1997. As soon as details are
available about the game, we will let everyone
know through the Westwood Studios WEB site.
Tiberian Sun is an entirely new game, not a
data disk for C&C:Tiberian Dawn.
-------------------------------------------------
6.2 Will there be a mission disk for Red Alert?
-------------------------------------------------
Who knows? :)
A mission disk is always a possibility, but no
positive plans have been made yet. Watch the
web site for future announcements!
-------------------------------------------------
END OF DOCUMENT 10/28/96
-PP