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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 in formation, 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 hard drive 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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