Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: PlayStation
- Developers: Westwood Studios
- Publishers: Virgin Interactive Entertainment
Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation: A Comprehensive Retrospective
Released in 1998, Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation is a compilation of the two expansion packs for the original Red Alert game: Counterstrike and The Aftermath. It was released exclusively for the PlayStation, and introduced several new features and enhancements to the base game.
New Units and Skirmish Maps
One of the most significant additions in Retaliation is the introduction of new units. These include:
- Tesla Tank: A powerful anti-air unit that can also attack ground targets.
- Shock Trooper: A heavily armored infantry unit with a flamethrower.
- Chrono Tank: A time-traveling tank that can teleport itself and other units around the battlefield.
- Mechanic: A support unit that can repair other units and build structures.
In addition to new units, Retaliation also includes 105 new skirmish maps. These maps offer a wide variety of terrain and challenges, providing plenty of replayability for both single-player and multiplayer modes.
Soylent Green Mode
One of the more unique features in Retaliation is Soylent Green Mode. This secret mode can be activated by entering a code in the game’s sidebar. When Soylent Green Mode is active, all ore fields turn into people, and ore trucks harvest them with grisly sound effects.
Exclusive FMV Briefing Clips
Retaliation also includes 19 exclusive FMV (full-motion video) briefing clips that were not in any of the PC expansion packs. These clips feature generals from both the Allied and Soviet factions, and they provide additional backstory and context for the game’s missions.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Retaliation is largely the same as in the original Red Alert. Players control a base and army, and must gather resources, build structures, and train units to defeat their opponents. However, Retaliation does make some changes to the gameplay, such as:
- Increased unit limits: The unit limits in Retaliation have been increased, allowing players to field larger armies.
- Improved AI: The AI in Retaliation has been improved, making the computer opponents more challenging.
- New victory conditions: Retaliation introduces new victory conditions, such as capturing all of the enemy’s ore fields or destroying all of their buildings.
Reception
Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation was well-received by critics upon its release. It was praised for its new units, skirmish maps, and exclusive FMV briefing clips. However, some critics did find the game to be too similar to the original Red Alert.
Overall, Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation is a solid expansion pack that adds a number of new features and enhancements to the base game. It is a must-play for fans of the Red Alert series, and it is still a lot of fun to play today.
Legacy
Command & Conquer: Red Alert – Retaliation has had a lasting impact on the Red Alert series. The new units and skirmish maps introduced in Retaliation have become staples of the series, and the game’s secret Soylent Green Mode has become a fan favorite.
Retaliation also helped to pave the way for future Red Alert games. The game’s focus on over-the-top action and humor set the tone for the series’ future installments, and its success helped to ensure that the Red Alert series would continue to be a popular franchise for years to come.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
