Home Gaming The BEST Command and Conquer game is now free on Origin

The BEST Command and Conquer game is now free on Origin

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Red Alert 2

Real-time strategy games don’t occupy the same sphere of influence today as they once did in the 1990s and early 2000s. Games such as Age of Empires, Supreme Commander and Dune 2 are still fondly remembered, but they aren’t the gaming behemoths that have shaped the landscape today like Call of Duty or The Witcher.

And that’s not to say that the genre is dead. Far from it, in fact, as there’s still an audience to cater to, out there. It’s just not as big as it used to be. Still, that era of gaming gave birth to some of the finest real-time strategy games ever made.

And easily the best one according to me, was Command And Conquer: Red Alert 2. It’s not only the best Command And Conquer game ever made (Narrowly beating Command And Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars), but one of the best pick-up and play games in the genre as well.

And now, it’s free on EA’s Origin service.

Red Alert 2 1

Red Alert 2 and its expansion, Yuri’s Revenge are up for grabs on that gaming platform, something I highly recommend grabbing. To me, Red Alert 2 will always be the game that captured the best qualities of a Command and Conquer game: Tight gameplay, flexible troops and strategies, quick-paced battles and a story so wonderuflly stupid that you’d swear that Uwe Boll directed it.

I have way, way too much love for that game, and one of my favourite strategies was to always bum-rush an enemy with a crapload of Allied general infantry, dig in and let all hell loose with with their bunker ability.

Usually, I’d soften a base up first by throwing as many jets possible at the MCV, destroying any ability to create any new buildings, before sending my GIs in for the kill. Yuri’s Revenge threw a spanner into those tactics of mine, as the sneaky bastard had some mind-blowing tactics that could disrupt an entire battlefield in seconds.

Look, what I’m saying is, go download the game. For reals. It’s the best, and if anyone disagrees, I’ll send an attack-pack of Kirov blimps after you. FOR HOME COUNTRY!

Last Updated: September 16, 2015

90 Comments

  1. BOOOOOOOBS 🙂

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Returns

      September 16, 2015 at 09:51

      Sjoe ne, genugtig!

      Reply

      • RinceThat

        September 16, 2015 at 09:55

        Come on, nothing wrong with it… Actually if they released RA 3 today, can you imagine the shit storm? Considering Car shows are the only place allowed Booth babes in the modern age.

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Returns

          September 16, 2015 at 10:01

          Better get the gumboots!

          Reply

          • RinceThat

            September 16, 2015 at 10:05

            I remember how Gavin detested Lollipop Chainsaw, his loss, the game was excellent.

            People also forget tha the design of these female characters have the free marketing publicity via Cosplayers in mind. Those all dressing like Quite… well lets just say that they can afford the attire and materials. 😛

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:07

            I still remember Michael Biehn from Tiberian Sun. That was one golden game right there. Still one of my favourites.

          • RinceThat

            September 16, 2015 at 10:08

            lol I remember him. The cocky commander. As I keep saying, the FMV game like Wing Commander 3 and stop motion like Mortal Kombat 1 need a revival.

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:10

            Yes dude. I’m with you on that 100%
            ps. There is a stop-motion “life-action” fighting game on Steam now, with kind of a steam-punk/noire vibe. But the controls are terrible so don’t bother.

          • Admiral Chief Returns

            September 16, 2015 at 10:11

            “life”?

          • RinceThat

            September 16, 2015 at 10:13

            Overrated

          • RinceThat

            September 16, 2015 at 10:13

            lol If I remember they only had enough memory for 3 animations per strike, like an upercut. But Mortal Kombat 2 still seems more dark and gritty than the cartoon animations of today.

            I think thats also why MAD MAX was such a massive success this year. They need to break away from CGI.

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:15

            Watched Mad Max the weekend. Pleasantly surprised and impressed.

          • RinceThat

            September 16, 2015 at 10:20

            This is how you do it 🙂

            http://gfycat.com/SorePertinentJaguarundi

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:22

            Now I like it even more.
            I was probably an hour into the movie before I realised that it’s not an “opening scene” chase. The chase is the entire movie. Excellent.
            If the game wasn’t so much of a Batman AK reskin I would have loved to get it.

          • Viking Of Science

            September 16, 2015 at 10:11

            And don’t forget James Earl MotherFucking Jones!

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:15

            The LEGEND of DARTH-MUFASA!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 16, 2015 at 10:15

            Who? Oh you mean Thulsa Doom.

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:16

            OH! Man I could not think of that name now. Thanks!

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 16, 2015 at 10:17

            You’re welcome, I’m here to help.

          • RinceThis

            September 16, 2015 at 10:40

            0_O

          • RinceThat

            September 16, 2015 at 10:46

            Like this

    • Alien Emperor Trevor

      September 16, 2015 at 10:08

      That’s sexist. You just focus on their boobs when they have asses too.

      Wait, I’m not sure I did that right.

      Reply

    • RinceThis

      September 16, 2015 at 10:34

      LOLZ. PS: Why are you using my name?! You think you’ll ever be this cool? BWAHAHA! NO.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 16, 2015 at 10:35

        I don’t think he’s trying to be less cool, just a supportive older brother. And then you reject it, not cool bro!

        Reply

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        September 16, 2015 at 10:38

        He was actually not making you look bad. Come to think of it, seemed a bit improved ;P

        Reply

        • RinceThis

          September 16, 2015 at 10:38

          Eye don’t know hey. I’ll start that again! I WILL!

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:39

            :/
            I would like to take this moment to retract my statement 😉

          • RinceThis

            September 16, 2015 at 10:40

            Eye’ll see if that’s possible!

          • Admiral Chief Returns

            September 16, 2015 at 10:40

            xD

    • HairyEwok

      September 16, 2015 at 11:12

      That poster is racist. There’s no black lady in it. 😛

      Reply

      • RinceThat

        September 16, 2015 at 11:23

        the wise words of an ex-microsoft employee #Dealwithit 😛

        Reply

  2. RinceThat

    September 16, 2015 at 09:37

    Outside of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tim Curry will always be remembered for his amazing slapstick acting in some of the best RTS games.

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      September 16, 2015 at 10:35

      Totally agree. Guy is a frigging legend!

      Reply

  3. RinceThat

    September 16, 2015 at 09:38

    It has more narrative than Destiny 😛

    Reply

    • Francois Knoetze

      September 16, 2015 at 09:58

      Man loved the Old Command and Conquers! Destiny’s narrative has gotten a lot better with the taken king though.

      Reply

  4. Admiral Chief Returns

    September 16, 2015 at 09:51

    Awesome, spent weeks playing this!

    Reply

    • Lardus-For the Emperor!

      September 16, 2015 at 09:51

      Weeks…weak!!

      Reply

      • Admiral Chief Returns

        September 16, 2015 at 09:52

        I spent months playing the first RA, it has a special place in my heart. That and Generals

        Reply

        • Lardus-For the Emperor!

          September 16, 2015 at 09:55

          Generals Zero Hour and Red Alert 2 (before Yuri) are some of my favourite games ever!

          Reply

          • Admiral Chief Returns

            September 16, 2015 at 10:01

            I was working on a project site yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeears ago, and apart from doing 3 sites checks during the day,15minutes per check, I sat and played Generals over and over and over

  5. Lardus-For the Emperor!

    September 16, 2015 at 09:52

    I liked building spiders and sending them after resource gatherers…same game right? 🙂

    Reply

  6. Admiral Chief Returns

    September 16, 2015 at 09:54

    YAY, one more game to add to a client I never open

    Reply

  7. Captain JJ Fantasticus

    September 16, 2015 at 10:00

    Question is..does it work on the newer Windows? EA doesn’t patch their old games to be ready for newer systems like all the games on Steam are.
    I got that pack of all the C&C and Red Alert games on Origin.
    More than half of the games are not patched at all and don’t work. You have to go fish the internet for community patches to make them work.

    Reply

    • Viking Of Science

      September 16, 2015 at 10:02

      I Still have my TFD box, I need to re-buy RA3, because outdated copy protection and limited install licenses, means I can’t play it on my machine without a crack….

      Reply

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        September 16, 2015 at 10:05

        Yea man. That’s crap.
        I had to crack two of the legit games from Origin because they come with no patches and don’t work.
        Prime example of how little of a shit EA gives.

        Reply

        • Viking Of Science

          September 16, 2015 at 10:06

          Fuckin EA…. However, I’m thinking I might buy that CnC Collection on Origin anyway…. So I have backups of the games…. Those Discs are what, like 10 years old?

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:09

            Probably. The servers for all those games are dead though, so if you’re planning on playing online with a friend get Tunngle or something.
            The game I wanted the most from that collection was Tiberian Sun, but I haven’t gotten it to work yet. Generals is still good fun though.

          • Viking Of Science

            September 16, 2015 at 10:10

            Damnit, Now I’m going to Reinstall all of them…. If I get them to work, I’ll send you patch links…

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:13

            Thanks man. That will help a lot.

  8. Alien Emperor Trevor

    September 16, 2015 at 10:06

    It’s the best C&C game? Poor D, there really is not hope for him. 🙁

    Reply

    • Viking Of Science

      September 16, 2015 at 10:07

      Yeah, I mean CnC 4 is obivously the best in the Franchise…

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 16, 2015 at 10:09

        Or you. Where has all the hope gone?

        Reply

        • Viking Of Science

          September 16, 2015 at 10:12

          There is no hope here, Only Zuul!

          Reply

      • The D

        September 16, 2015 at 10:16

        I’ll have some of what you’re smoking.

        Reply

  9. Captain JJ Fantasticus

    September 16, 2015 at 10:17

    I still remember getting Tiberian Sun for Christmas one year.
    Good times.

    Reply

    • RinceThat

      September 16, 2015 at 10:25

      and it worked day one.

      Reply

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        September 16, 2015 at 10:26

        No internet. No patch.
        Just a little CD-key in the manual and I was blowing shit up with lazors!

        Reply

        • Alien Emperor Trevor

          September 16, 2015 at 10:27

          ….mmmmmmmmmMMMMMMMZAP!

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:28

            HAND OF NOD! 😀

          • Admiral Chief Returns

            September 16, 2015 at 10:29

            CRRRRRK AAAAAHHHHH

            I loved the sounds the infantry made when zapped

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            September 16, 2015 at 10:33

            I GOT A PRESENT FOR YA!

          • RinceThis

            September 16, 2015 at 10:35

            0_O

        • HvR

          September 16, 2015 at 10:28

          Game was a bit of a disappointment though, after all the delays was expecting more. Cut-scenes were still awesome.

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:29

            I had no idea it was due to be released so I just saw it in the store one day per chance.
            Back before I had internet to keep me up to date with releases. Fewer expectations then too.

          • HvR

            September 16, 2015 at 10:43

            Supposed to be released in 1997, they made big promises about AI, graphics, more adaptive terrain. The graphics and engine performance was worse than games like Mech Commander which released the previous year.

            In the end they made up with a good story and the over the top acted cutscenes

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 10:45

            I remember being underwhelmed with the graphics compared to other games of that time, come to think of it. Compared to games like Total Annihilation it felt very very old.
            But like you say, those cutscenes and the story was pretty cool.

          • HvR

            September 16, 2015 at 10:51

            In the end was a C&C game so was forgiven for it shortcomings and it wasn’t nearly as bad a fuckup as TA: Kingdoms

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            September 16, 2015 at 11:00

            Oh man. That game was such a disappointment. Well, more than just a disappointment, as you say.

  10. Guava_Eater

    September 16, 2015 at 10:32

    I bought this stuff in a pack of all C&C’s from origin a year or so ago. Didn’t run on Win 7 or 8 or 8.1. I tried all the tricks. Raised a support call and never heard back from them…..

    Unless they fixed that, don’t waste your cash.

    Reply

    • Captain JJ Fantasticus

      September 16, 2015 at 10:36

      Same here.
      EA never bothered to patch any of the games.

      Reply

      • Guava_Eater

        September 16, 2015 at 12:34

        Update: I just downloaded it again and tested on Windows 10. I managed to get into a single player mission. Just don’t task switch out because then you just get a black screen. It may be playable, I’ll try some more later after work.

        Reply

        • Captain JJ Fantasticus

          September 16, 2015 at 13:40

          Oh nice. I’m still on Win8.1. When I upgraded to 10 it completely screwed up my pc so had to revert back.

          Reply

  11. RinceThis

    September 16, 2015 at 10:34

    Loved C&C so damn much. Excellent game.

    Reply

    • RinceThat

      September 16, 2015 at 10:40

      Generals was doing Drones before Drone was even a word.

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        September 16, 2015 at 10:42

        Clearly you’ve never listened to yourself talking. BOOOOoooOOOoooOOOoooOOOM!

        Reply

        • Captain JJ Fantasticus

          September 16, 2015 at 10:44

          O_oO_oo_OO_O

          Reply

        • RinceThis

          September 16, 2015 at 10:44

          OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! ZING!

          Reply

      • Admiral Chief Returns

        September 16, 2015 at 10:55

        True dat man

        Reply

  12. Deano

    September 16, 2015 at 11:46

    Generals best C&C game ever!!!

    Reply

  13. CypherGate

    September 16, 2015 at 12:30

    They should do a remake of Red Alert 2 game. Same style, but updated HD graphics. Would be soooooo brilliant.

    Reply

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