This is a standalone expansion for the real-time strategy game Command & Conquer: Red Alert, released in 1998. It functions as a compilation of two previous PC expansion packs, offering a complete and independent gameplay experience without requiring the original title. The game continues the alternate history narrative of the Cold War conflict between the Allied and Soviet factions, featuring strategic battles and base management.

Retaliation significantly expands upon the original Red Alert content, providing a substantial amount of new material for players to engage with. It was developed by Westwood Studios and published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment and Electronic Arts.

Expanded World and Conflict

The game immerses players in an ongoing struggle between the Allied and Soviet forces, building upon the established lore of the Red Alert universe. The narrative is presented through a series of missions, each requiring strategic planning and execution. The setting maintains a distinct retro-futuristic Cold War aesthetic, characterized by unique faction designs and advanced, albeit anachronistic, technologies.

Unique Features and Gameplay Additions

A core aspect of this release is the integration of content from earlier PC expansion packs, introducing a wealth of new units and maps. Players can command new units such as the Tesla Tank, Shock Trooper, Chrono Tank, and the utility-focused Mechanic. The game features an extensive collection of 105 skirmish maps, designed to offer considerable replayability and diverse strategic scenarios.

Exclusive to this PlayStation version are 19 unique briefing full-motion video (FMV) clips. These cinematic sequences provide mission objectives and narrative context, enhancing the player's immersion. The FMVs are displayed at the beginning of operational theaters or upon their successful completion, with briefing text appearing in other instances.

What Makes This Game Unique?

One of the more distinctive features is the inclusion of the Soylent Green Mode. This optional mode, activated by an in-game code, alters the game's resource system by transforming ore fields into civilians. Ore trucks then harvest these civilians, accompanied by specific sound effects, adding a dark and unconventional twist to resource management.

New Units and Strategic Depth

The addition of new units directly influences tactical gameplay. The Tesla Tank delivers powerful area-of-effect electrical attacks, the Shock Trooper offers potent infantry capabilities, and the Chrono Tank introduces temporal displacement mechanics to combat. The Mechanic unit adds a layer of base and unit maintenance to strategic considerations.

Gameplay Mechanics

The fundamental gameplay adheres to the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. Players are tasked with resource acquisition, base construction, unit production, and engaging in combat. Success relies on effective base management, tactical unit deployment, and strategic offensive and defensive maneuvers against AI-controlled opponents or other players in skirmish modes.

Content and Availability

As a standalone expansion, Retaliation is fully playable without the need to own the original Command & Conquer: Red Alert. It encompasses all the content from the PC expansion packs, presenting a comprehensive package. There are no additional downloadable content (DLC) packs, further expansions, or remakes associated with this specific title.

Available Platforms

This game was released for the original PlayStation, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation 3.

Release Information

The game was released on August 28, 1998.