RA2

Red Alert 2 (RA2) is a real-time strategy video game developed by Westwood Studios and published by Electronic Arts. It was released in 2000 as the sequel to Command & Conquer: Red Alert. The game is set in an alternate history in which the Allied Nations and the Soviet Union engage in global conflict, and it introduces a third faction, the Empire of the Rising Sun, with a unique technology-focused arsenal. An expansion, Yuri's Revenge, released in 2001, adds a new faction, Yuri, and additional campaigns and units.

Gameplay centers on base building, resource management, and combat across land, air, and sea. Players collect money from mined resources, construct military structures, and deploy units to outmaneuver opponents. Each faction—Allies, Soviets, and the Empire of the Rising Sun—has distinct aesthetics, units, and playstyles, and the expansion adds Yuri’s faction with its own abilities. The game emphasizes tactical positioning, timing, and the use of faction-specific powers to gain the upper hand.

Development and release: Westwood Studios developed RA2 for Windows PC. The base game appeared in 2000, with Yuri's Revenge following in 2001. RA2 is noted for its accessible ruleset, cinematic presentation, and lively multiplayer scene, which helped cement its status in the Command & Conquer franchise.

Legacy: RA2 remains a popular title among retro RTS players and has a sustained fan community that produces mods, maps, and balance tweaks. It is frequently cited as a standout entry in late-1990s and early-2000s RTS design and influenced subsequent games in the genre.