The Chronosphere allows the player to transport a unit across the map while the Gap Generator creates a black shroud on the opponents map, making it impossible for them to see what you're doing. Many of these units are similar to those found in other games but there are quite a few innovative units to provide some variety. Light and medium tanks, artillery and a variety of infantry units such as rocket soldiers and spies make up the majority of the Allied army. The Allies, on the other hand, focus on stealth and speed, much like the Brotherhood of NOD seen in the original. For example, the Soviet forces consist of heavier weaponry such as mammoth tanks, V2 rocket launchers and the spectacular Tesla Coil that fires a stream of electricity at approaching enemy units. A few of these units are shared by both the Soviets and Allies but most are tailored to reflect each forces individual strategies. To fund the war effort, the player must mine ore, which is then converted into credits, allowing the purchase of a variety of air, land and sea units. As in the original, it is once again the players' prerogative to pick a side and wage war on the opposition with a variety of units and weapons. However, despite Hitler's absence, a war still rages thanks to the rise of the Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin.

The story, explained through a full-motion video introduction, is based on the premise that Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany never came to power before World War II.

While similar in many ways, Red Alert provides plenty of new and improved features that allow it not only to stand on its own merits but set a standard by which all other real-time strategy games are judged as well. Command & Conquer: Red Alert expands on the award winning success of the original Command & Conquer.

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