BleepingComputer.com: Red Alert 2

So I have played RA2 off and on for several years (lately, more off than on). It's fun, it's relatively simple, easy to learn yet enough depth to make it fun even after playing it for a while.

But it's a nightmare to network!

First off, even though it was released in 2000, it only has support for IPX...no TCP/IP. So networking it at lans is problematic at best; you have to keep messing with the IPX settings to get each machine to see each other. When 3 of 4 see the host, but not that last machine, then you mess with settings...have someone else host...changes settings again...apply duct tape, styrofoam, and string...and finally, you just might get to play.

Hours after the lan has started, of course.

I assume the lack of TCP/IP support was to keep folks from hosting their own games online. Apparently a CD key and online account isn't enough...Westwood wanted control of all online games. If that's how they want to do it, well, I wouldn't complain if it actually worked.

Usually what happens is this: when the host launches the game, not all the players will sync and it times out. Or, if you are lucky enough to connect and start the game, someone crashes to windows.

Another bonus: two players, networked behind a router, can't play on Westwood servers, even though they both paid for CD keys. Without TCP/IP support, there's only one incoming IP...so both can't play. Nice.

Great game. When it works...which is about 35% of the time, on a good day, down hill, and with a tail wind. So many people have dismissed it simply because it is just too much work to get going. Like I say, the game itself is a lot of fun...too bad they had to ruin it with crappy code and the irrational lack of TCP/IP support. I think EA/Westwood should give us a all a Christmas present...a patch that adds TCP/IP support into RA2 and TS (and while they are at it, how about patches for C&C and RA1 that allow them to play on an NT OS).

I thought that a lot of this was addressed when they released "the first decade" that had a lot of games in it, and I thought it had RA2 in there (I'm at work and can't get to "game" sites to verify this).

TBH, I'm not suprised that there's limited or no support for this game, as it's really old as far as games are concerned.

I'm humbly awaiting the release of CnC 3!

I cant help you with any online issues as I have no idea about it.
But, I do know about what the game is tracked on.

If you wish to play a certain person, use this:

http://www.hamachi.cc

All you do is make sure your friend downloads it too, and you make a server, he then connects and your on the same LAN, go in game, and make sure thats set to your default LAN in game. You will then be able to play eachother completely free of charge with no lagg, depending on your connections of course

By the way, Hamachi is safe, easy to use and 100% Free with no ads or anything. Enjoy

Xtr3me, that actually sounds like a very interesting program. Have you used it much?