Command And Conquer Remastered Review: An Enhanced Classic

Title: Command & Conquer Remastered

Developer: Petroglyph, Lemon Sky Studios

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Genre: RTS

Official Site: Command & Conquer Remastered Collection

Release Date: June 5, 2020

Available on: PC

Version Tested: PC

It’s September 26, 1995, and Command & Conquer just released for PC. It single-handedly kick-started the fascination for real-time strategy games and now, in 2020, the remaster keeps that nostalgia alive. The full Command & Conquer Remastered Collection revives the series without making it feel dated or bland. The collection sees Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert in full 4K glory along with an enhanced soundtrack and cutscenes and all makes for an epic remaster.

From the moment the game is booted up, it gets straight to work showing you just what it is capable of. There is a full montage for both Tiberian Dawn and Red Alert showing the game being updated to its 2020 release. It plays out like a scene from a 90s movie where a computer hacker is going through files searching for a hidden code to complete a top secret mission.

Command and Conquer Visuals

Missions haven’t been changed in any shape or form. The main goal of each game remains the same as it was 25 years ago and it all feels excellent. Any fan of the original game will not have any issue logging on and playing the Remastered Collection. As soon as you’re dropped into the first mission or either game, you can seamlessly switch between what the developers call legacy graphics and the remastered update. By simply pressing spacebar, the game shifts between graphics and you can go about your mission.

There are other minor enhancements to be found in the game as well. You are able to zoom the camera in and out so you can monitor your troops and resources more closely. It’s a little addition that really adds a lot to the game. Coupled with the updated resolution, it makes tracking units a whole lot easier. That and the sidebar where you track your base, money, resources, and troops isn’t as terrible to keep track of. You no longer have to scroll through the sidebar to find an exact unit. Instead, the bar is stacked with everything you’ll need to build a base.

The same can be said of the cutscenes as well. They remain campy and goofy and at times a bit awkward but are one of the defining factors of any Command & Conquer. The amount of effort the development team went through to hire actors and actresses and blend them with 3D backgrounds or greenscreens is a staple of the 90s. But to the time put in to updating them was even greater. While the somehow still fit in when combined with the enhanced graphics, there are a few that feel out of place or disconnect with the audience.

Sound Design

Along with the game’s update appearance, the soundtrack got a complete remaster as well; seven hours of it actually. As it was back in 1995, the 2020 soundtrack is just as memorable and enjoyable. Another great thing about the music is many tracks were recorded by the rock band the Tiberian Suns. Plus, every track can be loaded up and made into a playlist so you can listen to whatever song you want while you’re ordering your troops around. If you enjoyed the music from the 1995 version then you are free to choose it while you amass your army as well.

Multiplayer in Command and Conquer

The multiplayer aspect of Command & Conquer also got a big enhancement. Anyone who is familiar with the previous titles knows what a pain it was to queue for a game and wait. The modern version is a dream come true for those who like to challenge other players online. Matches are found quickly and effortlessly and they start just as fast.

Extras

Command & Conquer Remastered Collection also adds a bonus gallery feature. This allows you to watch or view behind the scenes videos, pictures, and tracks. The more challenges you complete the more bonus content is unlocked. It offers little details fans of the series haven’t seen in years as well as new features added in the enhanced version.

Controls

When it comes to controls and configuration, you are able to choose between a number of different settings. Nostalgic players can choose to keep the controls found in the original game while newcomers can change their controls to their liking. Picking and choosing troops has never been easier with the updated functionality and system layout. The one downside is there isn’t a tutorial that tells you all of the in game controls. Which was also left out of the original game. You have to go in and figure out everything yourself which isn’t that big of a deal, it’s just time consuming. I had to look up several times how exactly to highlight my units or select certain troops.

Verdict: Command & Conquer isn’t the first real-time strategy game but it is one of the most beloved. The Remastered Collection shows EA understands how to take a classic game and make it even better. When it released in 95, it was a shining example of an RTS game and the remasters is somehow even better. The final game is a trip down memory lane and perfectly designed for 2020. I just hope other Command & Conquer games get an updated release as well.