Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection

Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection is a compilation of classic real-time strategy games, including Command & Conquer and Command & Conquer: Red Alert, updated with modern graphics, enhanced audio, and quality-of-life improvements. The collection features remastered missions, exclusive cutscenes, a new multiplayer system, and a map editor, offering both nostalgic and fresh experiences for fans of the franchise.

Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection: Review

Introduction

The Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection is a lovingly restored compilation of two real-time strategy classics: the original Command & Conquer (Tiberian Dawn) and Red Alert. Developed by Petroglyph Games with former Westwood Studios members and community input, this remaster breathes new life into these iconic titles while preserving their original essence. The collection offers over 100 missions, updated graphics and audio, expanded multiplayer features, and a wealth of bonus content. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative depth, gameplay mechanics, artistic direction, reception, and legacy.

Development History & Context

The original Command & Conquer was released in 1995 by Westwood Studios, pioneering the real-time strategy genre alongside contemporaries like Warcraft. Red Alert followed in 1996, introducing an alternate historical setting. The remaster was announced in 2018 after Electronic Arts received positive fan feedback. Petroglyph Games, founded by Westwood veterans, took charge of the project. They opted for a remaster over a remake to retain the original gameplay feel, using the original engine with modern enhancements. The development process involved extensive community collaboration through Discord feedback loops and playtesting. The source code for the original games was released, enabling mod support.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Remastered Collection encompasses two distinct storylines:

Command & Conquer (Tiberian Dawn):
Set in an alternate 1995 where a meteorite crash introduces Tiberium, a valuable but hazardous alien mineral. The Global Defense Initiative (GDI) represents the UN-backed forces, while the Brotherhood of Nod is a mysterious terrorist organization led by Kane. The campaign follows both factions as they battle over Tiberium control. The narrative explores themes of power, corruption, and the impact of technology on humanity.

Red Alert:
An alternate history where Albert Einstein removes Adolf Hitler from power, leading to a war between the Soviet Union and Allied forces. The plot touches on themes of time travel, geopolitical conflict, and technological escalation. Both the Soviet and Allied campaigns present diverging story paths with distinct endings.

The FMV cutscenes, while upscaled with AI, retain much of their original charm and cheesiness, contributing to the games’ nostalgic appeal.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The core gameplay remains true to the originals, with real-time strategy fundamentals like base building, resource gathering, and unit management. Key features include:

• Tiberium Economy (C&C): Harvesters collect Tiberium and return it to a refinery, influencing base strategy.
• Conventional Warfare (Red Alert): Emphasizes tanks, infantry, and naval units, with more dynamic battlefields.
• Unit Micro Management: Requires precise control over individual units and groups, especially given the original pathfinding and AI limitations.
• Multiplayer Enhancements: New multiplayer system, observer mode, replay support, and modern infrastructure.
• Quality-of-Life Improvements: Unit type select, skirmish AI, multi-queues, and gallery bonuses unlock through mission completion.
• Pathfinding and AI Limitations: Original issues persist, like units getting stuck or failing to avoid danger, adding to the game’s challenge.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The remaster revamps the visual and audio presentation:

• Graphics: 4K textures, enhanced unit animations, and smooth frame rates. Toggle between original and remastered visuals in real-time.
• Soundtrack: Remastered original tracks, new compositions by Frank Klepacki and The Tiberian Sons, and multiple audio variants.
• FMVs: Upscaled using AI, results vary between cutscenes. Some show improved clarity, others remain grainy or exhibit artifacts.
• World Design: Both games have distinct settings – C&C’s futuristic Tiberium-infested landscapes versus Red Alert’s World War II-style environments with modern twists.

The audio and visual enhancements significantly improve immersion while maintaining the original art style.

Reception & Legacy

The collection received critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 82/100. Reviewers praised:

• Faithful Remastering: Preserving original gameplay while adding modern features.
• Inter generational Appeal: Nostalgia for veterans, accessible introduction for newcomers.
• Content Variety: Four campaigns and extensive bonus materials.
• Community Engagement: Involving fans throughout development.

However, some criticism arose from the original games’ flaws (like pathfinding and AI) being left intact. The remaster set a high standard for future projects and energized the fanbase for potential sequels or additional remasters.

Conclusion

The Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection is a definitive package that honors the legacy of two pillars of real-time strategy gaming. By combining visual and audio upgrades with careful gameplay preservation and added community-driven features, it offers the best of both worlds for players old and new. The collection stands as a benchmark for how to approach remastering classic games, balancing respectful restoration with necessary enhancements to ensure continued enjoyment.