Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection

Developer: Petroglyph
Release: Jun 5th 2020
Platforms:
Strategy
Nostalgic
Faithful
Strategic
F M V Quality
Multiplayer Lag
Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection Poster

" Faithful 4K remastered strategy with classic gameplay and modern UI but dated controls and laggy multiplayer "

Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection Review

Command & Conquer™ Remastered Collection is a highly faithful and nostalgic remaster of the original C&C and Red Alert games, praised for preserving the core gameplay while adding modern quality-of-life improvements such as UI enhancements and an in-game jukebox. Players appreciate the depth of strategy, especially the unique resource and base management mechanics that differentiate it from other RTS titles like StarCraft. The remaster successfully updates graphics while maintaining the classic feel, making it accessible on modern hardware.

However, some criticisms focus on the FMVs, which were AI-upscaled but do not match the high resolution quality of the rest of the game. Multiplayer suffers from lag and slow server speeds, and some players find certain missions overly difficult without clear reasons. The gameplay can feel dated for newcomers, and the control scheme lacks some modern RTS conveniences like attack-move commands. Overall, it is highly recommended for fans and nostalgic players but less so for those seeking cutting-edge RTS experiences.

Highlights

Players praise the remaster for its faithful recreation of classic gameplay mechanics, including unique resource gathering and base expansion systems. The graphics update is well-received for enhancing visuals while retaining the original aesthetic. The storyline and cutscenes, especially in Red Alert, remain engaging and evoke strong nostalgia. Quality-of-life improvements like right-click commands and unit queuing improve playability. The inclusion of behind-the-scenes content and a music jukebox enriches the experience. Many highlight the depth and challenge of the gameplay, which remains compelling decades later.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the FMVs, which, despite AI upscaling, appear low quality compared to the rest of the remaster. Multiplayer mode is often plagued by lag and slow server responses. Some missions are considered unnecessarily difficult, causing frustration. The control scheme lacks modern RTS features such as attack-move. New players may find the gameplay dated and hard to adapt to. Additionally, the remaster does not significantly innovate beyond improved graphics and UI, which may disappoint those expecting a more modern overhaul.

Pros

  • Faithful remaster preserving original gameplay and mechanics perfectly.
  • Modern UI improvements like right-click commands and unit queuing.
  • High-quality graphics update while retaining classic aesthetic.
  • Engaging storyline and nostalgic cutscenes, especially in Red Alert.
  • In-game jukebox with classic music enhances immersion.
  • Includes behind-the-scenes content and additional missions.
  • Unique resource management adds strategic depth.

Cons

  • FMVs are AI upscaled but lack high resolution quality.
  • Multiplayer suffers from lag and slow server speeds.
  • Some missions are overly difficult without clear justification.
  • Missing modern RTS features like attack-move command.
  • Gameplay can feel dated and hard for newcomers to grasp.
  • Limited innovation beyond graphics and UI enhancements.
  • Control scheme feels clunky compared to newer RTS games.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Command & Conquer and Red Alert are both remastered in 4K by the former Westwood Studios team members. Includes all 3 expansions, rebuilt multiplayer, a modernized UI, Map Editor, bonus footage gallery, and over 7 hours of remastered music.

Release Date Jun 5th 2020
Publisher Electronic Arts
Developer Petroglyph, Lemon Sky Studios
Required Age 13+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (17,052)
92% Positive 8% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
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