Introduction:
Command & Conquer (C&C) fans have reason to rejoice as hints of a new remastered collection are emerging from Electronic Arts (EA). The Command & Conquer series, known for its groundbreaking real-time strategy gameplay, has historically been fragmented across various digital platforms. However, recent actions by EA suggest a unified and potentially remastered approach to bringing the beloved franchise back to the forefront.
The Consolidation of Command & Conquer:
EA has made significant moves in the past few days by adding all remaining Command & Conquer titles to Steam, a platform known for its vast gaming library and community. This action marks a departure from the series being exclusively available on EA's Origin platform, which has often been criticized for its user experience and exclusivity. Here’s what this means:
- Accessibility: By bringing all C&C games to Steam, EA is making the series more accessible to a broader audience, including those who prefer not to use Origin.
- Unified Experience: This consolidation could pave the way for a remastered collection, offering players a single point of purchase for a potentially updated experience of the series.
Hints of a Remastered Collection:
While EA hasn't officially announced a new remastered collection, several indicators suggest that something is in the works:
- Community Engagement: Posts and updates from EA's official Command & Conquer social media channels have been teasing that "big things" are coming for C&C fans, hinting at more than just a simple port to Steam.
- Past Successes: The positive reception to the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection released in 2020, which included remasters of "Tiberian Dawn" and "Red Alert," shows an appetite for modernized versions of these classics.
- Steam Workshop: With the games now on Steam, there's potential for mod support through Steam Workshop, a feature that could be expanded in a new remastered collection to enhance and prolong the game's life.
- Developer Signals: The developers at Petroglyph Games, who were responsible for the 2020 remaster, have expressed interest in revisiting other titles in the series, specifically mentioning "Tiberian Sun" and "Red Alert 2."
What Could We Expect?
If EA does announce a new remastered collection, fans might look forward to:
- Enhanced Graphics: Similar to the 2020 remaster, expect updated visuals, potentially supporting higher resolutions and improved textures.
- Modernized UI: An interface overhaul to match contemporary standards, making the game more intuitive for new players while keeping the essence that veterans love.
- Quality of Life Improvements: Better balance, bug fixes, and perhaps even new gameplay mechanics or content to refresh the experience.
- Complete Collection: A collection that might include all or most entries in the franchise, providing a comprehensive experience from "Tiberian Dawn" to "Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight."
Conclusion:
While EA has yet to confirm anything officially, the signs are promising for Command & Conquer enthusiasts. The move to Steam, coupled with community teases and the history of successful remasters, suggests that a new Command & Conquer remastered collection could be on the horizon. This would not only be a nod to the series' legacy but also an opportunity to introduce or reintroduce players to one of the most influential strategy franchises in gaming history. Keep your eyes peeled for more concrete announcements in the coming months.
