What is OpenRA?
OpenRA is a modern engine for Command and Conquer Tiberian Dawn, Red Alert, Dune 2000, and Tiberian Sun is under development. A while back EA, who purchased the original developer Westwood Studios, release the game for free just before they released HD versions. OpenRA is open source.
While the HD versions are available for purchase, the original games were released for free, however, most titles do not work with modern systems. So the assets are free. Combined with the modern engine and various improvements, OpenRA stands as a classic.
Classic game, modern controls
Command and Conquer was one of the big RTS games when it was released. Warcraft II was the other big RTS, people were usually for one or the other.
OpenRA has rebalanced the games and added modern features we expect in RTS’s today. Right-click to move units, move and shoot, improved fog-of-war, units level up in veteran levels, replays, built-in Internet coop or matches, and observer interfaces. Modernized hotkeys and production queues.
Given the choice between graphics or gameplay, I choose gameplay.
Open Source is underappreciated
When the Doom source code was released, everyone at ID questioned it. Now, it is the standard by which all technology is tested. Everything can run Doom, cars, refrigerators, calculators, and watches. This is because Doom is open source, people can port it to other platforms and devices.
Not only does it stand the test of time, but people improve it and mod it. The fact that OpenRA is open-source generally means development will be slow but stable.
How does Open RA compare to the classic?
Well besides being balanced for multiplayer, its real shining point is the skirmishes and multiplayer. The single-player campaigns have been put on the backburner. You will need to download the CDs directly from EA and import the data to get the FMV’s to work and get the rest of the campaigns.
Wait a Mod SDK?
Yes. If you want to make your own RTS game there is a Software Development Kit available. There are few ‘new’ games or mods out there to try.
OpenRA in conclusion
It’s fun, it has all the gameplay of the classic but balanced and features a full multiplayer. There are tournaments and ‘pro’ players that use OpenRA, but the community is on the small side.
Still, it’s free and a lot of fun to play.
