It’s been a long time since the classic real-time strategy game Command & Conquer has seen itself in full form. 2010’s Tibertian Twilight saw a drastic change in the classic format with the removal of resources and the additions with nodes, and the audience reception was an all-time low. To recuperate the series, EA announced Generals 2, a 2013 release that promised to return to the formula of old. Today, EA made another big announcement of change regarding the series, but this one might be for the better.
It’s been a long time since the classic real-time strategy game Command & Conquer has seen itself in full form. 2010’s Tibertian Twilight saw a drastic change in the classic format with the removal of resources and the additions with nodes, and the audience reception was an all-time low. To recuperate the series, EA announced Generals 2, a 2013 release that promised to return to the formula of old. Today, EA made another big announcement of change regarding the series, but this one might be for the better.
With nearly 9 years passing since the original C&C Generals, it just doesn’t make sense to announce a sequel to a game that few new players will remember. The series is instead taking a full reboot, simply titled Command & Conquer, and it’ll be free to play.
“We are thrilled about this opportunity to transform Command and Conquer into a premier online experience,” said Jon Van Caneghem, VP/GM at EA. “For nearly two decades, this franchise has existed as something you buy; now we are creating a destination where our fans will be able to access the entire Command and Conquer universe, starting with Generals and continuing with Red Alert, Tiberium, and beyond. With Frostbite 2, we are able to keep an emphasis on the AAA quality our consumers expect while staying true to the RTS gameplay they know and love – all available online for free.”
The launch plan is to take a complete AAA strategy game, complete with lush visuals and deep strategy, and turn it into a game that any player can enjoy. The big question remains: How do you incorporate microtransactions into a real-time strategy game but retain balance? – But we’re sure that EA is keeping this well in mind as they move forward into development.
Microtransactions or not, the game already looks visually impressive in test footage. The same combination of tanks, infantry, and air units looks to bring back classic battles of tactical supremacy, and the destructible environments is a fantastic touch. We’ll be keeping our eyes out for this one as it develops – it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest free-to-play advances we’ve seen in some time. Players interested in checking out the game can sign up for the closed beta at Commandandconquer.com/free.
