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Command & Conquer: Red Alert, though not the first real-time strategy (RTS) game, holds a special place in gaming history. This Westwood Studios classic captivated players worldwide, and its impact is still felt today. With the release of Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection, Electronic Arts has breathed new life into this beloved RTS, giving fans a chance to relive the glory days with updated visuals and audio. This review focuses specifically on Red Alert Remastered, exploring whether it lives up to the legacy of the original or falls short like the infamous Warcraft III: Reforged.

Red Alert Remastered gameplay screenshot showing updated graphics.

A Visual and Auditory Overhaul

As a remaster, not a remake, expectations for Red Alert Remastered’s graphics were tempered. However, the development team exceeded expectations, transforming the original’s pixelated visuals into something truly special. The original game, designed for MS-DOS in 1996, faced significant limitations in both visuals and audio compared to later titles like Warcraft III. The 256-color VGA palette posed a challenge for remastering efforts, with many studios opting for full remakes on modern engines rather than upscaling and smoothing textures. Games like The Settlers II and Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers exemplify this approach, with their anniversary editions rebuilt on 3D engines.

Remastering a classic like Red Alert presented comparable challenges to creating a new game. Petroglyph Games, the studio behind the Remastered Collection, collaborated with OpenRA, a prominent Command & Conquer community, spending over two years bringing the project to fruition. This dedication reflects the immense effort required to modernize the game while retaining its original spirit.

Red Alert Remastered gameplay screenshot showcasing unit models and environments.

The remastered models boast impressive detail while remaining faithful to the original designs. Even the characteristically jerky animations, limited to eight frames like the original, have been preserved, adding a touch of nostalgic charm. While not as visually stunning as games built on modern engines, Red Alert Remastered captures the essence of the original, evoking a powerful sense of nostalgia for veteran players.

The user interface has also been revamped for modern resolutions, offering more information and clearer visuals. Unit portraits, buildings, vehicles, and super weapons have been redesigned with high-resolution artwork and appropriately sized for easy mouse navigation.

Red Alert Remastered gameplay screenshot highlighting improved graphics and unit details.

The audio is another highlight, with original low-quality compressed music replaced by remastered tracks performed by composer Frank Klepacki and the game music cover band Tiberian Sons. The team even hosted a live concert featuring iconic tracks like “Hell March” and “Prepare for Battle.” The driving rock soundtrack remains a key element of the Red Alert experience, elevating the intensity of battles and setting it apart from other RTS games. The in-game Jukebox Music Player, unlockable through gameplay, allows players to enjoy these high-quality tracks at their leisure – a welcome addition for fans.

Red Alert Remastered gameplay screenshot demonstrating the updated user interface.

Minor Annoyances

Despite the improvements, Red Alert Remastered retains some quirks from its 25-year-old predecessor. The full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes, a hallmark of the series, suffer from low resolution, despite AI upscaling efforts. The original 320×160 pixel source material limits the potential for improvement, resulting in visuals that fall short of modern standards. Occasional and inexplicable game freezes further disrupt the experience. These issues, while minor, can detract from the overall enjoyment.

Red Alert Remastered gameplay screenshot showing in-game action.

Furthermore, some of the original game’s flaws persist in the remaster. Poor unit pathfinding, unresponsive units, and frustrating level design choices remain. These issues can be particularly jarring for newcomers unfamiliar with the original. However, for veteran players, these quirks can evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Red Alert Remastered gameplay showcasing the game's environments and units.

Conclusion

Command & Conquer: Red Alert Remastered successfully revitalizes a classic RTS, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern enhancements. The updated visuals and audio significantly enhance the experience, while the core gameplay remains faithful to the original. Despite some minor technical issues and persistent flaws from the original, Red Alert Remastered offers a compelling trip down memory lane for veteran fans and a worthy entry point for newcomers to the series. The dedication to preserving the spirit of the original shines through, making this remaster a worthy tribute to a beloved classic.

Red Alert Remastered – In-game music player interface.