Massive mod is the best new Command & Conquer game in over a decade
The classic real-time strategy franchise Command & Conquer has been largely neglected in recent years by its custodian EA, but modders have used open-source tools such as OpenRA carrying the torch for almost a decade, regularly patching and improving the original Command and rule and its sequel Red alert with new quality of life features. In some cases, dedicated fans have even managed to use the engine behind the games to create something unique. One such mod, Combined armsa project that has been in development for almost four years recently received a new update from developer Inqubiand has enough substance to be considered an original entry in the C&C franchise.
The complete list of changes and additions is too large to summarize here, but Combined arms features all five factions from the Command & Conquer franchise, each with their own sub-factions, which feature unique powers, units, upgrades and other bonuses. For example, playing as the American sub-faction for the Allies gives you enhanced airborne capabilities, while the Psi-Corps for the Soviets gives you access to mind-control units.
The mod uses content from the original Command and rule And Red alertbut also expands assets Red alarm 2 And Tiberium Warswhile combining them with a wealth of new sprites, all rendered in the original, chunky C&C style.
Combined armsThe 34-mission campaign summarizes plot points that span the timelines of several C&C titles. In a similar vein, Combined arms also includes nine new songs that are a mix of composer Frank Klepacki’s original songs.
Unfortunately, Combined arms Missing some of the paint that came with the package Command & Conquer Remastered Collection from 2020, but it shows many of the quality of life improvements that the OpenRA engine added to the base game, including new accessibility options, support for ultra-wide monitors, queue building, and more.
At the time of writing it is Combined arms is the fourth most popular mod on Moddb, and after trying it myself, I would encourage any Command & Conquer fan or RTS enthusiast to give it a try. The mod is available as a standalone download. Just download and install the Moddb package.