Former Westwood Studios Employees To Bring Remastered Graphics To 'Command & Conquer: Red Alert'

PC Real-Time Strategy gamers fondly remember the first time they heard these words: “Kirov reporting!” Now, they will have a chance to revisit those days in glorious HD, thanks to Electronic Arts' revival of the popular game franchise "Command & Conquer: Red Alert," 16 years after Westwood Studios closed down.

EA’s announcement back in 2018 meant that the series is returning to PC and will be called "Command & Conquer: Red Alert Remastered," PC Games N reported. So far, art previews of the game had been making their appearances everywhere. Glimpses of the familiar construction yard and the Soviet faction’s Tesla tank had been making their way on the Internet.

Initially, only the "C&C" gameplay teaser was available. But when eagle-eyed fans spotted screenshots of “Red Alert” gameplay at the developer Petroglyph’s website, everything changed. These screenshots showed in-game action portrayed in 4K, as well as images showing improvements in the different game elements.

Even the ore silos and the propane tanks surrounding the war factory had been redone. Users were quick to notice the changes, and most of them were eager to share their views. Some thought that those details had been “orbs” and the water merely a blue patch. They can distinguish those clearly now, thanks to the remaster.

The game also features a real-time toggle between old and new visuals. According to PC Gamer, EA's Jim Vessela explained how players can switch between old and new visuals even during a Campaign mission. This can be assigned to a single key, which can be pressed to toggle between visuals. Vesella added that toggling between the old and new visuals “could be popular with fans.”

EA is working with the very same people who worked on the original "Command and Conquer: Red Alert" titles. Vesella believes that partnering with the original developers of the game, who banded together to create Petroglyph, will be good for both the game and the fans who are excited to once again play the game.

Petroglyph is comprised of former Westwood Studios employees. The developer also helped bring games like "Dark Souls 3" and "Uncharted: Lost Legacy" to life.