OpenRA – Classic strategy games rebuilt for the modern era

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

An open-source reimplementation of classic Command & Conquer–era RTS games, OpenRA, is praised for faithfully preserving the originals while modernizing controls, balance, and multiplayer to the point many players find it hard to go back to the official versions. Commenters highlight strong community support, mods that expand the C&C universe, and experimental projects like RA2 ports and standalone games on the engine, while also noting performance quirks, relatively simple underlying mechanics compared to titles like StarCraft or Age of Empires, and the challenge curve for new or returning players. The thread also branches into related RTS projects and the broader appeal of nostalgia-driven remasters versus deeper, more complex modern strategy games.

Gameplay, Faithfulness, and Modernization

  • Many praise OpenRA for capturing the feel of classic C&C/Red Alert while modernizing controls and QoL features (attack-move, better UI, more fluid gameplay).
  • Several say they can’t go back to the originals or even the official remaster after getting used to OpenRA’s refinements.
  • Others find Westwood-era RTS comparatively simple and one-dimensional versus titles like StarCraft or Age of Empires, arguing that appeal came from presentation and accessibility more than depth.

Difficulty, Meta, and Learning Curve

  • Multiplayer is described as fast, chaotic, and “Quake-like,” with a strong early-game meta and emphasis on build orders; some feel this makes the early game formulaic.
  • AI skirmishes are tough; people report needing handicaps or specific build-order guides to win.
  • There is debate over whether the simplicity limits emergent strategy or just makes the game approachable.

Single-Player, FMV, and Assets

  • OpenRA can use original CDs to play cutscenes and music; EA has released classic C&C games for free, and OpenRA can auto-fetch their assets.
  • The FMV and music (e.g., Red Alert tracks) remain a strong nostalgic draw.

Mods, Ports, and Related Projects

  • RA2 on OpenRA exists as an unofficial mod (OpenRA/ra2), plus other RA2-like projects (ChronoDivide, Romanovs-Vengeance).
  • The Combined Arms mod unifies RA, RA2, Tiberian Dawn, Tiberian Sun, and new content; doesn’t require original games.
  • Other recommendations: openHV (mixed reception), Beyond All Reason (heavily praised vs SC2), Rusted Warfare, Sanctuary, Tempest Rising, 0 A.D., OpenRCT2, OpenXcom.

Technical and UX Issues

  • Reports of poor performance and UI jank in the official EA remaster; separate comments claim OpenRA itself is also CPU/GPU-heavy even on menus.
  • Some complain about pathfinding bugs in certain campaigns.
  • Requests appear for HD graphics from the remaster and for native ports (e.g., RA2 on Linux, Apple Silicon).

Experimental Ideas and Meta

  • One thread explores adding voice/LLM-based command input; others argue it’s overkill and inferior to mouse control.
  • Some note nostalgia wearing off with age; others say OpenRA is their main long-term game now.
  • There is light meta-discussion about recurring OpenRA posts on HN.