OpenRA

One of the most notable game developers of the 90's and early 2000's was Westwood Studios, which was shut down by Electronic Arts in 2003. Although the company had launched a considerable amount of games, Westwood Studios was best known for the Real Time Strategy (RTS) games based on Dune and especially for the Command & Conquer series. If these names have left you feeling nostalgic, you can download and play OpenRA, which includes well-made replicas of three of Westwood's iconic games.

OpenRA is a community-driven project and it is offered completely free of charge. What's more, the games are focused on cross-platform multiplayer, which means that you can play the games with or against your friends, from Windows or Linux-powered machines, Macs and other platforms. The installation process is quick and straightforward and there is no need to set up any prerequisite tools.

The package includes Dune 2000, Command & Conquer Red Alert and Command & Conquer Tiberian Dawn. You can play any of these games through a single executable. Once you launch OpenRA, a menu will show up on your screen, on which you can choose which game to play. Although the included games need no introduction, a screenshot and a short description will be displayed in the same menu, when you select one.

If you haven't played these games, then there are two things you need to know. First, you have missed out on some great games. Second, they are all RTS games, in which you have to build a base and an army and defeat your opponent, who can be an AI or another human player. Unlike most RTS games, Dune 2000 and Command & Conquer are more engaging. All options for constructing and recruiting can be found on the right side of the screen at all time, so instead of looking for a particular building on your map to recruit a specific unit, you can do it at a moment's notice, even when you are focusing on another part of the map. This allows for an intense gameplay, where you can think more about how to defeat your opponent, rather than micro-managing your base.

Despite the fact that OpenRA's games are replicas, they look and feel just like the originals. The near-identical graphics, similar sounds and even original voices are a few contributing factors to this feeling. You will also find the same user interfaces you are used to. Furthermore, OpenRA brings a few improvements to the gameplay mechanics, like the possibility of queueing construction orders, as well as a few new units. Another change is the fact that you have to click with the right mouse button, instead of the left one, but you can swap them in the general settings menu, if you are a long-time Dune or Command & Conquer fan.

If you miss a fun and action-packed experience, OpenRA will put you back in the role of The Commander, from some of the most iconic titles in gaming history.