OpenRA is an open source and cross-platform multiplayer RTS (Real-Time Strategy) game engine, a libre implementation of the Command & Conquer: Red Alert game engine that runs on GNU/Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems.
Features at a glance
Key features include the ability to play the Command & Conquer: Red Alert game (only if you own the original Red Alert files), and availability of both Command & Conquer and Command & Conquer: Red Alert games as mods (downloadable from the game menu).
In addition, the player will be able to create and command several types of units, build buildings, control super weapons, create and control naval units like cruisers and submarines, as well as to create and control air units like helicopters and planes.
While the main emphasis is on multiplayer gameplay, it supports single player games by selecting bots as enemy opponents. The bots come with three different AIs: easy, medium and hard.
Under the hood, requirements, availability and supported OSes
The OpenRA RTS game engine has been developed using the cross-platform .NET and Mono programming languages, using the powerful and widely used OpenGL cross-language and multi-platform library for rendering 2D and 3D vector graphics.
The game requires a graphics card that features Shader Model 2.0, at least 1GB free disk space for the installation, at least 512MB of RAM, a compatible sound card, a three-button mouse, a monitor capable of at least 1024×768 resolution and an active Internet connection.
Players can download the game from the project’s official homepage (see link above) or via Softpedia, or by using the Desura gaming distribution system. It is available for GNU/Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, openSUSE, Arch Linux and Gentoo), Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X platforms.
Bottom line
Summing up, OpenRA is a terrific game that will entertain players for hours. If somehow you get bored playing the original C&C games, you can always create your own maps and mods with totally different gameplays.
