Difference between revisions of "Command & Conquer"
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===Unofficial downloads=== | ===Unofficial downloads=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} [https://www.moddb.com/mods/command-conquer-unofficial-patch-106/downloads/cc95-v106c-revision-3-full-game-installer Nyerguds' installer] is a complete fan-patched game pack which includes the singleplayer missions (including Covert Operations and PSX/N64 missions) and soundtrack. Cutscenes are available at [https://www.moddb.com/mods/command-conquer-unofficial-patch-106/downloads Mod DB]. | ||
+ | {{ii}} [http://cncnet.org/download CnCNet installer] is a bare-bones version optimized for multiplayer (small size, portable). Missions, music and cutscenes are omitted. The music and map editor are downloadable inside the CnCNet settings. | ||
{{ii}} [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Vanilla-Conquer Vanilla Conquer] provides native source port builds based on source code released with the remastered versions. | {{ii}} [https://github.com/TheAssemblyArmada/Vanilla-Conquer Vanilla Conquer] provides native source port builds based on source code released with the remastered versions. | ||
{{ii}} [[OpenRA]] includes a modernized open-source remake with its "Tiberian Dawn" mod. | {{ii}} [[OpenRA]] includes a modernized open-source remake with its "Tiberian Dawn" mod. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== |
Revision as of 23:25, 2 January 2024
This page is for the original 1995 game. For the 2020 remastered version, see Command & Conquer Remastered Collection.
Developers | |
---|---|
Westwood Studios | |
Publishers | |
1995-1998 | Virgin Interactive |
1998-present | Electronic Arts |
Release dates | |
DOS | September 26, 1995 |
Mac OS (Classic) | December 18, 1996 |
Windows | March 10, 1997 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 94 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | Freeware, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view |
Controls | Multiple select, Point and select |
Genres | RTS |
Themes | Europe, Africa, Sci-fi |
Series | Command & Conquer |
⤏ Go to series page | |
Command & Conquer | 1995 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert | 1996 |
Command & Conquer: Sole Survivor | 1997 |
Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun | 1999 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 2 | 2000 |
Command & Conquer: Renegade | 2002 |
Command & Conquer: Generals | 2003 |
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars | 2007 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 | 2008 |
Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising | 2009 |
Command & Conquer 4: Tiberian Twilight | 2010 |
OpenRA (unofficial) | 2010 |
Command & Conquer (2013) | Cancelled |
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection | 2020 |
Renegade X (unofficial) | EA |
Command & Conquer is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view RTS game in the Command & Conquer series.
Multiple versions of the game exist. After the original DOS release from September 1995, the Macintosh release came out in December 1996 featuring a change of resolution from 320x200 to 640x400, as well as a new user interface and Westwood Online multiplayer infrastructure.
The Windows-native version (released in North America as the Special Gold Edition and in Germany as the SVGA Version) came out in March 1997, and became the definitive version of the game, featuring all improvements of the Macintosh release. This release was made freeware on August 31, 2007 by Electronic Arts for the 12th anniversary of the franchise.
The Covert Operations expansion pack was released in April 1996 for the DOS version, but is regardless compatible with the Windows-native release without modifications. The missions released for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 versions were subsequently ported to the Windows release by the community, and were officially included in the Remastered Collection version of the game in June 2020.
The Windows version has multiple issues running on modern systems without modification, ranging from installation issues due to a 16-bit installer to rendering and launch issues. The unofficial Project 1.06 fan patch alleviates some compatibility problems and long-standing gameplay bugs, but further development was continued by the developers of CnCNet, primarily for multiplayer. Homepages of both projects include modified downloads of the full game, so as to simplify installation for new users, making the official freeware ISO images obsolete.
Open-source versions with continued development are found in the Vanilla Conquer repository, based on the official source code of the Remastered Collection version of the game.
General information
- Informally known as Tiberian Dawn, which was one of its working titles.
- Command & Conquer Wiki - A wiki for everything Command & Conquer-related
- CnCNet (multiplayer replacement)
- Command & Conquer section on CNC.community
- Command & Conquer section on C&C Communications Center
- Command & Conquer section on CNCNZ.com
- v1.06 patch discussion
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | The Windows version is often called the Gold Edition and is fully patched. It's also available as part of The First Decade. | |||
Official website | Version that has been released for free by EA. | |||
Origin | Bundled as part of Command & Conquer: The Ultimate Collection; includes The Covert Operations expansion. Currently only visible in the EA App's Browse menu. Included with EA Play. |
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Expansion pack | The expansion pack includes new campaigns and maps. |
Freeware | Released for free by Electronic Arts in 2007. The expansion pack is de facto considered free by the community and distributed without issue. |
Subscription gaming service | Available via EA Play. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
The Covert Operations | Retail version was only released for the DOS release, but the files work with the Windows release. Comes bundled with the The First Decade and Ultimate Collection compilations. |
Unofficial downloads
- Nyerguds' installer is a complete fan-patched game pack which includes the singleplayer missions (including Covert Operations and PSX/N64 missions) and soundtrack. Cutscenes are available at Mod DB.
- CnCNet installer is a bare-bones version optimized for multiplayer (small size, portable). Missions, music and cutscenes are omitted. The music and map editor are downloadable inside the CnCNet settings.
- Vanilla Conquer provides native source port builds based on source code released with the remastered versions.
- OpenRA includes a modernized open-source remake with its "Tiberian Dawn" mod.
Essential improvements
Windows
Command & Conquer Gold: Project 1.06
- Not needed for the unofficial packages.
- This patch contains:
- A large amount of fixes (changelog)
- Support for newer Windows systems (including 64-bit)
- LAN and online playability up to 6 players (includes new CnCNet lobby)
- Support for higher resolutions
- No-CD option
- Missions from PSX and N64 versions and The Covert Operations
- The site also offers Music Upgrade Pack if you installed the game through CDs/ISOs.
- Support for regular installation, The First Decade and The Ultimate Collection.
DOS
Patches
- 1.22 is the last patch for the DOS version. Note that the game's Covert Operations expansion upgrades the game to v1.20, which is not quite the same as the final v1.22. Some of the later DOS releases of the game come prepatched at v1.22.
- European versions' alternate languages, German and French, have different versioning, meaning their final versions are called v1.20. This is equivalent to the English v1.22. They can be downloaded here and here.
DOS32A
DOS32A is a more advanced extender and open source replacement to DOS4GW. It can improve both performance and stability of Command & Conquer.
- Command & Conquer has DOS4GW bound its executable. Use the command
sb /r game.dat
to replace it.
Hidden Options Enabler
Allows enabling hidden options within the game. Most useful perhaps it the ability to increase the netgame player limit to 6 and allow 1v1 game with AI players. More info here.
Console levels
- Conversions of the N64 exclusive levels can be found here whilst the PlayStation versions can be found here.
Play without the CD
- Copy the CD's contents (or at least its most important files,
SCORES.MIX
andmovies.mix
) to a folder inside the game's virtual C drive. Launch the game with the parameter-cd[cd contents folder]
. Merging the different files from the base game and expansion is recommended.
Miscellaneous
- scb13ea_fix solves a crash issue with the map 13ea.
- C&CToss enables the missing grenade "woosh" toss sound.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
DOS | <path-to-game>\conquer.ini |
Windows | <path-to-game>\*.ini[Note 1] |
Mac OS (Classic) |
-
conquer.ini
contains normal game settings. -
ddraw.ini
contains CnC-DDraw settings (added by the fan patch). -
cncnet.ini
contains CnCNet settings (added by the fan patch).
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
DOS | <path-to-game>\savegame.*** |
Windows | <path-to-game>\savegame.***[Note 1] |
Mac OS (Classic) |
- DOS save games not compatible with C&C Gold.
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Origin |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | A fan patch is required. The maximum map size is 1488x1488.[1] Playing on higher resolutions might cause visual artifacts. |
||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | The maximum map size is 1488x1488.[1] | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | A fan patch is required. | ||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | A fan patch is required. See Borderless fullscreen windowed. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | |||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | A fan patch is required. See Vertical sync (Vsync). | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | The game normally limits to 60 fps, and is advertised as such on the game box. The maximum game speed option runs the game at the maximum speed the CPU can manage, without any limiting on frames or gameplay speed. This insane speed is not particularly useful for playing the game, though, and the lower speeds have no real benefits from running higher than 60fps.[citation needed] |
Borderless fullscreen windowed
Set in ddraw.ini[citation needed] |
---|
Notes
|
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Set in ddraw.ini[citation needed] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | See here (Google Docs) for keybindings. | |
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | For DOSBox set in the DOSBox configuration file. | |
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | For DOSBox use the DOSBox Mapper (see the glossary page for other workarounds). |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Music and sound | |
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio | The exception to the self-published music is the track "Destructible Times" by the short-lived band I AM, the usage of which was licensed only in a shortened version in the Nod credits sequence. |
- The DOS version of the game actually supports stereo sound despite not appearing as an option in the setup program. A guide explaining how to enable it can be found here.
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | Installed by patch 1.06, from Fan mirror #2. | |||
German | Installed by patch 1.06, from Fan mirror #2. | |||
Italian | Unofficial; use Language add-on. | |||
Japanese | Installed by patch 1.06, audio only, from Fan mirror #2. | |||
Japanese | Retail only. The only localized UI text in the game are the mission briefings; all the rest is English. Lacks briefings for the expansion pack, though they can technically be ported from the Playstation version. Text in videos is not translated, and for any such text without voiceover, translations are provided in a readme file on the CD. | |||
Polish | Unofficial; use Language add-on. | |||
Brazilian Portuguese | Partial audio; use Language add-on. | |||
Russian | Fan translation, download. | |||
Russian | Fan voice-over by «ENPY Studio». | |||
Spanish | Unofficial; use Language add-on. | |||
Ukrainian | Fan translation and full dubbing by TSF, download. |
- C&C patch adds support for multiple languages. Download them from PCGamingWiki repository.
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 6 | Versus Uses IPX protocol. Use the Command & Conquer Gold: Project 1.06 fan patch to enable modern LAN support. |
||
Online play | 6 | Versus The original multiplayer service is no longer available. Use the Command & Conquer Gold: Project 1.06 fan patch and CnCNet.org to re-enable support. |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | See: CnCNet.org | |
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
Issues unresolved
- This list assumes you've installed the patches. If you experience a new issue, please create a thread at the CnC-Comm forums.
- The game has some minor problems with missions that are smaller than the game resolution. This is nothing to be worried about, you can "fix" it by pressing Escape.
- When playing in any resolution higher than 640x400, you can't place buildings with a placement height of only one cell on the lowest row of cells on the map.
Issues fixed
- If you have problems with The First Decade or The Ultimate Collection, be sure to check this FAQ at EA forums.
General fixes
- If you have not found a fix, be sure to also check:
Check these if you haven't[citation needed] |
---|
|
Crash after overheating
Enable "singlecpu" in ddraw.ini[2] |
---|
Game is laggy after installing the patch
Change the renderer in ddraw.ini[3] |
---|
Game speed/Map scroll rate issue
- Resolved by using frame-rate limiter in the fan patch, but this may cause an unresponsive in-game menu.[citation needed]
Set the slider in-game[citation needed] |
---|
While in-game, press Esc to open a menu, press game controls and move the game speed slider to adjust the game speed or scroll rate slider to adjust the scroll speed. |
Mouse pointer stuck at screen edge
Check disable display scaling on High DPI settings in compatibility options[4] |
---|
"Unable to set video mode" error
Change the resolution[citation needed] |
---|
|
No music in the CnCNet version
Go to CnCNet lobby and download the music in the settings[citation needed] |
---|
Scrambled colors (without ddraw.dll)
- Ddraw.dll within the fan-patch already fixes that issue. However, if the game needs to run with ddraw.dll turned off and this appears, then this is for you.
Use palette fix[citation needed] |
---|
See DirectDraw troubleshooting for solutions. |
No videos after installing the patch
Download the videos[citation needed] |
---|
If you happen to have the game on CD, that means No-CD option is turned on. Either turn off the option, copy movies.mix from the CDs into the installation folder or just download the videos. |
Cannot Alt+Tab
Use Project 1.06 |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
DirectDraw | 3 | |
DOS video modes | MCGA, VGA |
Executable | PPC | 16-bit | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||||
Mac OS (Classic) |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Audio | Human Machine Interface (HMI) audio drivers | |
Cutscenes | VQA | |
Multiplayer | Westwood Online | Only in Macintosh and Gold (Windows) versions, absent from original DOS release. |
Maps
- C&C has support for external maps, both multiplayer and singleplayer.
- CnCNet includes its own online map folder.
- An upgraded version of the map editor from of the Remastered edition is available, which can run without the Remaster, using the classic game files of the freeware game.
- The XCC Utilities pack contains a (somewhat older) map editor for the game, called "XCC Editor".
- Cnc-Comm.com - Mapping discussion
Re-implementations
- Thanks to dedicated C&C community, there are a couple of re-implementations and total conversion existing.
- OpenRA - Open Source recreation that tries to modernize the classic gameplay.
- Vanilla Conquer - faithful to the original source port
Total conversions
- The Dawn of the Tiberium Age - mod for Tiberian Sun, has a completely new campaign, CnCNet supported
- Red Dawn - Red Alert
- Tiberian Dawn Redux - Generals
System requirements
DOS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | MS-DOS 5.0 | |
Processor (CPU) | 486 DX2 66 MHz | Intel Pentium 60 MHz |
System memory (RAM) | 8 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 800 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | MCGA video card | DirectDraw compatible video card 1 MB of VRAM |
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 95, 98 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 75 | Intel Pentium 120 |
System memory (RAM) | 8 MB | 16 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 40 MB | |
Video card (GPU) | 1 MB of VRAM |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details).
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 C&C Gold Project 1.06 FAQ - Notes on the new resolutions
- ↑ C&C Comm Center - C&C overheats my laptop - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ C&C Comm Center - CnC95 laggy and unresponsive after gold edition patch, help! - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ forums.cncnet.org - last accessed on May 2023