Bioware Victory Studio’s re-imaging and reboot of the classic Westwood helmed Command and Conquer franchise is nearing release, and we’re being shown more and more of it as it nears completion. This newest video, linked above, gives us an in depth look at not just the game’s graphics and gameplay (which, as promised earlier, is faster and snappier than the relatively more sedate pace of previous installments in the series), but also shows off factions, vehicles, and footage from the game’s campaign.

I had my initial reservations about the game when it was first announced, and then even more when it was announced to be going free to play, but the more I see of it, the more I get convinced. As long as EA does not bastardize a classic franchise of the real time strategy genre, and as long as the core gameplay is not compromised, I’m on board with this.

Command and Conquer is one of the classic franchises of the real time strategy genre, with its hours long matches, laced and interlaced with layers of intricacy, having defined what a typical match in the genre should be like. However, when the new, now free to play, Command and Conquer game launches this fall, it might not have that series trademark- in fact matches may be much, much shorter than the hour long investments they used to be.

“We’ve been noticing since the original Generals, the preferred play session has gone done from an hour plus to 30 to 45 minutes,” said Jon Van Caneghem, general manager of developer Victory Games to Polygon. “So we’ve changed the pacing [of Command & Conquer] to deal with that.”

Are you up in arms yet? Don’t be, because he went on to assure Polygon that fans of longer matches would have that option as well.

Speaking about the monetization of the game, he also discussed how the game would not be abusive or exploitative, but that it would instead be like League of Legends- everything unlockable in game, no restrictions via bullshit timers, and generals being sold with perks. He also mentioned that they are toying with the idea of doing starter packs.

“We are toying around with starter packs,” he said. “Maybe selling them for $30 to $40 and including a half-dozen generals and some currency. That would be for players who don’t want to start from scratch and don’t want to be a totally free player.”

Although I originally disliked the idea of a free to play Command and Conquer game, I might be coming around to it after all.

EA has announced that the beta for their upcoming BioWare developed free-to-play title Command & Conquer will begin in the first half of 2013, and will be the longest running beta in the history of C&C.

“Now, we know you have a lot more questions about the new Command & Conquer and you may be wondering why we are so silent about it,” C&C global community manager EA_CIRE wrote on the Command & Conquer blog. “We’ve decided to actually let the game speak for itself, instead of starting the typical marketing noise you normally would expect. That being said, it might be a few more months before we reveal more information – we don’t just want to tell you about the game, we want to show you.”

He also talked about how the series hasn’t really been up to scratch recently, and went on to assure everyone that the BioWare Victory developed installment will not be similar in that regard.

“The team here and I know that previous Command & Conquer titles had issues – some less, some more,” he said. “C&C4 (yes, I just named it!) was especially far below the expectations and standards a lot of us had for C&C games. So we know how you guys feel – and I am talking a lot with our design team to discuss the game mechanics, features and meta-game of our new Command & Conquer in development.

“We all have the big picture in our mind where we want to go with this new Command & Conquer, making a great RTS game that can wear the C&C logo with pride. Yes, the direction is new and many probably would say that this is not a ‘true’ C&C, just as many did when the original Generals came out.

“For me, Command & Conquer isn’t just about Tiberium, Kane and the crazy Yuri. It’s been more about fun to play, engaging, and high quality RTS experiences. And that’s what we’re aiming to deliver, just in a different way.

“So looking at where we are right now with our game and the ongoing service that comes with Free 2 Play games actually makes me believe that this game can become a great Command & Conquer. And we will be working together with you – The Fans – to make it better and better.”

[Eurogamer]