Gather credits, build tanks, and charge into battle to the sound of industrial rock by Frank Klepacki—Tempest Rising is a full-on nostalgia trip for fans of classic Command and Conquer.
Set in the year 1997, Tempest Rising presents a world plunged into chaos following a nuclear war. Amid the devastation, a mysterious and highly valuable resource begins to emerge from the scorched lands, igniting a global power struggle. The world’s superpowers quickly align into two rival factions, driven by greed and desperation.
On one side stands the Global Defense Force (GDF), an alliance formed by Western nations. Opposing them is the Tempest Dynasty (DYN), a fanatical coalition operating largely out of Asia and Eastern Europe. Adding to the tension is a shadowy third force, quietly rising from the ashes of the conflict.
If you were gaming in the 1990s, this setup will feel instantly familiar. Two factions locked in a battle for a valuable substance—originally called Tiberium—is the core of the legendary real-time strategy game Command and Conquer. In Tempest Rising, Tiberium becomes Tempest, and the GDI-Nod rivalry is reborn through GDF and DYN.
What makes Tempest Rising stand out is how faithfully it captures the spirit of its predecessor while adding its own flavor. The core gameplay mechanic is elegant and accessible: manage just two resources—energy for building structures and credits for everything else. This simplicity lowers the barrier for newcomers while preserving the depth longtime fans expect.
The timing couldn’t be better. The Command and Conquer series, once a cornerstone of RTS gaming, was effectively shelved by EA in 2010 after the disappointing final entry in the Kane storyline. Since then, the franchise has lived on in name only, mostly through lackluster mobile adaptations. But with the IP still owned by EA, Tempest Rising steps in as a spiritual successor, breathing new life into a genre many thought was forgotten.
Four development studios—Saber Interactive, 3D Realms, Knights Peak, and Slipgate Ironworks—collaborated to bring Tempest Rising to life, and their approach is clear: don’t fix what isn’t broken. Much of the classic C&C formula has been preserved down to the smallest detail. But this isn’t just a carbon copy. The game also borrows gameplay elements from C&C Generals and Red Alert, creating a hybrid that feels both familiar and fresh. Veterans will even spot nods to Tiberium Wars woven into the campaign narrative.
From the very first moments of gameplay, fans will feel right at home. The base-building process—constructing a power plant, refinery, barracks, and vehicle factory—follows a tried-and-true rhythm. The user interface feels instantly recognizable, and the visual design pays homage to the original with beautifully animated structures and units. The GDF’s massive dual-barreled tank is a clear reference to the iconic Mammoth Tank, while the Tempest Dynasty’s barracks are visually reminiscent of Nod’s sinister aesthetic.
Skirmishes, whether against AI or human players, are as fast-paced and chaotic as ever. Within minutes, players can start sending squads toward enemy bases, attack Tempest harvesters, or scout for strategic advantages.
The maps are thoughtfully designed, dotted with Tempest fields and critical control points. Capturing these points grants significant benefits—revealing parts of the map, setting up defensive bunkers, and more. However, unlike later C&C titles such as Generals or Red Alert 3, Tempest Rising doesn’t allow players to garrison every building, limiting tactical options slightly in that regard.
Still, the game shines as a modern love letter to one of the most iconic franchises in real-time strategy history. With its polished mechanics, atmospheric soundtrack, and sharp design, Tempest Rising doesn’t just imitate the classics—it earns its place among them.