Another OpenRA preview build is up needing testing, Tiberian Sun support is coming along

Work continues on the open source game engine OpenRA which allows you to play Command & Conquer, Red Alert and Dune 2000 on Linux and other modern platforms with support for Tiberian Sun progressing well.

Following on from the last test release which added in saved game support another was put up yesterday. Here's whats changed in the latest test build:

• Fixes for several issues with game loading/saving
• Fixes for several crashes and a desync issue
• Fixes for several glitches related to unit movement
• Fixes for several mission related issues in Red Alert and Tiberian Dawn
• Fixes for several compatibility issues with Linux and FreeBSD
• Refinements to the new spectator UI
• Further Red Alert balance adjustments

With the Linux fixes, it's probably a good idea for some of our readers to jump in and give it a re-test so we can ensure another polished release.

As for the Tiberian Sun support they've been working on for a long time, it sounds like it's coming along well. They've been pretty quiet on it but they've by no means forgotten about it. The team said that multiple past releases have overhauled parts of the code specifically for it and that continues even now.

One issue they've been dealing with is deployable units in Tiberian Sun, while OpenRA had basic support for the feature due to the Construction Yards in classic C&C it wasn't suitable for Tiberian Sun. Now though? They've overhauled it and expanded it. You can now queue up deploy commands between other orders, deployable units can be ordered to pack up and then move somewhere else as a single action too. 

Additionally, the code for aircraft and helicopter movement has also been given an overhaul to add in many of the extra features and dynamics needed for Banshees, Orcas, and Carryalls. The transport behaviour for the Carryall was also updated, with unit pick-up behaviour closer to the original game and allowing you to queue up multiple transport runs.

No release date yet for when the Tiberian Sun mod for OpenRA will release but the next stable OpenRA build should be soon. See the full news post here.