Command & Conquer: Rivals finally available to download globally on Google Play Store

Update, December 4, 2018 (6:02 p.m. ET): The second most hated new mobile game based on a classic PC franchise, Command & Conquer: Rivals, is now live on the Google Play Store. The reimagined take on C&C with Clash Royale-like gameplay was first announced back in June to a somewhat frosty reception at EA’s annual showcase around the E3 gaming expo.

Rivals has been in soft launch for a while now in select regions and the reviews from that time have been generally mixed. The game is currently sat at a 3.8 average rating (out of 5), although that may be a little warped as the majority of negative reviews only have a single star and are critical of EA’s decision to greenlight the title in the first place rather a critique of the actual game itself.

There are some genuine complaints, most notably surrounding the lack of a single-player mode, but there are plenty of positive reviews too, including many which seem to praise EA for its handling of microtransactions — something the publisher doesn’t have the best track record with.

You can try the free-to-play game out for yourself via the below link. We’ll be giving it a spin over the coming days and bringing you our thoughts in a full review very soon.

Original post, June 10, 2018 (3:10 p.m. ET): Start stockpiling your tiberium, because EA has just announced the release of Command & Conquer: Rivals. This will be the first title in the C&C franchise to hit Western audiences in six years, although another title is under development by Tencent for release in China.

EA announced the new mobile title alongside Anthem and a battle royale mode for Battlefield V at the EA Play event in Los Angeles. Following the announcement, the free-to-play game was released into pre-alpha, and can be downloaded now.

Although Command & Conquer: Rivals features the forces of both the Global Defence Initiative and the Brotherhood of Nod, gameplay has been overhauled for the mobile title. It’s still a competitive 1v1 RTS, but plays more like Clash Royale with one notable exception: you are in constant control of your troops.

You start with a mobile construction vehicle, which deploys and slowly collects tiberium. You then use the tiberium you’ve collected to make buildings and send units onto the battlefield, with the goal of taking control of two out of three zones. If you are able to hold them for a certain amount of time, a powerful nuclear missile will be sent hurtling toward the enemy command center.

There’s also the option to send out additional harvesters to boost your tiberium income, but they’re vulnerable to enemy attack. Like its predecessors, Command & Conquer: Rivals features fog of war, which adds another strategic element to keep track of.

Before each battle, you choose up to six unit types. Each unit type has unique strengths and abilities, and can be leveled up to gain a bit more HP and DPS. Once in the battle, you’ll need to construct the required building before sending out the units themselves.

Fans of C&C will recognize most of the units in the game, as well as some of the commanders available on each side. Even the leather-clad, chrome-domed Kane makes an appearance, with the ability to deploy a powerful tesla coil-like structure anywhere on the battlefield.

As stated above, the game is already available for download in pre-alpha state via the Play Store. Check it out now by clicking on the button below and let us know what you think in the comments!