Classic EA Re-releases: A Blast from the Past, Imperfectly Preserved

In an era where game preservation is increasingly vital, EA has surprised many by dusting off a substantial collection of its 1990s PC classics. Releasing twenty-five titles, including beloved franchises like Wing Commander and Ultima, onto Steam and GOG, these "lightly remastered" versions aim to bring a touch of nostalgia and accessibility to a new generation and rekindle old flames for veterans. While not without a few minor stumbles, this initiative represents a genuine, largely community-driven effort to keep these digital treasures alive.

The Quick Verdict

For fans of vintage PC gaming, particularly those who grew up with Origin Systems' sci-fi epics and fantasy RPGs, these re-releases are a welcome sight. Offering significantly improved full-motion video (FMV) quality in key Wing Commander titles and other thoughtful enhancements, they provide the most convenient and often best-looking way to experience these classics today. The minor issues, primarily related to controller support, are small grievances compared to the overall value and commitment to preservation shown here.

What's In The Vault: A Full Lineup

EA has opened its digital vault, bringing twenty-five titles to modern storefronts. The full list caters to a variety of tastes from the 90s:

• Road Rash: 30th Anniversary Edition
• Wing Commander: 35th Anniversary Edition
• Wing Commander II: Vengeance of the Kilrathi: 35th Anniversary Edition
• Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger: 30th Anniversary Edition
• Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom: 30th Anniversary Edition
• Wing Commander Prophecy: 30th Anniversary Edition
• Privateer 2: The Darkening: 30th Anniversary Edition
• Wing Commander: Privateer
• Wing Commander: Academy
• Wing Commander: Armada
• Strike Commander
• Theme Hospital
• Crusader: No Remorse
• Crusader: No Regret
• Ultima I: The First Age of Darkness
• Ultima II: The Revenge of the Enchantress
• Ultima III: Exodus
• Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar
• Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny
• Ultima VI: The False Prophet
• Ultima VII: The Complete Edition
• Ultima VIII: Gold Edition
• Ultima IX: Ascension
• Ultima Underworld I
• Ultima Underworld II

These titles are available for purchase on both Steam and GOG, giving players a choice of platform.

The Preservation Effort: A Story of Passion

The most compelling aspect of these re-releases, especially for the Wing Commander series, lies in the story behind their restoration. Spearheaded by EA Senior Producer Jim Vessella, who previously worked on the acclaimed Command & Conquer: Remastered Collection, the project began with the discovery of a poorly organized archive of physical media at EA's Redwood Shores campus. Within this trove, Vessella and his team found the original master tapes for the full-motion video (FMV) cutscenes of Wing Commander III and IV.

What followed was a dedicated, often volunteer-driven effort involving long hours of digitizing and cataloging this footage. Crucially, the project benefited immensely from collaboration with community members, notably Matt Wells, known for his enhancement patches for the Wing Commander games. This grassroots involvement underscores a genuine commitment to fidelity and fan satisfaction.

For Privateer 2: The Darkening, a similar story unfolded. Lacking its original FMV masters, the team tracked down the game's original cinematics director, Steve Hilliker, who still possessed the tapes. Hilliker took the opportunity to re-grade, remaster, and upscale all the cutscenes, providing an improved visual experience for this lesser-known gem. Even Road Rash saw significant attention, with EA re-licensing its entire original soundtrack for the anniversary edition, a detail that purists will undoubtedly appreciate.

Key Enhancements and User Experience

While described as "lightly remastered," the improvements are substantial where they matter most. The highlight for the Wing Commander series is undoubtedly the dramatically higher-quality FMV sequences. Side-by-side comparisons reveal a noticeable leap from previous releases, finally showcasing these iconic cutscenes in a clarity never before widely available. Beyond visuals, certain games also boast 60 frames-per-second (FPS) gameplay, a smoother experience than their original counterparts.

Further enhancements include a plethora of new .INI file tweaks, offering more customization options for enthusiasts. Full controller support has also been implemented across some of the titles. However, early user feedback on Steam forums indicates that this controller support isn't universally flawless, with some players encountering issues. This suggests that while the intention is good, there may be some lingering compatibility quirks to iron out.

It's important to set expectations: these are not full-blown modern remakes. They are carefully preserved and enhanced versions of classic games, maintaining their original charm and gameplay mechanics. The appeal here is nostalgia and historical preservation, rather than a complete overhaul.

Pricing and Availability

One of the most appealing aspects of this release wave is the pricing. Each game is available for less than $5, making them incredibly accessible. Furthermore, EA has extended a generous offer to existing owners: anyone who previously purchased the older versions of these games on GOG or EA's own storefront will receive these remastered editions for free. This is a commendable move that rewards loyal fans and supports the longevity of these titles.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Significant Preservation Effort: A large collection of classic 90s PC games made readily available on modern platforms.
• High-Quality FMV for Wing Commander: Dramatically improved cutscene quality for Wing Commander III and IV, and upscaled video for Privateer 2.
• Performance Enhancements: 60 FPS gameplay for some titles offers a smoother experience.
• Community Involvement: Key community members collaborated on the restoration, demonstrating a focus on authenticity.
• Affordable Pricing: Individual titles are priced at under $5, making entry barriers low.
• Free Upgrades: Previous owners on GOG and EA storefronts receive the remasters without additional cost.
• Road Rash Soundtrack: The original, iconic soundtrack has been re-licensed for the re-release.

Cons:

• "Lightly Remastered" Nature: Not all 25 titles received extensive upgrades; some are primarily compatibility fixes.
• Controller Support Issues: Some users have reported problems with the newly implemented controller support in certain games.
• Initial Volunteer Basis: The initial push relied heavily on volunteer work and passion, raising questions about broader corporate commitment to preservation.
• EA's Reputation: While a positive step, this effort doesn't fully overshadow EA's recent controversial decisions.

Buying Recommendation

If you're a long-time fan yearning to revisit the golden age of PC gaming, or a curious newcomer looking to explore the origins of genres like space combat sims and CRPGs, these re-releases are an easy recommendation. The enhanced Wing Commander titles, with their superior FMV, are particularly compelling. At under $5 a piece, or free for existing owners, the value proposition is excellent. While some titles received more love than others, the sheer act of making these classics accessible and slightly improved is a win for game preservation. Don't expect a complete graphical overhaul, but do expect a faithful, and often enhanced, journey back in time.

FAQ

Q: Are these full remakes or simply updated versions?

A: These are generally updated and lightly remastered versions, not full graphical remakes. The focus is on improved compatibility, higher-quality original assets (like FMV), and some performance boosts (e.g., 60 FPS) while retaining the original art style and gameplay.

Q: Will my old save games work with these new versions?

A: The article does not specify compatibility with old save games. Given they are re-releases with underlying technical updates, it's generally unlikely that saves from original, decades-old versions would seamlessly transfer, but specific community patches or utilities might exist.

Q: Is the entire Wing Commander and Ultima series included?

A: Nearly the entire Ultima series is included, along with a significant portion of the Wing Commander franchise, including main entries and spin-offs like Privateer. Refer to the full list above for exact titles included.