Tempest Rising's first major update targets the Command and Conquer successor's multiplayer, adding 6 maps, a 2v2 ranked mode, and an extensive balance overhaul

A CGI image of a member of the Tempest Rising with a metal gas mask dressed in military regalia.

Throwback RTS Tempest Rising is one of my favourite games from this year, a spectacular and thrilling tribute to Westwood's tragically absent Command and Conquer series. I thought its twin campaigns were pretty much perfect when I reviewed it a couple of months back, which is possibly why its first major update focuses mainly on multiplayer.

Titled the "Rally and Recon" update, the patch substantially expands and refines player-on-player warfare. Its biggest additions are a ranked mode for 2v2 play complete with leaderboards, and the ability to queue for 2v2 matches either solo or with your friends. It also adds the "much requested" ability to adjust population cap for multiplayer matches, letting you play with anywhere between 100 and 500 li'l guys.