At the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards we finally learned what new game was being worked on by BioWare's new LA-based studio: Command & Conquer: Generals 2. Early screenshots and reports of EA registering Command & Conquer-related domains made it clear that BioWare was bringing back the classic RTS franchise, but it was a surprise to everyone that it was a sequel to the 2003 game.

Now that we know what it is - read our feature on everything we know about Command & Conquer: Generals 2 for more info - we have a wishlist for what we want from the franchise's return, especially after the disaster that was Command & Conquer 4

Improved Building Construction

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Buildings

For some odd reason, EA decided to take out one of the mainstay elements of the series with Command & Conquer 4: building construction. C&C was never just about controlling armies, it was about building and defending bases in order to build larger armies and to attack the bases of enemies. The design, protection and planning of bases is one of the key tactical elements of the series and since Generals had it, we knew it would return for Generals 2.

Since the Frostbite 2 engine will allow for complete destruction of buildings and environments, base design and defenses will be that much more important. More creative defenses will certainly be needed.

Upgradeable Units

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Vehicle Upgrades

One of the more interesting elements of Command & Conquer: Generals when it came to the Chinese and GLA factions, was the ability to contruct vehicles that could be upgraded. The largest Chinese tanks could be augmented in multiple ways and many of the GLA units could collect scraps from downed units and upgrade themselves into more powerful more and more heavily armored vehicles.

We want this to return and it wouldn't hurt to see BioWare Victory take notes from StarCraft 2 in what sorts of upgrades can be had with units on the battlefield, especially when it comes to infantry.

Massive Maps for Massive Armies

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Bigger Maps

BioWare is promising that players will be able to control “huge, massive armies” with Command & Conquer: Generals 2 so we want "huge, massive" maps to go with it. Give players the options to custom-build and randomize maps like the games of old and let there be option for smaller/quicker pro competition maps and massive maps for larger armies and larger amounts of players - Please, no unit caps. We're talking Supreme Commander style.

Oh, and naval warfare.

More Realism

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Cutscenes

BioWare co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka and executive producer Jon Van Caneghem, following their reveal of Generals 2, explained that with the Frostbite 2 engine, cinematics will be rendered in-game. That means no classic live-action actors (Generals 1 also didn't have actors). It is these actors that provided much of the "camp" factor we don't want to see in the next game.

Since Generals 2 takes place in the near future, 10 years after the first game, we hope that they can keep a serious, realistic and gritty tone with the game, its units and its story.

No Time for Time Limits

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Time Limits

Missions in the Command & Conquer games, on occasion, have included time limits. C&C 4 was the worst for this and we don't want to see it in Generals 2. Time limits are one of the most frustrating parts of gaming and although this is an odd request for the return of the franchise, we'd rather not see missions with time limits.

Let us focus on building, planning and conquering.

A Campaign That Matters

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Campaign Missions

Command & Conquer: Generals had a very weak campaign and that was mainly due to its shortness, repetitiveness and complete waste of unique factions. The story was barely existent and even though there were only 10 missions per faction, they were nearly the identical 10 for each faction. Repetition, like time limits, is another no-no for gaming.

Let's make C&C's story relevant and make the factions each have their own unique campaigns and missions. BioWare made it clear they're focusing on both multiplayer and single-player so let's hope that proves true.

Don't Be Stupid With DRM

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - EA Origin DRM

Since Command & Conquers: Generals 2 is a PC-only game and since it is an EA product, we know it'll force users to use Origin to play it. While we don't know what that means for required online connections, we really do hope it's not forcing users to be online for campaign play. Missions can take hours and we saw the DRM for C&C4 nearly break the game.

If a player is playing solo for hours, they shouldn't need to be online for that entire time.

Command & Conquer: Battlefield 3

Command and Conquer Generals 2 Wishlist - Frostbite 2

We may be dreaming, and it certainly looks like we are from the first two released C&C: Generals 2 screenshots, but what we'd love to see this game become is the top-down RTS version of Battlefield 3. It is using the DICE engine after all.

With "massive" armies and "fully destructible" environments, it's impossible to expect BF3 graphics but that style and a lot of what players can do in the game make great examples for the realism and vehicles we'd love to see in Generals 2. How cool would it be one day to see C&C be the commander view for actual players playing the soldiers and vehicles in first-person view.

Conclusion

Command Conquer Generals 2 Trailer VGAs

Well, there you have it. These are some simple items and features we want to see from the return of Command & Conquer. Although the last game in the series practically destroyed the dwindling franchise, C&C is near and dear to the hearts of PC gamers and it's an important franchise for fans as much as it is for EA.

For that reason and the fact that BioWare is involved - even if it is a new, separate studio under the label - we expect big things. What do you want from Command & Conquer: Generals 2?

Command & Conquer: Generals 2 is expected to release in 2013 while the free-to-play, browser-based Command & Conquer: Tiberium Alliances is already in beta.

Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.