Flow Comparison: Classic RA vs. Iron Curtain
For returning players, here’s how IC’s flow maps to what they remember:
| Classic RA (1996) | Iron Curtain | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Title screen → Main Menu | Shellmap → Main Menu | IC adds live battle behind menu (Remastered style) |
| New Game → Allied/Soviet | Campaign → Allied/Soviet | Same fork. IC adds branching graph, roster persistence. |
| Mission Briefing → Loading → Mission | Briefing → (seamless load) → Mission | IC eliminates loading screen between missions where possible. |
| Exit to menu between missions | Continuous flow | Debrief → briefing → next mission, no menu exit. |
| Skirmish → Map select → Play | Skirmish → Map/Players/Settings → Play | Same structure, more options. |
| Modem/Serial/IPX → Lobby | Multiplayer Hub → 5 connection methods → Lobby | Far more connectivity options. Same lobby concept. |
| Options → Video/Sound/Controls | Settings → 7 tabs | Same categories, much deeper customization. |
| — | Workshop | New: browse and install community content. |
| — | Player Profile & Ranked | New: competitive identity and matchmaking. |
| — | Replays | New: watch saved games. |
| — | Encyclopedia | New: in-game unit reference. |
| — | SDK (separate app) | New: visual scenario and asset editing. |
The core flow is preserved: Menu → Pick mode → Configure → Play → Results → Menu. IC adds depth at every step without changing the fundamental rhythm.