Commandos: Origins and Beyond

Key Highlights

• The legendary Commandos series returns with Commandos: Origins, a new chapter that serves as a prequel to the original games.
• Developed by Claymore Game Studios, the game revives the genre of classic stealth tactics games for both veteran fans and newcomers.
• Discover how the infamous unit was formed, featuring iconic characters like the Green Beret, and witness the birth of an extraordinary fighting force.
• Master the unique skillsets of this elite troop to complete challenging missions across diverse World War II battlefields.
• Experience a modern user experience with innovative gameplay mechanics, including a tactical pause mode for synchronized actions.
• Engage in a thrilling 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode to tackle daring raids with a friend online or via local split-screen.

Introduction

After more than two decades, the wait is finally over. The iconic Commandos series, a franchise that defined a generation of tactical gaming, is back with a thrilling new chapter: Commandos: Origins. This long-awaited prequel takes you back to the beginning, revealing how the legendary elite unit first came together during the darkest days of World War II. Prepare to dive into a story of bravery, strategy, and camaraderie, as this new installment promises to honor its legacy while introducing exciting innovations for a new era of players.

The Legacy of the Commandos Series

The Commandos series has a rich and influential past that began in 1998 with Pyro Studios’ groundbreaking title, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines. This game, along with sequels like Commandos 2: Men of Courage, established a new genre of real-time tactics focused on stealth and strategy. You were put in control of an infamous unit of specialists, each with a unique role, including the iconic Green Beret.

This unique formula set the standard for classic stealth tactics games, challenging you to think creatively to overcome seemingly impossible odds. The series’ impact is still felt today, and Commandos: Origins aims to build upon this incredible history of Commandos. Now, let’s explore how the gameplay has evolved and its lasting influence on the tactical genre.

Evolution from Classic Stealth Gameplay

The original Commandos games were masterpieces of design, demanding patience and precision. The gameplay was a smart combination of stealth, puzzle-solving, and real-time strategy. You controlled a small squad from a top-down isometric perspective, analyzing enemy patrols and using each character’s specific skills to complete missions. Success was never about charging in; it was about observing, planning, and executing with perfect timing.

This core loop, deeply rooted in the history of Commandos, involved a lot of trial and error. A single mistake could alert the entire enemy force, leading to a quick reload. This challenging yet rewarding experience, which defined titles like Men of Courage, forced you to think like a true special operative. How could you combine the Sapper’s trap with the Spy’s disguise to create a perfect ambush?

The satisfaction came from seeing your intricate plan unfold flawlessly. This methodical approach to classic stealth tactics games is what made the series so memorable, creating a tense atmosphere where every click mattered. It was this focus on intellectual challenge over brute force that cemented its place in gaming history.

Influences on Modern Tactical Games

The profound impact of the Commandos franchise on the gaming landscape cannot be overstated. It laid the groundwork for many modern tactical games, popularizing the concept of controlling a small, specialized squad in real-time stealth scenarios. Games that came after borrowed heavily from its formula, from synchronized takedowns to the importance of enemy vision cones.

Commandos: Origins now brings this full circle. While staying true to its roots, the new title from publisher Kalypso Media incorporates modern streamlined ideas that have refined the genre over the years. This includes a more intuitive user interface and quality-of-life improvements that make the complex gameplay more accessible without sacrificing depth. The developers at Claymore Game Studios have clearly studied what makes contemporary tactical games so compelling. According to developer interviews, “We wanted to strike a great balance between the classic stealth tactics games and modern streamlined ideas.” [Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/commandos-origins-review]

This blend of old and new ensures the game feels both nostalgic and fresh. You can expect features that honor the series’ past, such as potential legacy skins, while enjoying a polished, contemporary experience. This approach helps bridge the gap between generations of players, making Origins a fitting tribute and a bold step forward.

Commandos: Origins — Story and Setting

Get ready to journey back to the crucible of World War II, where the legendary Commandos unit was forged. Commandos: Origins tells the formative stories of this special forces group, showing how six soldiers with unique abilities were brought together for the first time. You will witness their initial encounters and grudging respect for one another as they undertake their first missions.

These missions are not for the faint of heart, involving everything from a daring raid on enemy installations to covert sabotage deep behind enemy lines. The narrative focuses on how these individuals—strangers at first—learn to combine their skills to become a truly extraordinary fighting force. The following sections will detail the historical backdrop of their missions and introduce you to the iconic characters you’ll command.

World War II Backdrop and Missions

Commandos: Origins plunges you into the most pivotal moments of World War II, taking you on a global campaign against the growing Nazi occupation. The fate of the entire world hangs in the balance as you lead your squad through meticulously recreated historical settings. The game features over 10 missions inspired by real-life events, offering a compelling glimpse into the high-stakes operations of the era.

Your missions will unfold across a variety of stunning and hostile environments. You will need to adapt your strategies to survive and succeed in each unique location, including:

• The icy plains of the Arctic, where a single footprint in the snow can give away your position.
• The vast deserts of Africa, where you must contend with harsh conditions and heavily fortified outposts.
• The western coastlines of Europe, requiring naval infiltration and amphibious assaults.

Each mission presents a new puzzle to solve, demanding you to exploit the environment and your team’s skills to their fullest. Whether you’re sabotaging a critical supply line or executing a courageous rescue mission, your actions will shape the course of the war.

Main Characters and Their Roles

At the heart of Commandos: Origins are the six infamous characters who form the elite unit. Each member brings a distinct and irreplaceable set of skills to the battlefield. Learning to master the unique skillsets of this elite troop is the key to victory. The game delves into how these clashing personalities first met and learned to work together.

The original roster is back, each with a vital role to play in your strategic planning. The founding members you’ll command include:

• Jack O’Hara, “The Green Beret”: The tough-as-nails powerhouse, an expert in close-quarters combat and moving silently.
• Thomas Hancock, “The Sapper”: The explosives expert, capable of setting traps, handling mines, and clearing obstacles.
• Sir Francis T. Woolridge, “The Sniper”: The master marksman, providing crucial long-range support to eliminate key targets.
• James Blackwood, “The Marine”: The aquatic specialist, using a harpoon gun and inflatable boat for naval operations.
• Rene Duchamp, “The Spy”: The master of infiltration, able to don enemy uniforms and use poison to create openings.
• Samuel Brooklyn, “The Driver”: The vehicle and heavy weapons specialist, essential for transportation and providing firepower.

These are the infamous characters whose combined talents make the impossible possible.

Gameplay Innovations in Commandos: Origins

While Commandos: Origins faithfully recaptures the spirit of the originals, it introduces several gameplay innovations designed to provide a modern user experience. These new features streamline the complex tactical gameplay without sacrificing the challenge that fans love. You’ll find that the game provides a more intuitive way to command your squad, allowing for more creative and synchronized strategies than ever before.

The enhancements focus on giving you more control over the battlefield, from more interactive environments to new tools that expand your tactical options. As you sneak behind enemy lines, you’ll discover fresh ways to complete missions and outsmart your foes. Let’s examine the new mechanics and level design that make this a truly modern Commandos experience.

New Mechanics and Tactical Features

A major enhancement in Commandos: Origins is the introduction of new mechanics that empower your strategic planning. The most significant of these is the “Command Mode,” a tactical pause feature that lets you freeze time to queue up actions for multiple commandos. This allows you to coordinate complex actions with precision, such as having the Green Beret and Marine perform simultaneous takedowns on two separate guards.

The game also boasts more intuitive controls and a clearer user interface, making it easier to manage your squad in the heat of the moment. These improvements help achieve a great balance between deep strategy and accessibility. Other key features include:

• Expanded Toolkits: Each commando has new toys and abilities, offering creative ways to neutralize enemies.
• Interactive Environments: You can now use destructible parts of buildings and the environment to your advantage.
• Synchronized Actions: The Command Mode makes it simple to execute elaborate, multi-character plans.
• Lethal and Non-Lethal Options: All characters have both lethal and non-lethal attacks, giving you more choices.

This smart combination of stealth and modern features ensures that both new players and veterans will find the gameplay rewarding and engaging.

Level Design and Challenge Structure

The level design in Commandos: Origins is a standout feature, offering massive, intricate, and densely populated maps that feel like high-stakes dioramas. Each mission drops you into a sprawling environment, from snowy Scandinavian bases to sun-baked African deserts, and tasks you with figuring out how to achieve your objectives. There’s no hand-holding here; you must observe, plan, and execute.

This design philosophy encourages exploration and experimentation. You’ll spend time studying enemy patrol routes, identifying blind spots, and finding the best use of your commandos’ abilities to infiltrate enemy facilities. The challenge structure is built on trial and error, but every successfully completed objective feels immensely rewarding because you earned it. As one reviewer noted, “The encouragement to explore every corner of the maps for the best opportunities is thoroughly baked in.” [Source: https://www.ign.com/articles/commandos-origins-review]

Furthermore, the game offers significant replay value. You can revisit missions to try different strategies, find all the collectibles, or attempt to complete them on a higher difficulty. This thoughtful approach to level design ensures that every aspect of the game is a test of your tactical mind.

Visuals and Audio Experience

Commandos: Origins brings the series into the modern era with a stunning audio-visual overhaul. The game boasts significant graphics upgrades that bring its detailed World War II environments to life on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series X. Every map is a visual treat, from the lush European fields to the harsh arctic landscapes, creating an immersive atmosphere for your tactical operations.

Complementing the visuals is a carefully crafted audio experience. The soundtrack sets a tense and dramatic mood, while the updated voice acting gives new personality to the iconic commandos. This combination of sights and sounds pulls you deep into the world of espionage and covert warfare. The following sections will explore the next-gen graphics and the immersive audio design in more detail.

Graphics Upgrades for Next-Gen Consoles

The visual presentation in Commandos: Origins is a massive leap forward for the series, delivering a gorgeous and polished modern user experience. The developers have rendered the huge environments entirely in three dimensions, allowing for seamless entry into buildings and full camera rotation. This gives you the freedom to survey the battlefield from any angle on your PC, PlayStation, or Xbox Series X, making it easier to spot tactical opportunities.

The maps are described as meticulously detailed dioramas, with bright and colorful locales that feel both realistic and artistically stylized. You’ll notice small details like footprints left in the snow or the way light filters through a forest canopy. These graphics upgrades create incredibly interactive environments that feel alive and reactive to your actions.

While the game is visually stunning, it’s also well-optimized. It supports modern technologies like DLSS and FSR for enhanced performance, ensuring a smooth experience even on a wide range of systems. This commitment to both beauty and performance makes Origins a true next-gen tactical experience.

Soundtrack and Voice Acting

The audio design in Commandos: Origins plays a crucial role in building its tense, immersive atmosphere. As you guide your squad through the hushed shadows of history, the soundtrack swells and recedes to match the on-screen action, heightening the sense of danger and suspense. While some find the musical score a bit limited, its effectiveness in creating a cinematic mood for your operations behind enemy lines is undeniable.

Where the audio truly shines is in the voice acting. The developers have made a significant effort to give each commando a distinct personality through their dialogue and interactions. You’ll hear the ill-tempered bickering as the team slowly builds a grudging respect for one another.

The new voice actors have done an excellent job of capturing the tone and signature lines of the original characters, providing a sense of nostalgic familiarity for long-time fans. This renewed focus on characterization through sound helps you connect with the squad on a deeper level, making their perilous missions all the more engaging.

Comparing Editions and Purchase Options

When preparing to join the fight in Commandos: Origins, you’ll have a couple of options to consider. Publisher Kalypso Media is expected to offer different editions of the game, allowing you to choose the package that best suits your interest in the series’ own storied history. While details may vary, these editions typically include a Standard version and a Deluxe version with extra digital goodies. The game will be available on major platforms, ensuring a wide audience can experience this new chapter. For those looking to get the most out of their experience, understanding the differences between the editions is key. Below is a comparison of what you might expect from the standard vs. deluxe content.

This table provides a general idea of what to look for when making your purchase.

Standard vs. Deluxe Content

Choosing between the Standard and Deluxe editions of Commandos: Origins comes down to how deep you want to dive into the game’s world. The Standard Edition provides the complete core experience: the full 10+ mission campaign, access to the cooperative multiplayer, and all the tactical gameplay you could ask for. It’s the perfect choice if you’re simply looking to play the game and experience the exciting new story.

For dedicated fans and collectors, the Deluxe Edition typically offers more. While specifics are yet to be confirmed, this version is expected to include exclusive digital content that enhances every aspect of the game. A common inclusion in such editions is a digital artbook, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the stunning visuals and character designs.

Another likely bonus is the official soundtrack, allowing you to enjoy the game’s tense and atmospheric music anytime. Perhaps most exciting for long-time fans is the potential for legacy skins. These would allow you to outfit your commandos in their classic appearances from the original games, adding a wonderful touch of nostalgia to your playthroughs.

Available Platforms in the U.S.

You’ll be able to enlist in Commandos: Origins on all major modern gaming platforms in the United States. Publisher Kalypso Media has ensured that the game will be accessible to a wide audience by launching it on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This multi-platform release means that whether you’re a dedicated PC strategist or prefer to command your squad from the couch, you won’t be left behind.

The PC version offers the classic mouse-and-keyboard control scheme that the series is known for, along with extensive graphics options and support for ultrawide monitors. On the console side, the PlayStation and Xbox Series X versions have been designed with a dedicated gamepad control scheme, featuring a unique UI and direct analog character movement to make tactical gameplay smooth and intuitive on a controller.

This broad availability ensures that players across different ecosystems can experience the thrilling return of this legendary franchise. No matter your platform of choice, you’ll be able to lead the Commandos on their first perilous missions and witness the birth of a legend.

Reception and Critical Response

Since its announcement, Commandos: Origins has generated significant excitement, and the initial reception from critics and players has been largely positive. Reviewer impressions praise the game as a faithful and challenging return to form, celebrating its deep tactical gameplay and modern polish. Many see it as a worthy successor that successfully revives the dormant franchise for a new generation.

However, the response isn’t without its criticisms. Some reviews and early player community feedback have pointed out technical issues, including bugs and a clunky UI, that can disrupt the experience. Despite these hitches, the consensus is that the core gameplay, from planning a daring raid to executing the most challenging tasks, is as satisfying as ever.

Reviewer Impressions

Reviewers have largely hailed Commandos: Origins as an exciting and successful revival of the beloved series. Many critics praised it for striking a great balance between classic mechanics and modern design, creating a challenging and consistently satisfying experience. The game’s focus on pure stealth and intricate, puzzle-like missions has been a highlight, with many noting that the satisfaction of executing a perfect plan is as strong as it was in the original video games.

The gorgeous visuals and detailed, sprawling maps have also received high marks, with reviewers calling the environments stunning dioramas that are a joy to explore. The introduction of the Command Mode has been singled out as a powerful and intuitive tool that enhances strategic planning during pivotal moments of a mission.

However, the impressions are not universally glowing. Several reviews have pointed out a variety of technical problems, from minor glitches to more frustrating bugs that can force a reload. Criticisms have also been aimed at an occasionally clumsy UI and inconsistent enemy AI. Despite these issues, most reviewers agree that Commandos: Origins is a great game and a worthy new entry in the franchise.

Player Community Feedback

Early player community feedback for Commandos: Origins reflects a deep appreciation for the franchise’s return, mixed with some frustration over technical shortcomings. Long-time fans have expressed delight in seeing the series brought back with such care, celebrating the nostalgic gameplay loop and the chance to command the iconic characters once again. The challenging nature of the game is a frequent topic of discussion, with players sharing stories of hard-won victories and the immense satisfaction of finally being able to complete missions.

A major highlight for the community is the inclusion of a 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode. Players have praised the ability to team up with a friend to tackle missions, noting that it adds a new layer of strategic depth and fun to every aspect of the game. The communication required to coordinate actions in co-op is seen as both a fun challenge and a highly rewarding experience.

On the other hand, players have also echoed the concerns raised by reviewers regarding bugs and UI clunkiness. Some have reported game-breaking issues that halt progress, leading to calls for patches and fixes. Despite these technical hurdles, the overall sentiment is one of excitement and hope that the developers will continue to support and refine the game.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Commandos: Origins” not only pays homage to the beloved legacy of the Commandos series but also introduces a wave of innovative gameplay mechanics that enhance the tactical experience for both veterans and newcomers. Set against the rich backdrop of World War II, the game immerses players in meticulously designed missions filled with strategic challenges and memorable characters. The visual and audio upgrades elevate the experience, ensuring it resonates with modern gaming audiences. Whether you’re exploring the game’s history or diving into its engaging content, there’s something for everyone. Ready to embark on this tactical adventure? Don’t miss out—get your copy today and join the action!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Commandos: Origins suitable for newcomers to the series?

Absolutely. As a prequel, Commandos: Origins is the perfect starting point. This new chapter combines classic stealth tactics games with a modern user experience and an intuitive tutorial, making it accessible for new players while offering the depth that veterans expect from a smart combination of stealth and strategy.

Does Commandos: Origins include multiplayer modes?

Yes, Commandos: Origins features a robust 2-player cooperative multiplayer mode, available both online and via local split-screen. This aspect of the game allows you and a friend to complete missions together, finding a great balance of teamwork and strategy to overcome challenges.

What distinguishes Commandos: Origins from previous titles in the franchise?

Commandos: Origins stands out with its prequel narrative, revealing how the team formed. Gameplay innovations include new mechanics like the tactical “Command Mode” for synchronized actions, more interactive environments, and intuitive controls that modernize the classic formula for a new generation of players.