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Commandos enthusiasts have had their patience tried over the years, especially since the days of Commandos 3. Whether you’ve been biding your time or stealthily dispatching enemies, the wait has paid off with the arrival of Commandos: Origins. This game retains the slow, intricate planning and execution of its predecessors while offering a polished look. After dedicating about 60 hours to conquering its missions, and knowing there’s more to explore if I decide to leave no stone—or soldier—unturned, I can affirm its appeal. However, there have been a few bugs that players will need to navigate, similar to how you’d outsmart a hidden sniper. Some glitches I managed to avoid, while others required a bit of problem-solving.
If you’re new to the series, Commandos dives deep into the realm of real-time tactical stealth, taking us back to World War II. Imagine guiding a team of elite, albeit gruff, commandos through enemy territory with nothing but your wits and mouse clicks. It’s reminiscent of modern cinematic adventures like The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, minus the Hollywood flair and humorous touch. Or think along the lines of BBC’s Rogue Heroes, but with far less profanity and no rock anthems.
Although the humor might not be as pronounced, Commandos: Origins delivers possibly the most refined version of the franchise to date. It provides a recognizable experience for seasoned players and a user-friendly entry point for newcomers ready for a challenge.
Stealth and strategy are at the heart of Origins, presenting a series of deadly puzzles. Each encounter requires keen observation of the enemies’ sightlines and crafting ways to neutralize threats without attracting undue attention. Much of my gameplay involved meticulously planning attacks, feeling like a predator in ambush.
Your commando team, consisting of six unique operatives, offers diverse skills to tackle each mission. The game smartly assigns members for specific tasks based on their abilities, although you might miss the thrill of having all six heroes at your disposal more often. I found myself gravitating towards the Marine’s arsenal of throwing knives and harpoon gun, but the occasional restriction pushed me to diversify my tactics.
Inventory management from previous games is not missed, a choice that seems deliberate to emphasize stealth over aggressive combat. This philosophy is enhanced by the most intriguing feature: Command Mode. Drawing inspiration from modes seen in Desperados 3 and Shadow Gambit, Command Mode allows you to pause time and choreograph multi-character actions. Executing these plans perfectly is immensely gratifying, whether through simultaneous stealth takedowns or complex maneuvers involving various weapons.
Success in Origins demands patience and strategic thinking. You must find the perfect starting point for your takedown strategy, experimenting with distractions and paths until you achieve a clear victory. The satisfaction lies in outsmarting both your foes and the game’s creators.
Commandos: Origins presents rich and expansive environments where each level feels like a detailed diorama—a battlefield of toy soldiers. From snowy landscapes to lush fields and arid deserts, the variety keeps the gameplay exciting. The game’s 3D world allows seamless exploration of buildings and fluid camera control, although swift movements sometimes lead to brief choppiness.
Navigating complex settings can be tricky, with occasional glitches like misplaced enemies or incorrect floor indicators. These hiccups, while annoying, are not deal-breakers and are often resolved by a camera adjustment or a quick reload.
The effectiveness of quick saves is crucial in tactical gaming, aiding experimentation and risk-taking. However, in Origins, quick-saving can sometimes lead to peculiar bugs, such as stranded commandos in inaccessible areas or unintentional water-walking soldiers. These issues can typically be sidestepped with strategic saving habits.
Occasional detection errors and AI glitches can be exploited, allowing for unforeseen tactical advantages, but also revealing areas for potential improvement. While the AI behaves unpredictably at times, keeping you alert, it lacks the intuitive behaviors seen in other stealth games.
Ultimately, despite some technical setbacks, Commandos: Origins delivers a deeply rewarding experience that both honors its roots and breathes new life into the genre. Whether you’re tactically removing threats or exploring its immersive settings, this game demonstrates there’s still plenty of excitement in the classic art of stealth.
