Commandos: Origins revives one of the most iconic tactical franchises in video game history. Developed by Claymore Game Studios, this long-awaited installment is both a prequel and a return to form for the beloved Commandos series. After a two-decade absence — excluding the 2006 FPS spinoff Commandos: Strike Force — the series finally reclaims its roots with a modern take on real-time stealth strategy.

Bridging Nostalgia and Modern Design

The developers faced a difficult challenge: honoring the nostalgia of longtime fans while updating the experience for modern gamers. Commandos: Origins manages to walk this fine line, reviving the WWII tactical genre that the series helped define in the late 90s. With tactical strategy games regaining popularity thanks to hits like Shadow Tactics and Desperados III, the timing for this revival feels just right.

A Story Set in the Shadows of World War II

The game’s story begins in the early 1940s. At the height of WWII, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill commissions an elite task force — the Commandos — to carry out covert operations behind enemy lines. This narrative backdrop allows the game to explore the origins of each team member, offering personal insight into what drives them to fight.

Classic Gameplay with Strategic Depth

Commandos: Origins retains the franchise’s trademark gameplay style:

• Isometric perspective

• Stealth-focused missions

• Careful planning over brute force Each mission demands patience, precision, and environmental analysis. Charging in guns blazing is rarely an option. Instead, you’ll need to study patrol routes, time your actions perfectly, and use each commando’s unique skills to overcome challenges.

Meet the Elite Team: Six Commandos, Six Specialties

The game features six fully playable characters, each bringing unique strengths:

• Jack (Green Beret): Expert in melee combat and brute tactics

• Thomas (Sapper): Explosives and demolition specialist

• Francis (Sniper): Long-range assassin

• Samuel (Driver): Skilled with vehicles and machinery

• James (Marine): Amphibious specialist for naval operations

• René Duchamp (Spy): Master of disguise and infiltration

Each character supports a different tactical approach, allowing players to experiment with varied strategies and playstyles.

Command Mode: Planning Makes Perfect

A standout feature in Commandos: Origins is the Command Mode. Activated with the Shift key, this mode pauses time and lets you queue up synchronized actions for all characters. It’s a powerful tool for executing multi-character stealth takedowns or breaching fortified areas with precision.

Smart AI and Varied Enemy Behavior

The game introduces a range of enemies — from basic soldiers to sharpshooters and technicians. Each type features unique patrol patterns, alert levels, and sightlines. Snipers pose a major threat from a distance, while civilian NPCs can raise alarms, forcing players to think two steps ahead.

Level Design: Complex, Sandbox, and Replayable

Each mission is set in historically inspired WWII locations — from frozen northern territories to scorching African deserts. Levels are large, intricate, and highly interactive, offering:

• Multiple objectives (main + optional)

• Environmental traps and distractions

• Sandbox-style freedom of approach

Whether you’re setting traps, sabotaging vehicles, or creating fake accidents, the freedom to improvise elevates the gameplay. Players are encouraged to replay missions to try different tactics or complete all side objectives.

Inventory Changes: Streamlining vs. Depth

Unlike previous entries, Commandos: Origins eliminates the traditional inventory system. Items are now context-sensitive and tied to character abilities. This simplifies gameplay but may disappoint fans who appreciated the strategic item management of earlier titles. The shift reflects an effort to modernize the franchise, though it slightly reduces the series’ former depth.

Graphics and Performance: A Visual Upgrade with Caveats

Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game sees a major visual leap forward:

• Detailed character models

• Realistic lighting and shadows

• Immersive environments with diverse terrains

However, some players reported performance issues, including frame drops and visual bugs, especially on consoles. While the graphics are undeniably impressive, these technical hiccups may hinder immersion — hopefully, future updates will improve optimization.

Sound Design and Voice Acting

The audio design includes:

• Dynamic soundtrack

• Authentic ambient sounds

• Voice lines for all characters

Though functional, the soundtrack has drawn mixed reviews, with some fans missing the memorable themes of earlier titles. Voice acting also received criticism for occasional mismatches in tone or delivery.

No Autosave: A Throwback with Mixed Reactions

The game lacks an autosave feature during missions, requiring manual saving — a nod to the series’ old-school roots. While this adds tension and strategic weight, some players may find it tedious or unforgiving.

A Challenge Worth the Patience

Commandos: Origins is not an easy game. Its difficulty curve and emphasis on stealth will appeal to tactical veterans but may frustrate newcomers. That said, the high replay value, variety of mission outcomes, and multiple solutions to each scenario make it a rewarding experience for persistent players.

Final Verdict: Is Commandos: Origins Worth It?

Commandos: Origins is a respectful and impressive return for a legendary franchise. It delivers:

• Deep, strategic gameplay

• A classic WWII setting with modern visuals

• Diverse and replayable missions

Despite a few technical issues and design changes that may divide longtime fans, the game is a solid entry into the genre and a must-play for stealth strategy enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Commandos: Origins a sequel or a prequel?

It’s a prequel, exploring the formation of the elite Commandos team during WWII.

Does the game have a co-op or multiplayer mode?

At launch, Commandos: Origins is a single-player-only experience.

Which platforms is the game available on?

It is available for PC and current-gen consoles (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S).

Does the game support manual saves?

Yes — manual saves only, with no autosave system during missions.

Is there any DLC planned?

No official announcements yet, but the developers may expand the story or missions in future updates.