Review: Commandos: Origins

The Green Beret is back in an origins story where the Commandos squad comes together for their first missions.

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STORY

The narrative of Commandos: Origins takes us back to World War II, exploring several iconic settings from that historical period, such as the occupation of Norway, the German borders, and the North African desert.

It all begins in June 1940, when sapper Thomas Hancock is tasked with forming a new special unit called “Commandos.” During his journey, he recruits several talented soldiers, including the legendary Sergeant Jack O’Hara, the unforgettable Green Beret of the franchise.

Together, they form an elite team of six specialists: Green Beret, Sapper, Sniper, Marine, Spy, and Driver. Their missions range from sabotage to infiltration and rescue, taking the player across operations in the Arctic, Africa, and Europe.

The story is told in a straightforward way, without excessive exposition, but with plenty of personality. The cutscenes are very well produced, and the cinematic tone of the opening sequences stands out. The game manages to balance the drama of war with the classic feeling of taking part in an impossible mission.

GAMEPLAY

This is where Commandos: Origins truly shines. The classic formula remains intact but with a fair amount of refinement. Each mission demands tactical thinking, patience, and observation. The gameplay revolves around giving precise commands and carefully planning each step of your squad, using each character’s strengths.

The game features 14 main missions, each with its own objectives and optional tasks. You can choose between a lethal or completely pacifist approach, allowing for multiple playstyles. It’s even possible to complete almost every mission without killing a single enemy, which not only adds an interesting challenge but is also tied to specific in-game achievements.

Among the characters, the Green Beret remains the main icon, specializing in close combat and infiltration. The Sapper is responsible for creating traps and clearing paths. The Sniper is essential for taking out distant targets, while the Spy allows access to restricted areas in disguise. Each member is vital for the team’s success.

One of the most interesting additions is the ability to plan simultaneous actions between characters. The player can pause time and program synchronized commands, allowing for coordinated attacks or combined distractions.

This feature already appeared in Commandos-inspired games like Desperados III and Shadow Gambit, but seeing it return to the original franchise feels deeply satisfying.

The difficulty level is high and, at times, punishing. Players must be creative and observant, using the environment to their advantage, hiding bodies, and exploring alternate routes. It’s the kind of game that demands constant attention and strategy.

SOUND AND VISUALS

The art direction is one of the game’s strongest points. The environments are rich in detail and accurately portray the atmosphere of World War II battlefronts. The African desert, European villages, and Nazi bases all balance realism with visual clarity—something essential for this genre.

The cutscenes are impressive and help build the game’s atmosphere. The Green Beret, for example, maintains his imposing posture and striking personality, reminiscent of an ‘80s action movie hero.

The sound design also delivers excellently. The voice acting is iconic and full of charisma, with memorable lines that bring back the nostalgia of classic Commandos games. The soundtrack is subtle but creates the perfect tension during missions.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The achievement system in Commandos: Origins is unfortunately one of the game’s least friendly aspects. There are conflicts between objectives that demand opposite playstyles, such as eliminating all enemies versus completing missions without killing anyone. This forces players to replay several stages to reach 100%, making the process exhausting.

For completionists, it can be frustrating. The achievements seem designed more to test patience than to reward dedication.

TRAILER OFFICIAL

RESUME

Playing Commandos: Origins feels like coming home after many years. As a fan of the genre and content creator for the TV Estratégia channel, which focuses on strategy and tactics games, I can say this experience was special. Commandos has always been one of my favorite franchises, and seeing such a faithful return was deeply satisfying.

That said, the game doesn’t quite reach the technical polish of Mimimi Games’ recent masterpieces like Desperados III and Shadow Gambit. Those titles raised the bar for the genre, and Commandos: Origins feels one step behind. Even so, it honors the franchise’s legacy with respect and delivers a solid, nostalgic experience.

Commandos: Origins is an honest and competent return to one of the most respected Real-Time Tactics franchises. It doesn’t revolutionize the formula but stays true to its roots, offering exactly what fans expected: challenging missions, memorable characters, and that constant sense of tension and planning.

Despite a few technical hiccups, a steep learning curve, and a somewhat frustrating achievement system, the game remains one of the best recent options for fans of real-time tactics and strategy.

It’s a worthy tribute to the franchise that helped define the genre. Even if it doesn’t reach the same refinement as newer titles, Commandos: Origins proves that the old guard still knows how to conquer the battlefield.

SCORE:85/100

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