Review: DLC: Commandos Origins: Shadows Over Crete

Silent war under the sun of Crete

The DLC is set in 1941, on the island of Crete, 17 days after the German invasion, and from the very beginning it makes it clear that its goal is to expand the base game experience without breaking its identity.

We receive instructions directly from Kyria Andris, a central figure in the local resistance, which immediately creates a more direct narrative connection to the island’s conflict.

One of the most noticeable changes lies in the mission presentation.

The map gains an unprecedented dynamic, with markings, paths, and visual highlights for objectives and key elements, almost as if the narrator were drawing the plans on a table. It’s a simple detail, but one that reinforces the strategic aspect and helps better contextualize each operation.

GAMEPLAY

During gameplay, some pop-ins of graphical elements do appear, especially with environmental objects and enemy units spawning at a distance. Although noticeable, these issues do not compromise map readability or strategy execution, functioning more as a minor annoyance than a structural flaw.

The Driver, who in the base game tends to have a more discreet role outside the use of heavy vehicles, gains a much more interesting presence here. Beyond being essential for moving trucks and repositioning cargo, his abilities to climb poles, infiltrate vertical areas, and eliminate isolated enemies are explored more frequently. This brings greater variety to approaches and adds value to a character that previously felt more limited.

It’s important to note that the entire analysis was done on Veteran difficulty, attempting to complete missions without triggering alarms, a challenge that directly ties into the achievements present in the DLC. This approach highlights how the level design favors careful planning, observation of enemy patterns, and clean execution, punishing mistakes with fast reinforcements and situations that are difficult to recover from.

The introduction of paratroopers works as a narrative justification for the increased enemy presence, but mechanically they differ very little from standard soldiers. The lack of exclusive equipment or distinct behaviors makes their presence feel more quantitative than qualitative, serving more to raise pressure in certain missions than to drastically change the way you play.

Another standout point is the collectibles. Unlike the base game, where they are more easily identifiable, in the DLC they are much better hidden, requiring close attention to the map, careful exploration, and, in some cases, trial and error. Since there are few of them, the impact is not frustrating, but it definitely demands more dedication from players aiming for full completion.

Overall, Shadows over Crete maintains the classic tactical rhythm of Commandos, while adding small variations that enrich the experience without stripping it of its identity.

VISUALS AND SOUND

The quality of the DLC’s environment design is on par with the base game. The missions in Crete feature coastal villages, rural areas, and occupied zones that strongly reinforce the contrast between the island’s natural beauty and the oppressive presence of war.

Visual readability of the maps remains clear, even in more open environments, and the use of shadows, terrain elevation, and alternative routes reinforces tactical freedom. Despite a few minor technical issues, the visual package remains solid and consistent with the series’ proposal.

The sound design continues to be efficient and functional, with environmental noises, footsteps, alerts, and interactions that help the player understand the mission’s state without relying too heavily on the interface. There are no excesses, just consistent work that sustains tension and the need for constant attention.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The DLC’s achievements are clearly focused on player progression and mastery, especially regarding stealth. There are achievements tied to completing missions without triggering alarms and to finishing objectives on higher difficulties.

Overall, there are few achievements, but they are demanding, designed for players who truly master the game’s systems. They encourage planning, patience, and precise execution, functioning more as recognition of player skill than as simple automatic rewards.

These achievements reinforce the game’s narrative and symbolic focus, acting as markers of progress and small parallel stories that connect to the broader theme of Ro’s journey. Despite being limited in number, they require full exploration of the regions and involve puzzles, specific interactions, and decisive battles, making them challenging and far from trivial.

TRAILER OFFICIAL

Commandos: Origins – Shadows over Crete is a DLC that perfectly understands what the series’ player base expects. It doesn’t try to reinvent the formula, but instead expands the content with well-crafted missions, small presentation variations, and more interesting use of characters that previously played secondary roles.

Even with some minor limitations, such as underdeveloped new enemy types and small technical issues, the package delivers solid challenges, high-quality environments, and a consistent reinforcement of the franchise’s tactical identity.

With this expansion, Commandos: Origins further establishes itself as one of the genre’s strong representatives, offering an experience that respects its heritage and rewards players willing to think carefully about every step before acting.

Review by Gamertag: Scoulz

SCORE: 85/100