Commandos: Origins Review – A Bold Return to Tactical Roots

 Commandos: Origins brings the iconic tactical stealth gameplay back to life, delivering a faithful yet refreshed experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. Developed by Claymore Game Studios and published by Kalypso Media, this prequel explores the early days of the Green Beret Jack O’Hara and his team, against the gritty backdrop of World War II.

A Return to Classic Stealth

At its core, Commandos: Origins captures the spirit of the original series: methodical, slow-paced, and rewarding for patient players. Missions take place across varied terrains — from frozen Arctic landscapes to scorched African deserts — where every move must be calculated. Stealth remains the key to survival, with players needing to study enemy patrol patterns, use the environment to their advantage, and combine each commando's unique abilities.

The newly introduced "Command Mode" is a standout addition, letting players queue up multiple actions across the squad and execute them simultaneously. This mechanic, inspired by modern tactical games like Desperados III, adds a layer of strategic depth and allows for more fluid, cinematic take-downs.

Strengths

• Stealth-first design: True to the franchise’s legacy, Origins places heavy emphasis on avoiding direct confrontation. Observing, planning, and acting with precision feels as satisfying as ever.

• Tactical flexibility: Well-crafted maps offer multiple solutions to each objective, encouraging creative problem-solving rather than rigid paths.

• Command Mode innovation: Synchronized moves feel natural and open new possibilities for complex strategies, especially in tightly guarded areas.

Shortcomings

While the heart of Commandos: Origins beats strong, a few technical issues hold it back. Bugs, such as pathfinding glitches and characters getting stuck during saves, occasionally disrupt the flow. Moreover, the absence of an autosave feature forces players to manually save frequently, which can be frustrating during longer missions.

Final Verdict

Commandos: Origins is a loving revival that respects the series' tactical roots while modernizing its mechanics for today’s audience. Despite some rough edges, it delivers a deeply engaging stealth experience that rewards careful planning and sharp thinking. For fans of tactical strategy games, this is a return worth celebrating — and a promising sign for the future of the franchise.