Commandos: Origins revives the real-time tactics strategy genre with a focus on World War II stealth operations. As a prequel to the classic series, it puts you in command of an elite squad tackling high-stakes missions against Nazi forces. This PC title, also available on consoles, emphasizes careful planning and coordinated actions in varied historical settings.
Gameplay
In Commandos: Origins, you direct a team of six specialists through real-time stealth and tactics. Each mission demands blending abilities like silent takedowns, explosive setups, and sniper shots to infiltrate enemy bases without raising alarms. Environments allow multiple paths, such as climbing structures, driving vehicles, or hiding in shadows, encouraging experimentation with strategies.
The controls offer precision for managing multiple characters at once, letting you queue actions and synchronize moves against fortified positions. Success hinges on observing patrols, using distractions, and adapting to dynamic threats in locations from Arctic tundras to African deserts.
Game Modes
The core experience centers on a single-player campaign spanning more than 10 missions, each with main and optional objectives that test tactical skills in authentic WWII backdrops.
For shared play, a two-player cooperative mode supports online connections or local split-screen, where partners coordinate the squad to complete challenges together.
Characters and Abilities
The squad includes familiar faces with distinct roles. Jack O'Hara, the Green Beret, handles close combat and heavy lifting. Thomas Hancock, the Sapper, sets traps and demolishes obstacles. Francis Woolridge, the Sniper, picks off distant targets. Samuel Brooklyn, the Driver, operates vehicles. James Blackwood, the Marine, excels in aquatic maneuvers. Rene Duchamp, the Spy, disguises himself to gather intel and sabotage.
Combining these skills forms the backbone of missions, where one character's distraction enables another's infiltration.
Is It Worth Playing?
Commandos: Origins appeals to those who enjoy demanding strategy games with a stealth emphasis. Player reviews on platforms like Steam show 77% positive feedback from over 1,500 users, highlighting its challenging levels and modern updates to the series formula. Critics have noted strong level design while pointing out a lack of narrative depth.
If you prefer thoughtful puzzle-solving over fast action, this title delivers rewarding victories through smart tactics. It suits solo players or pairs looking for cooperative depth, though it may frustrate those seeking easier progression. With no major updates confirmed since its April 2025 release, the base content stands as a solid entry for genre enthusiasts.
