Commandos: Origins brings back the nostalgic real-time tactics

After nearly two decades, Commandos: Origins revives the beloved real-time tactics series, delivering a prequel that captures the essence of its predecessors while introducing modern refinements. Developed by Claymore Game Studios and released on April 9, 2025, this isometric stealth game plunges players into World War II, commanding an elite squad through perilous missions. With a focus on meticulous planning and stealth, Origins strikes a balance between nostalgia and accessibility, though it stumbles with technical hiccups.

What can we expect from the game?

Set during the early days of the Commandos unit, the game follows iconic characters like Jack O’Hara (Green Beret) and the Sapper as they assemble their team to tackle enemy forces across diverse locales, Arctic tundras, African deserts, and European battlegrounds. Each of the six commandos boasts unique abilities: the Sniper’s long-range precision, the Marine’s aquatic prowess, and the Spy’s silenced Luger, among others. Missions, spanning over 20 hours, demand creative problem-solving, with sprawling maps offering multiple paths, whether sneaking past patrols or orchestrating coordinated takedowns. The satisfaction of a perfectly executed plan, leaving enemies oblivious, is as rewarding as ever.

Compared to classics like Commandos 2 & 3 - HD Remaster Double Pack and Commandos 2: Men of Courage, Origins retains the series’ core: real-time stealth tactics and punishing difficulty. However, it streamlines certain mechanics. Gone is the inventory management that defined earlier titles, where players scavenged enemy weapons or managed limited resources. While this simplifies gameplay, it may disappoint veterans who enjoyed the added complexity, particularly the Green Beret’s ability to wield enemy MP40s. Origins emphasizes pure stealth over hybrid combat, a shift that sharpens its focus but sacrifices some versatility. The older games’ pixelated charm has been replaced with vibrant, detailed visuals, and the interface feels more intuitive, making it approachable for newcomers.

Yet, Origins isn’t flawless. Bugs, like characters getting stuck or disappearing, disrupt the flow, though frequent quicksaves mitigate frustration. Console controls, unlike the precise mouse-and-keyboard setup of earlier years, feel clunky, restricting tactical finesse. Despite these issues, which will probably get fixed with later updates, the game’s challenging missions and replayable difficulties maintain the series’ high-stakes thrill.

Commandos: Origins is a heartfelt tribute to its audience, merging fond memories with contemporary style. While it doesn’t surpass Commandos 2’s depth, its tactical sandbox and engaging stealth gameplay make it a worthy successor, provided you can overlook its rough edges. If you’re willing to give in to your nostalgia, you can use our price comparator to find the best prices for Commandos: Origins.