Commandos: Origins

Commandos: Origins is a real-time tactics stealth game. It serves as a prequel to the classic Commandos series and follows the origins of the titular elite World War II unit. Returning to the roots of the genre, Origins emphasizes slow-paced, tactical gameplay in historically inspired environments. It features six playable commandos, each with distinct abilities, working together across more than ten missions.

The game chronicles the formation of the legendary commando team led by Jack O’Hara, the Green Beret. Other members include the Sapper, Sniper, Driver, Marine, and Spy. The narrative unfolds through missions that take players from Arctic regions and European coastlines to North African deserts and the Eastern Front. Each operation requires a careful mix of stealth, timing, and strategic use of each character's unique skills.

Gameplay focuses on real-time stealth tactics, encouraging players to analyze enemy vision cones, exploit environmental details, and coordinate simultaneous actions using the Command Mode system. This feature allows players to pause the action, plan each commando's moves, and then execute them simultaneously—facilitating complex maneuvers and multi-character takedowns.

The game offers multiple paths to mission completion through interactive environments, and missions often blend core objectives with optional challenges to reward creative planning. Players can drive vehicles, use distractions, climb buildings, and more, depending on the tools available to each commando. Many of the original series' features return, except for picking up items and inventory management, for instance healing when injured.

The game utilizes fully 3D-rendered environments with dynamic camera controls and seamless indoor/outdoor transitions. Missions resemble detailed dioramas, with intricate layouts designed to promote experimentation and various routes. A modern control scheme and user interface aim to make the experience accessible to both series veterans and newcomers. The game supports both single-player and two-player cooperative multiplayer, available via online play or local split-screen.