Commandos: Origins Review Summary

Captures classic Commandos feel: The game successfully captures the essence and feeling of the original Commandos series, evoking nostalgia for long-time fans. It retains the classic gameplay while incorporating modern improvements and quality-of-life features. Many reviewers with fond memories of the original games express strong satisfaction.

Improved graphics and controls: Reviewers praise the game's graphics as a significant improvement over previous installments, highlighting the attention to detail. The updated visuals and improved controls contribute to a more modern and enjoyable experience.

Learns from modern stealth games: The game incorporates lessons from other stealth titles, particularly those by Mimimi Games, while distinguishing itself from similar titles. It adopts modern mechanics and improvements without sacrificing the core gameplay.

Challenging and strategic missions: The game offers challenging missions with varied environments that require strategic thinking and exploration. Configurable difficulty allows players to tailor the experience to their preference.

Extensive language localization: The game features text and voice localization in multiple languages, including full Spanish localization and Chinese voice acting, enhancing accessibility for a wider audience.

Severe technical issues plague game: Numerous players report significant technical issues, including frequent crashes, audio problems (missing sound, out-of-sync dialogue), lag, unrendered models and game-breaking bugs. Many describe the game as unplayable or not ready for release, with some requesting refunds due to these problems. These issues appear consistently across multiple reviews.

Missing key Commandos features: Reviewers express disappointment that the game omits key features and mechanics from the original Commandos series, such as searchable bodies, inventory systems, mission briefings, and the ability to take enemy weapons. Some feel it lacks the depth and challenge of the originals, making it a generic imitation.

Game difficulty too low: Multiple reviewers found the game too easy, even on the highest difficulty settings. This reduces the strategic challenge and replayability for experienced players.

Poor enemy AI implementation: Reviewers consistently describe the game's AI as unintelligent, with enemies exhibiting illogical behavior and poor reactions to player actions. This undermines the strategic gameplay and reduces the challenge.

Bugged command mode: Command mode is reported as bugged and inconsistent, with characters not performing actions as commanded. This makes strategic planning and execution difficult.

Streamlined items, tedious character switching: The game streamlines item collection by removing a dedicated inventory. However, interaction prompts are character-specific, forcing players to cycle through characters to find interaction options, which some find tedious.

Six characters with unique abilities: The playable team consists of six characters, each with unique abilities. These characters include Green Beret, Sniper, Sapper, Marine, Driver, and Spy, allowing for diverse approaches to missions.

Campaign offers replayable missions: The main campaign features over ten missions with both primary and secondary objectives. This design encourages replayability as players explore different strategies and complete all objectives.

Vision-based enemy AI: Enemy AI relies on field of vision, making player movement and positioning crucial. This emphasizes the importance of stealth and tactical planning.

Hiding bodies is possible: Players can hide bodies in various locations throughout the game. This mechanic is essential for maintaining stealth and avoiding detection.

DLSS/VSync improves performance: Some players have found that enabling DLSS or VSync improves performance by stabilizing frame rates and reducing stuttering or screen tearing. This suggests that these technologies can help mitigate some of the game's performance issues.

Detailed environments via Unreal Engine 5: The game utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to create detailed and immersive environments. This point is more descriptive than critical, highlighting a technical aspect of the game's design.

Wait for fixes/sale: Many reviewers recommend waiting for patches or a sale due to significant bugs and performance issues. Some suggest the game feels unfinished or not worth the current price, while others plan to repurchase after fixes. This widespread concern significantly impacts the game's current playability and value.

Hopes for future content: Reviewers express hope for future content, sequels, and continued development from the current team. This indicates a positive outlook on the game's potential and the developers' capabilities. This suggests a desire for the franchise to continue and expand.

Great for series' veterans: The game is highly recommended for fans of the original Commandos series. Reviewers emphasize that it faithfully recreates the classic experience and is a must-buy for veterans. Some suggest playing on hard difficulty for a greater challenge.

Positive due to nostalgia: Some positive reviews are driven by nostalgia for the original games, despite acknowledging current flaws. The reviewers urge developers to fix bugs to preserve these childhood memories. This sentiment, while positive, is less actionable than feedback on specific gameplay elements.

Positive reception overall: Reviewers express overall congratulations and enjoyment of the game, referring to it as a 'marvel'. The 23-year wait was not in vain. This indicates a positive reception and satisfaction with the game's quality.

Monitoring bugs, post-release patches: The reviewer intends to monitor the game for bugs and stability issues as they continue playing, noting that a patch has already been released. This suggests a potential concern about the initial state of the game and a need for ongoing updates.

WWII commando unit origin story: The game's narrative centers around the formation of an elite commando unit during World War II, led by Jack O'Hara and featuring five specialists. This origin story provides a backdrop for the game's missions and character development.

Twitching enemy death animations: The enemy death animations are described as involving twitching. While seemingly minor, this detail can impact the overall feel and potentially the realism of combat.