Commandos: Origins

The story of Commandos: Origins is generally praised for its historical context and nostalgic appeal, with several critics highlighting its role as a prequel to the original series. Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub emphasize that the game narrates the origins of the Commandos during World War II, focusing on characters like Jack O’Hara and his team as they undertake missions against the Nazis. GameMAG and Gamepressure note the introduction of unique characters with distinct abilities, while TheSixthAxis and PCGamesN describe it as a backstory that explores the formation of the elite unit. TheXboxHub and Cultura Geek also commend the game’s emphasis on stealth and strategic gameplay, framing the narrative as a return to the series’ roots. Additionally, Gamepressure and Vandal acknowledge the effort to evoke nostalgia for long-time fans, suggesting that the story, while not groundbreaking, successfully channels the spirit of the original Commandos through its wartime setting and mission structure. These positive aspects position the game as a familiar, if not deeply innovative, entry in the franchise. However, the narrative is widely criticized for its lack of depth, coherence, and character development. Eurogamer Germany and CD-Action both describe the story as superficial, with minimal character interactions and a skeletal plot that relies on missions over meaningful storytelling. Game8 and Gamesurf point to the "token narrative" and "disconnected" missions, while Gameliner and GameStar note the absence of a cohesive thread, with loading screens replacing cutscenes to convey information. IGN France and SpazioGames also mention the plot’s minimalism, focusing on action rather than emotional or intellectual engagement. TheXboxHub and TheSixthAxis, while acknowledging the historical backdrop, still find the story underdeveloped, and Ragequit.gr specifically critiques the Green Beret’s characterization for deviating from established canon, creating a sense of alienation. These criticisms collectively suggest that the game’s narrative fails to deliver a compelling or memorable experience, prioritizing gameplay mechanics over storytelling. The overall consensus among critics is that Commandos: Origins is a nostalgic but underwhelming prequel, with its story serving more as a framework for gameplay than a central focus. While the game’s historical setting and mission-based structure are seen as authentic to the series’ legacy (as noted by TheXboxHub, Generación Xbox, and SECTOR.sk), the lack of narrative depth and character growth is a recurring weakness. Most reviews, including those from Eurogamer Germany, CD-Action, and Gamesurf, agree that the plot feels minimal and disconnected, with missions often feeling like isolated tasks rather than part of a unified campaign. Despite some positive remarks about the game’s spirit and the introduction of unique characters, the majority of critics, such as IGN Deutschland and GameWatcher, argue that the story is a secondary element, overshadowed by the gameplay. This mixed reception reflects a game that appeals to fans of the original series through its setting and mechanics but falls short in delivering a rich, engaging narrative.

The gameplay of Commandos: Origins is widely praised for its emphasis on stealth, tactical planning, and strategic teamwork. Critics consistently highlight the game’s focus on careful observation, mission complexity, and the need for creative problem-solving. Eurogamer Germany and Generación Xbox commend the challenging missions that require players to utilize unique character abilities and adapt to dynamic scenarios. TheXboxHub and BaziCenter emphasize the game’s tactical depth, noting that players must plan meticulously and manage their squad’s skills effectively. GamingBolt and TheSixthAxis praise the isometric maps and multiple approaches to objectives, while IGN and IGN Deutschland appreciate the "Command Mode" for its strategic planning features. These reviews collectively underscore the game’s strengths in delivering a cerebral, stealth-driven experience that rewards patience and ingenuity. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the gameplay. TheSixthAxis criticizes the poor gamepad controls, which hinder immersion, while CD-Action and GameMAG highlight bugs, AI issues, and unbalanced character mechanics that disrupt the experience. Gamepressure and Games.cz describe the gameplay as repetitive and lacking innovation, with linear mission design and familiar mechanics that fail to evolve. GameMAG and Gamersky note the game’s shortcomings in tactical depth and combat mechanics, while GameStar and Gamesurf mention unbalanced abilities and a lack of freedom in mission execution. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameMAG and Gamepressure, argue that the game feels more like a "quest" than a true strategy title, with limited maneuverability and a punishing difficulty curve that can frustrate players. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Commandos: Origins successfully channels the classic stealth-tactics formula, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for fans of the genre. While some praise its return to core mechanics and the variety of playstyles (as noted by GamingBolt and SECTOR.sk), others feel it falls short in innovation and technical polish. The game’s emphasis on teamwork, strategic planning, and environmental interaction remains its strongest asset, even as issues like bugs, control responsiveness, and repetitive design prevent it from reaching its full potential. Critics like IGN and Shacknews acknowledge its nostalgic appeal and solid foundation, but many agree that its execution leaves room for improvement, making it a mixed but ultimately compelling entry in the series.

The reviews for Commandos: Origins highlight several positive aspects of its graphics and visual design, particularly its modernization and attention to detail. Eurogamer Germany acknowledges the game’s acceptable visual design despite animation and performance issues, while Generación Xbox praises its "modern visuals that pay homage to the original series," emphasizing immersive environments that reflect the harshness of war. TheXboxHub and BaziCenter both commend the substantial upgrade from the 2D original, with TheXboxHub noting "distinct environments" and BaziCenter appreciating the "detail and artistic quality" that enhance gameplay. Cultura Geek and Oyungezer highlight the 3D environment’s strategic benefits, such as camera rotation and zoom, as well as the vibrant, expansive maps enabled by Unreal Engine 5. IGN and Shacknews laud the "gorgeous and detailed environments," with the latter crediting the visual design for significant immersion. These critiques collectively suggest that the game’s visuals successfully modernize the franchise while maintaining a nostalgic aesthetic, particularly through its use of advanced engines and varied, well-crafted settings. However, several critics point to notable shortcomings in the game’s graphical fidelity and technical execution. CD-Action and Gamepressure criticize the visuals as "subpar" and "poor," respectively, arguing that they fail to match the charm of the original 2D series or the quality of earlier entries. Game8 describes the presentation as "functional but dated," citing an "old-fashioned UI" and visual bugs, while Gameliner notes that environments, though well-designed, lack interactivity. GamingBolt and GameMAG highlight average graphical performance compared to peers, with issues like animation flaws, texture loading, and optimization problems detracting from the experience. Hobby Consolas and GameWatcher mention technical glitches, such as clipping and camera navigation challenges, which disrupt immersion. These critiques reveal a consistent concern about the game’s graphical polish, with some reviewers feeling it falls short of expectations despite its ambitious design choices. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, reflecting a balance between praise for modernization and criticism of technical execution. While many reviewers, including Generación Xbox, TheXboxHub, and IGN, celebrate the game’s detailed environments, nostalgic aesthetic, and improved 3D mechanics, others like CD-Action, Gamepressure, and GamingBolt argue that it lacks the visual flair or optimization of its peers. Platform differences also emerge, with PC-focused critiques often highlighting optimization and technical issues, whereas console reviews (e.g., Eurogamer Germany) are more forgiving of performance hiccups. Despite these disparities, the game’s visual design is generally seen as a step forward for the franchise, even if it doesn’t fully meet the standards of contemporary AAA titles. The divide underscores a tension between its artistic ambition and the practical limitations of its technical implementation, leaving its graphical merits as a point of contention rather than universal acclaim.

The sound design and music of Commandos: Origins received mixed but generally balanced praise from critics. Several reviewers highlighted positive aspects, such as the effective use of military-themed music and voice acting in Spanish, which they felt captured the essence of the original Commandos series, as noted by Hobby Consolas. GameWatcher commended the original soundtrack by Dynamedion for complementing the game’s atmosphere, while Shacknews appreciated its subtle role in enhancing stealth and strategy elements without overpowering the experience. GamingBolt also acknowledged that sound effects contributed positively to the game’s ambiance, and Generación Xbox praised the quality of voice acting, calling it a narrative enhancer. These elements suggest that the audio design successfully supported the game’s tactical and historical themes, even if not universally groundbreaking. However, the negatives were more pronounced and critical. BaziCenter and CD-Action both criticized the music for failing to match the game’s excitement or atmosphere, with the latter noting it lacked the quality of previous Commandos installments. Games.cz and Gamesurf described the soundtrack as underwhelming and unmemorable, while Oyungezer pointed out minimal ambient sounds and the absence of iconic audio cues like the "Alarm!" cry. GameStar and IGN France reported technical issues, such as audio loss during quickloads or occasional bugs, which disrupted immersion. Game8 also criticized the voice acting as awkward, and GamingBolt found the orchestral score lacking in memorable compositions. These critiques indicate that while some audio elements were functional, others fell short of expectations, particularly in terms of emotional impact and technical reliability. The overall consensus among critics leans toward a lukewarm reception, with praise for specific aspects like voice acting and ambient sound effects offset by significant shortcomings in the music’s memorability and consistency. While GameWatcher and Hobby Consolas offered strong endorsements of the soundtrack and narrative audio, the majority of reviews—particularly from Games.cz, BaziCenter, and Oyungezer—highlighted its failure to elevate the game’s atmosphere or create a lasting impression. Technical issues, such as those mentioned by GameStar and IGN France, further complicated the experience. Despite some commendable elements, the sound design and music were seen as a mixed bag, with the game’s audio falling short of the standards set by its predecessors and struggling to fully align with its gameplay mechanics.

The voice acting in Commandos: Origins receives commendation from several critics, particularly highlighting its authenticity and nostalgic appeal. Generación Xbox praises the well-executed Spanish voice acting, noting its positive contribution to the overall experience, while Hobby Consolas appreciates the efforts of new actors to mimic original performances, evoking a sense of nostalgia. TheSixthAxis singles out the Sapper’s “enjoyable clipped English accent” as a charming standout, adding a unique layer of character to the game. Vandal also acknowledges the Spanish voice acting as a redeeming quality, even if it’s occasionally marred by audio issues. These positive remarks suggest that the voice work effectively supports the game’s tone and historical context, with specific performances resonating well with certain reviewers. However, some critics find the voice acting to be underwhelming or inconsistent. GamingBolt describes it as “adequate but does not stand out or impress,” indicating a lack of memorable or impactful delivery. Game8 and Gamesurf both criticize the voice acting as “awkward and lacking quality” or “lacks personality,” respectively, arguing that it detracts from immersion and feels flat. These negative assessments point to a disconnect between the voice work and the game’s potential, with some reviewers feeling that the performances fail to elevate the experience or match the expectations set by the franchise’s legacy. The criticism of the English voice acting, particularly the Sapper’s accent, also suggests that not all elements of the audio design are universally praised. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with praise for the Spanish voice acting and specific character traits like the Sapper’s accent, but significant concerns about the English voice work and its general quality. While some reviewers, such as Generación Xbox and Hobby Consolas, emphasize the effort to honor the original’s spirit, others, like Game8 and Gamesurf, highlight its shortcomings. GamingBolt and TheSixthAxis fall somewhere in the middle, acknowledging adequacy but noting a lack of distinction. This divergence suggests that the voice acting’s impact may vary depending on language preferences and individual expectations, with the Spanish version generally receiving more favorable feedback than the English. Despite these differences, the reviews collectively indicate that while the voice acting is not a defining strength, it is neither entirely dismissible, leaving room for appreciation in certain aspects.

The technical performance of Commandos: Origins varies across platforms, with some positive notes. On the Xbox Series X, Eurogamer Germany acknowledges that the game runs smoothly with only minor glitches, while Generación Xbox highlights that updates have addressed some of the initial technical problems. For the PS5, BaziCenter praises the platform’s performance, noting "smooth gameplay," though it also mentions control issues on consoles. On PC, Games.cz and GameStar observe that the game performs well overall with "few bugs" and a Day-1 patch that improved stability, respectively. These reviews suggest that while the game is not flawless, it benefits from platform-specific optimizations, particularly on Xbox and PS5, where the core experience is more consistent compared to the PC version. However, the negatives are more pronounced, especially on PC. Critics like CD-Action, Cultura Geek, and Game8 describe the PC version as "plagued by bugs" and "poorly optimized," with issues ranging from save problems and AI behavior to game-breaking crashes. TheXboxHub and Generación Xbox also point to "performance inconsistencies" and "crashes" on Xbox, though they note some improvements over time. For the PS5, GamingBolt and TheSixthAxis report "screen tearing, glitches, and poor frame rates," while TheXboxHub and TheSixthAxis emphasize that technical hiccups persist. On PC, Gamepressure and Vandal highlight "frame drops" and "unreliable aiming," and IGN France mentions "minor bugs" in multiplayer, which, while improved, still mar the experience. These issues collectively paint a picture of a game that struggles with technical polish, particularly on PC, but also faces challenges on consoles. The overall consensus among critics is that Commandos: Origins suffers from a lack of thorough quality assurance, with PC being the most problematic platform. While some updates have mitigated issues on Xbox and PS5, the game’s technical flaws—such as crashes, optimization problems, and unpolished mechanics—remain a significant concern. TheXboxHub and Generación Xbox acknowledge that the console versions are more stable than PC, but even they face performance hiccups. For PC, the majority of reviews, including those from Game8, Gameliner, and Oyungezer, stress the need for post-launch fixes, with some calling the experience "frustrating" and "rushed." Despite minor positives, the game’s technical shortcomings, as highlighted by multiple critics like BaziCenter and GameStar, suggest a release that prioritized content over polish, leaving players to navigate a patchwork of issues across all platforms.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of Commandos: Origins leans positively, with many highlighting its encouraging nature for experimentation and multiple ways to approach missions. Eurogamer Germany, Generación Xbox, and TheXboxHub all praised the game for its tactical depth and cooperative multiplayer, which significantly enhance replayability. GamingBolt and TheSixthAxis noted that the game includes 14 missions, collectibles, side objectives, and complex level design, offering players a decent amount of content to revisit. Cultura Geek and Game8 emphasized the sandbox-like nature of the gameplay and the presence of collectibles, which allow for varied strategies and encourage players to explore all available content. Additionally, IGN and IGN France pointed to the generous campaign and open maps, suggesting that the game provides a substantial amount of gameplay that can be replayed for different experiences. However, several critics expressed concerns about the game's replay value due to its structural and technical limitations. CD-Action and Gamersky mentioned that while the game has content, technical issues and the linearity of the stages may deter players from replaying. Gamepressure and Gameliner criticized the lack of non-linear gameplay and a cohesive story, which they felt reduced the incentive to revisit levels. Multiplayer.it and Oyungezer pointed out that the game lacks incentives for alternative solutions or engaging achievements, making it feel less rewarding. Similarly, Slant Magazine noted that the tedious progression through levels could limit replayability, and IGN Deutschland suggested that while there are additional challenges, the lengthy missions may not support quick replays. These critiques highlight that while the game has elements that encourage replaying, certain design choices and technical flaws may hinder the experience. Despite the mixed feedback, there is a general consensus that Commandos: Origins offers a decent amount of replay value, particularly for fans of the genre and the original series. While some critics, like Vandal, noted that it may not be the best entry point for newcomers, others, such as Shacknews and SECTOR.sk, praised the variety of approaches and the ability to customize the experience. TheXboxHub and Cultura Geek emphasized that the game's strategic and cooperative elements appeal to both existing fans and new players. However, the presence of technical issues, repetitive mission structures, and a lack of narrative depth is seen as a potential barrier for some. Overall, the game is viewed as having enough content and flexibility to justify multiple playthroughs, even if not all critics are fully convinced of its long-term replayability.