After years of anticipation and a few remakes of older titles, Commandos: Origins marks the long-awaited return of the classic real-time tactics series, a franchise that helped define a genre. Developed by Claymore Game Studios and published by Kalypso Media, this installment takes players back to the origins of the legendary WWII unit. With a renewed focus on tactical stealth and teamwork, it hopes to modernize the Commandos formula for a new generation. At Gamescom, we had the chance to sit down with the development team for an in-depth look at the upcoming title, and what we saw has us eagerly awaiting its release.
What we know
Commandos: Origins takes players to the beginning of the Commandos, led by the iconic Green Beret, Jack O’Hara, alongside five companions: the Sapper, Sniper, Driver, Marine, and Spy. Set during World War II, the game will have players tackling missions across various historical environments, from the icy landscapes of the Arctic to the deserts of North Africa. As in previous Commandos games, each member of the team has unique abilities that will need to be strategically combined to infiltrate enemy lines, destroy key targets, and achieve mission objectives.
The game promises challenging real-time tactical stealth gameplay, where players must think ahead and use their commandos’ diverse skill sets. Missions will allow for multiple approaches—whether through stealth, direct combat, or environmental manipulation—giving players the freedom to complete objectives in their preferred style. With more than 10 missions set in historically authentic WWII environments, players can expect a combination of core objectives and optional side missions, adding to the game’s replay value. In addition to its single-player mode, Commandos: Origins will feature a two-player cooperative multiplayer option, available both online and via local split-screen.
What we saw
At Gamescom, the developers gave us a detailed walkthrough of Commandos: Origins, showcasing its new features and improvements. We saw the updated game engine in action, with fully 3D maps that feel larger and more immersive than ever before. The live demonstration also gave us a glimpse into some of the familiar core gameplay mechanics, such as coordinating complex actions between team members and using environmental elements to your advantage.
What we thought
It’s exciting to see a brand-new Commandos game after the franchise’s earlier remakes, and Commandos: Origins feels like a fitting evolution of the series. The game retains the core tactical stealth gameplay that made the originals so beloved, but there’s a clear sense of modernization in both its design and mechanics. The maps are now fully 3D, and this gives them a level of detail and interactivity that the older titles could never achieve. The environments feel alive, with more dynamic elements to interact with, providing players with greater freedom to experiment with different strategies.
The influence of other modern real-time tactics games, such as Shadow Tactics, is evident, which should appeal to both veterans of the genre and newer players. That said, Commandos: Origins stays true to its roots by requiring careful planning and patience. It’s not a game for those looking for fast-paced action, but rather one that rewards methodical thinking and precision. During the demo, we saw how critical it is to coordinate the different abilities of each commando, whether it’s using the Spy to infiltrate enemy ranks or the Sniper to take out targets from a distance.
Visually, the game is a noticeable upgrade from earlier entries in the series, and that includes the modern remakes. The detailed environments, weather effects, and lighting all contribute to a more immersive experience. From the frozen tundras to sun-drenched deserts, each location feels distinct, which adds to the game’s replay value. However, while the new engine is impressive, the overall visual design remains true to the classic Commandos style, keeping a balance between modern flair and nostalgic familiarity.
One area where Commandos: Origins stands out is the intuitive control scheme, which has been refined for better precision and ease of use. The game’s user interface feels modern, and the controls are clearly designed with both tactical depth and accessibility in mind. This should help make the game more approachable for newcomers who aren’t used to the old PC-centric approach while still offering the complexity that longtime fans expect. Overall, Commandos: Origins is shaping up to be a strong return for the series, blending classic real-time tactics with modern gameplay mechanics and presentation. We’re looking forward to seeing how it plays when it launches.
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