Posted on: September 5, 2023
mdqp
Verified ownerGames: 1954 Reviews: 71
Good, but frustrating classics
The Commandos games included in this package (Behind Enemy Lines and the stand-alone expansion Beyond the Call of Duty) are a mix of strategy and puzzle games, set during WW2. You are given a squad of soldiers, each with their own unique specialties, and are sent on missions with a variety of objectives to accomplish by using said abilities in a variety of (isometric) locales against the German menace. Not everyone on your team might be strong enough to carry and hide a dead body, or they might not be equipped with a silent weapon, but by coordinating them, you'll be able to complete all missions (assuming you can figure out the required approach, that is). Combat is possible, but usually it's only advisable if you can sneakily take out an enemy, as triggering an alarm can send a horde of nazis your direction, usually putting an end to your run (make sure to save often). The games are both great fun (although the expansion is more finnicky in design and annoying, in my opinion). Learning at least some of the hotkeys is very important, as often you'll need good timing to execute your plans, and using just the mouse can be too slow or unreliable for that. Usually, there is at least some freedom in how to complete a mission, but in some cases (again, especially in the expansion), you might have to manage your resources sparingly, or find yourself unable to cleanly finish a level. The games are focused around stealth, so you'll often need to study the situation before acting. The game gives you a lot of tools to follow enemies, check their cone of view and so on, but the UI lags a bit behind the ambitious scope of the games. Nevertheless, pulling some coordinated stunts as you take down two guards at once, or plan a careful sequence of stealth kills by distracting guards at crucial times, is incredibly satisfying. There is a good variety of objectives and the soldiers all feel unique, so if the gameplay clicks with you, you'll find the experience unforgettable.
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