Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commandos 2: Men of Courage refines the real-time tactics formula by placing you in command of a diverse squad of Allied operatives during World War II. Each mission assigns you a specific group of commandos—ranging from the brute strength of the Green Beret to the finesse of the Spy or the precision of the Sniper. This variety forces you to strategize and adapt to each character’s unique abilities, whether it’s using the Thief to steal keys, sending in the Diver for underwater sabotage, or even enlisting the help of a loyal canine companion.

The game’s tactical isometric perspective offers a clear view of sprawling environments, from moonlit courtyards to heavily guarded enemy outposts. Stealth is paramount: you’ll need to manipulate guards’ patrol routes, hide bodies in bushes, distract sentries with thrown objects, and sneak through shadows. Secondary objectives often reward creative problem-solving—rescuing prisoners for intel or sabotaging supply depots for bonus resources adds layers of depth to each mission.

One of Commandos 2’s standout features is its expanded interactivity compared to its predecessor. You can now enter buildings, peer through windows to scope out enemy positions, and use environmental objects—like barrels for concealment or wires to silence alarms—to your tactical advantage. This level of detail enhances immersion and presents fresh approaches to classic mission types, keeping the gameplay experience both challenging and satisfying.

Despite its steep learning curve, the mission design rewards patience and careful planning. Every choice, from which commando to deploy to how you approach a heavily fortified villa, can have far-reaching consequences. Occasional quick-save abuse may be tempting, but the satisfaction of executing a flawless multi-stage operation using only a handful of commandos is unparalleled in the genre.

Graphics

Commandos 2 employs a richly detailed isometric art style that brings its World War II settings to life. The environments—from snow-dusted French villas to sun-bleached Pacific airstrips—are meticulously crafted, each textured surface providing visual cues for hidden pathways or interactive elements. Watching soldiers patrol under swaying palm trees or drift through mist-covered courtyards adds a cinematic quality to every mission.

Character models are small but distinct, with each commando sporting unique uniforms and animations that reflect their role. The Green Beret’s muscular gait, the Spy’s fringe muzzle-loader shots, or the Seductress’ graceful distractions all come through in fluid, if somewhat stiff, animations that remain charming given the game’s release era. Enemy soldiers and civilians are equally well-animated, reacting dynamically to your actions—whether gawking at a body or sounding the alarm when they spot something amiss.

Lighting and shadows are used effectively to reinforce stealth mechanics. Dimly lit hallways encourage sneaky approaches while bright flares and searchlights force you to adapt or hide. Visual effects, such as explosions, muzzle flashes, and dynamic water ripples when using the Diver, punctuate the tactical gameplay with moments of visceral impact.

While modern gamers might find the resolution and polygon counts dated, the aesthetic holds up through careful art direction. The UI is functional, offering clear icons for each commando and their inventory without overwhelming the screen. Overall, the graphics serve both beauty and gameplay, ensuring that every mission feels purposeful and atmospheric.

Story

Spanning the years 1941 to 1945, Commandos 2 weaves a globetrotting narrative through cinematic briefings that precede each mission. These animated sequences provide historical context and character motivation, establishing a sense of urgency as the squad undertakes high-risk assignments behind enemy lines. The film-noir–style voiceovers and grainy footage enhance the wartime atmosphere.

Rather than presenting a single cohesive plotline, the game delivers bite-sized episodes that spotlight different theatres of war—Nazi-occupied Europe, the North African deserts, and the Pacific islands. This episodic approach keeps the storytelling fresh, with mission objectives ranging from blowing up rail networks to rescuing downed pilots. Each operation feels self-contained yet contributes to the overarching push against Axis forces.

Character interactions are minimal but effective. The camaraderie developed between commandos shines through brief on-mission quips and victory animations. Though the game focuses more on tactics than deep narrative arcs, the unique personalities—such as the Thief’s cocky remarks when looting a supply crate—add a human touch to the grim backdrop of war.

If the story has a weakness, it’s that major character development takes a backseat to mission variety. However, for players seeking a series of high-stakes covert operations with just enough context to care about the outcome, Commandos 2 delivers a satisfying blend of wartime spectacle and personal heroism.

Overall Experience

Commandos 2: Men of Courage offers a deeply rewarding experience for fans of real-time tactics and stealth. Its blend of challenging missions, diverse character abilities, and richly detailed environments creates a strategic sandbox where creativity is as valuable as precision. The satisfaction of coordinating multiple commandos in converging maneuvers remains one of gaming’s purest tactical thrills.

The difficulty curve can be steep, especially for newcomers to the genre. Early missions serve as solid tutorials, but mid-to-late game scenarios demand flawless planning and near-perfect execution. Thankfully, the checkpoint system and quick-save functionality mitigate frustration, allowing you to experiment with different approaches without starting from scratch.

Replayability is high. Secondary objectives, hidden allies, and alternative routes encourage multiple playthroughs, while the desire to master every mission without detection provides ongoing motivation. The game’s length—spanning dozens of missions—ensures a substantial time investment, and the varied settings prevent the experience from growing stale.

Ultimately, Commandos 2: Men of Courage stands as a classic of its genre. Its robust tactical gameplay, evocative presentation, and memorable mission design make it a must-play for strategy enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Whether you’re planning a midnight infiltration or a daring sabotage, the game’s depth and atmosphere will keep you engaged from the first briefing to the final victory screen.

Retro Replay Score

8/10