Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines delivers a tense and methodical real-time tactics experience where precision and planning are paramount. Players command a squad of six uniquely skilled operatives, each with specialized abilities that must be combined to overcome heavily fortified enemy positions. Whether it’s using Duke’s sharpshooting to create safe paths or relying on Inferno’s demolition expertise to breach obstacles, every action requires foresight and coordination.

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Stealth is the cornerstone of success in Commandos. Open firefights are rarely an option, as the team is significantly outnumbered and reinforcements flood the area once alarms are raised. Tricks like hiding bodies in shadows, creating distractions with Spooky’s disguises, or sabotaging equipment from afar are encouraged to keep guards off balance. The tension peaks when you accidentally trigger an alarm, doubling guard patrols and summoning reinforcements to your position.

The mission design spans 20 distinct scenarios across diverse theaters of World War II, from the North African desert to the snowy fjords of Norway. Each mission has primary and secondary objectives—destroy a railway, rescue POWs, or sink a battleship—offering multiple approaches to completion. This non-linear freedom means no two players’ experiences are identical, as you chart your own path through the enemy lines.

Supporting tools like the vision-cone viewer and tactical map overlays enhance situational awareness, allowing you to preview guard patrol routes and plan synchronized maneuvers. Split-screen monitoring of up to eight camera feeds keeps multiple operatives under surveillance, which is invaluable for complex heists or coordinated assaults. The steep learning curve rewards patience and careful observation, transforming each success into a deeply satisfying tactical victory.

Graphics

Though released in the late 1990s, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines features crisp isometric visuals that hold up remarkably well today. The environments—from dusty oases to snow-covered harbors—are richly detailed, with destructible objects and interactive scenery that react convincingly to explosions and gunfire. The contrast between light and shadow is particularly effective for a stealth-oriented game, highlighting hiding spots and patrol routes.

Character sprites are animated smoothly, showcasing each commando’s unique equipment and stance. Tiny’s bulk and heavy weaponry, Fins’ diving suit, and Tread’s rugged transport vehicle are instantly recognizable, making it easy to differentiate roles at a glance. Subtle animations, such as guards stopping to drink water or inspect the ground, add life to each level without overwhelming the strategic clarity.

Maps are presented with fully animated overlays that display real-time enemy movements and key objectives. This tactical view can be toggled on or off, letting you switch between immersive exploration and high-level planning. The UI is clean and functional, with context-sensitive cursor icons that adapt to the selected commando’s tools—be it planting an explosive charge or staging a silent takedown.

While the game lacks modern effects like dynamic lighting or high-polygon models, its art direction compensates with strong silhouette readability and thoughtful use of color. The visual style emphasizes gameplay clarity over graphical flash, ensuring that mission-critical elements never get lost in visual noise. For strategy purists, the graphics serve the game’s intense planning requirements perfectly.

Story

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines weaves its narrative through 20 covert missions that chapter Europe, North Africa, and Scandinavia. The premise is simple but compelling: a small British unit of elite commandos is dispatched to sabotage enemy operations and weaken Axis defenses. This lean storyline allows the gameplay to drive the tension, rather than relying on cinematic cutscenes or heavy exposition.

Each mission feels like a miniature thriller, with objectives that range from raiding enemy HQs to rescuing captured American soldiers. The variety of tasks—destroying supply lines, eliminating high-value targets, and disabling weapons emplacements—creates a sense of progression without needing an overarching plot twist. You become invested in the outcome as you guide your men through each perilous assignment.

The individual commandos have distinct personalities hinted at through mission briefings and ambient dialogue. Tiny’s gruff determination, Duke’s cold precision, and Spooky’s sly humor lend character depth without interrupting the flow of action. Though there’s no explicit character development arc, the bond you form with surviving operatives grows stronger after every narrow escape.

The lack of scripted events gives the story an unpredictable edge. Enemies react dynamically to your choices—patrol patterns shift, reinforcements arrive if you’re careless, and environmental hazards can be used to your advantage or become unexpected obstacles. This emergent storytelling ensures no two playthroughs feel identical and keeps you invested in seeing each mission’s outcome.

Overall Experience

Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines remains a benchmark in real-time tactics, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for strategy enthusiasts. Its blend of stealth, resource management, and puzzle-like mission design fosters deep engagement. Each successful infiltration or perfectly synchronized takedown delivers a genuine thrill that few modern tactics games can match.

The game’s difficulty curve can be steep, especially for newcomers to the genre. Early levels serve as tutorials, but the pressure intensifies quickly when you have to juggle multiple objectives, guard shifts, and limited resources. Patience is essential; rushing in can lead to swift and unforgiving defeat. However, overcoming these hurdles adds to the sense of accomplishment and mastery.

Replayability is high due to the open-ended mission structure and the variety of commando specializations. You can experiment with different approaches—stealth-only infiltrations, aggressive sabotage runs, or mixed strategies that balance both. The inclusion of optional secondary objectives further incentivizes creative tactics and extended play sessions.

Ultimately, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines stands out as an immersive and meticulously crafted tactics game. Its emphasis on careful planning, team coordination, and environmental awareness makes every mission a memorable challenge. For players seeking a demanding but fair strategic adventure set in World War II, this title remains a must-play classic.

Retro Replay Score

8/10