Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty builds on the tight, puzzle-like stealth mechanics of the original by introducing new non-lethal options and expanded mission objectives. Players now have access to chloroform for the Spy, bare-knuckle takedowns for the Green Beret, and a club for the Driver, among other silent weapons. These additions broaden tactical choices and allow for creative solutions—whether you prefer to pacify guards quietly or disguise yourself in stolen uniforms and slip past enemy lines unnoticed.

The update also allows commandos to cuff unconscious enemies, preventing them from raising the alarm if they regain consciousness. This mechanic, combined with the ability to take hostages at gunpoint, opens up a host of diversionary tactics. By keeping a guard in tow, you can lure patrols away from key objectives or use them as bargaining chips, as long as they remain in your line of sight or they’ll break free and trigger an alert.

The eight new missions are among the toughest in the series, demanding precise timing and careful planning. Set between 1940 and 1945 across Nazi-occupied Europe, each map is densely packed with guards, sentries, and environmental hazards. Whether infiltrating a mountain fortress or wreaking havoc in a coastal harbor, you’ll need to coordinate each commando’s strengths, exploit every hiding spot, and adapt quickly when plans go awry.

For players new to the franchise or those seeking a refresher, Beyond the Call of Duty includes a separate tutorial executable. This tutorial features updated, higher-quality videos that clearly explain each commando’s unique skillset. Two hands-on training missions let you practice key maneuvers—such as swapping disguises with the Spy or chain-cuffing enemies with the Green Beret—before diving into the main campaign.

One of the standout gameplay features is the inclusion of mission-specific characters: Yugoslav partisan Dragiša Skopje and Ukrainian spy Natasha. These allies come with their own sets of abilities and situational advantages, keeping the experience fresh and offering alternative approaches to mission objectives. Their presence underscores the game’s emphasis on improvisation and makes every scenario feel uniquely challenging.

Graphics

Visually, Beyond the Call of Duty refines the isometric 2D art style of its predecessor with sharper textures and more detailed backgrounds. The environments are richly illustrated, from snow-capped mountain passes to dimly lit gulag complexes, each teeming with interactive elements and strategic vantage points. The increased map complexity is matched by the fidelity of terrain features—barbed wire fences, searchlights, and foliage all contribute to immersive, tactical gameplay.

The commandos themselves receive subtle graphical upgrades, with more expressive animations during takedowns, uniform changes, and interactions with the environment. When the Spy dons an enemy officer’s coat, you can almost feel the tension in his shoulders as he walks past unsuspecting guards. These small touches heighten the suspense and reward players for mastering the icon-based interface.

Cutscenes and briefing videos have been remastered at a higher resolution, offering crisper visuals and clearer voiceovers. These sequences strike a fine balance between conveying mission context and setting an appropriate wartime atmosphere. The recorded footage of real-life military hardware interspersed with animated overlays ensures that even newcomers to the series can quickly understand each objective’s strategic importance.

Lighting effects have also been enhanced: flickering lanterns cast dynamic shadows, and searchlight beams sweep across courtyards in real time. These visual cues aren’t just for show—they’re integral to planning your movements, knowing when to dash between cover, or timing a takedown when the guards’ backs are turned. The graphical improvements serve the gameplay directly, reinforcing the series’ reputation for thoughtful design.

While Beyond the Call of Duty retains the original’s top-down perspective, the added detail and polished animations prevent the visuals from feeling stale. Instead, the game world feels more alive and menacing than ever, making every mission a tense, cinematic affair that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Story

Though Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty does not follow a single narrative arc, it threads its eight missions together with the common goal of disrupting Nazi operations across Europe. From sabotaging oil refineries in Romania to liberating prisoners from a fortified Spanish monastery, each assignment is steeped in historical context. The scenarios feel authentic, drawing on real events and locales to heighten the sense of urgency.

Rather than relying on cinematic cutscenes for storytelling, the game uses detailed mission briefings and in-game dialogue snippets to provide context. This minimalist approach keeps players focused on tactical execution while still grounding each mission in the broader war effort. Characters like Dragiša Skopje and Natasha add personal stakes, reminding you that you’re not just orchestrating a series of puzzles, but aiding real resistance fighters in their struggle.

The interplay between commandos—each with distinct backgrounds and motivations—adds depth to otherwise straightforward objectives. The Spy’s wry commentary, the Green Beret’s stoic determination, and the Driver’s wry humor occasionally break the tension, allowing for brief moments of levity amid the high-stakes operations. These flourishes enrich the overall experience and underscore the camaraderie that forms within your small squad.

Additional in-game lore is scattered throughout the levels in the form of letters, dispatches, and enemy radio chatter. Keen observers will find hidden messages that hint at larger conspiracies or upcoming challenges, rewarding thorough exploration. Although the story remains secondary to the gameplay, these elements provide a satisfying backdrop that makes each mission feel purposeful.

Ultimately, the narrative framework of Beyond the Call of Duty excels at immersing players in the moral complexity of wartime covert operations. You’re not just neutralizing guards—you’re tipping the scales of a global conflict, one meticulously planned operation at a time.

Overall Experience

Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty delivers a polished, high-intensity stealth experience that rewards patience, planning, and adaptability. The addition of non-lethal takedowns, hostage mechanics, and mission-specific characters elevates the series’ hallmark blend of strategy and stealth. Seasoned veterans will find the new missions satisfyingly brutal, while the revamped tutorial eases newcomers into the unforgiving world of covert warfare.

The game’s pacing encourages experimentation: if your initial plan fails, you can regroup, learn from your mistakes, and try again with a refined approach. This trial-and-error loop never feels punishing, thanks to generous save points and a UI that clearly communicates each commando’s status. Every success feels earned, and every failure teaches valuable lessons about guard patterns, timing, and environmental exploitation.

Audio design complements the visuals perfectly, with throbbing orchestral cues, tense footsteps over gravel, and distant enemy radio chatter that heighten suspense. Key sound effects—like the soft clink of handcuffs or the muffled grunt of a sleeper hold—serve as crucial feedback, alerting you to nearby threats or confirming a successful takedown.

Replayability is high: hidden objectives, alternative routes, and the promise of perfect stealth runs encourage multiple playthroughs. Whether you aim for a no-alarm, low-casualty run or a guns-blazing diversionary assault, each level supports diverse tactics and emergent strategies. The game’s challenges scale naturally, ensuring that even after conquering the campaign, you’ll be itching to revisit your favorite missions.

In sum, Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty stands as a worthy expansion to Behind Enemy Lines. Its refined mechanics, intricate level design, and immersive atmosphere make it a must-play for fans of tactical stealth games. If you crave a strategic challenge set against the backdrop of WWII espionage, this standalone mission pack delivers an engaging experience from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

8/10