Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Commandos: Strike Force marks a bold departure from the series’ real-time strategy roots, dropping you into the thick of World War II combat from a first-person perspective. You’ll cycle through three distinct specialties—Green Beret for explosive-laden sabotage and close-quarters action, Sniper for long-range takedowns, and Spy for stealth infiltration and disguise-based subterfuge. Each role brings its own set of tools and tactics, and the ability to switch between two characters on the fly adds an extra layer of tactical decision-making during missions.

The mission designs span major war theaters—Stalingrad’s frozen streets, the rugged fjords of Norway, and the bocage of liberated France—each offering unique objectives that range from destroying enemy supply depots to rescuing captured allies. While the core gameplay loop stays consistent, the environments force you to adjust your approach: snipe from a ruined cathedral in Stalingrad, sneak past searchlights in Norway, or plant explosives under the cover of Normandy hedgerows. Objectives often have multiple paths, encouraging experimentation with stealth, direct assaults, or a hybrid approach.

Despite its ambitious premise, the tactical component occasionally feels underdeveloped. Enemy AI can be predictable, and the cover system lacks sophistication, making firefights sometimes devolve into straightforward lead-slinging rather than tense tactical encounters. Nevertheless, missions that emphasize stealth—where you slip past guards, forge documents, or set timed charges—capture the spirit of the original Commandos titles and offer some of the game’s most rewarding moments.

Graphics

Strike Force delivers atmospheric visuals that evoke the gritty realism of 1940s battlefields. Ruined cityscapes in Stalingrad are rendered with convincing rubble and bomb-blasted structures, while the Norwegian fjords glow under overcast skies, and the lush green fields of France bear the scars of conflict. Textures are generally sharp, and weather effects like drifting snow or sudden rain showers enhance immersion.

Character models and animations, however, can feel uneven. Your commandos themselves exhibit fine detailing in their uniforms and weaponry, but many German soldier models lack facial expressiveness and sometimes clip through scenery during combat. Explosions and muzzle flashes pack a punch, yet occasional pop-in of distant objects or flat-looking foliage during traversal can break the illusion.

The game’s lighting system does a commendable job of setting moods—stark, icy grays in Stalingrad, dimly lit corridors in Norwegian outposts, and sun-dappled fields in France. Cutscenes are functional but not cinematic masterpieces, relying on static camera angles with minimal lip-synching. Overall, while not class-leading for the era, the graphics strike a solid balance between performance and historical atmosphere.

Story

Commandos: Strike Force doesn’t attempt a sprawling narrative; instead, it strings together a series of high-stakes covert operations against the Axis war machine. Briefings before each mission outline strategic objectives—sabotage an ammo depot here, assassinate a field commander there—but character development remains minimal. You know your commandos by role but learn little about their personal backgrounds or motivations.

The episodic structure lends itself to varied battlefields and objectives, but it also means there’s no overarching plot twist or dramatic climax that ties every mission into a richer storyline. Instead, the story serves as a vehicle for set pieces: explosions in Stalingrad’s rail yards, daring boat infiltrations along the Norwegian coast, and frenetic escapes across the Norman countryside.

Voice acting and dialogue are competent but unremarkable, offering clear mission instructions and occasional quips without delving into emotional depth. The game’s saving grace on the narrative front is its authentic WWII atmosphere, bolstered by historical references and genuine military terminology. If you crave character-driven storytelling, Strike Force may leave you wanting; if you’re here primarily for hands-on wartime action, the simple story beats will suffice.

Overall Experience

For longtime fans of the Commandos series, Strike Force represents a love-it-or-hate-it experiment—swapping overhead tactics for boots-on-the-ground action. Some players will relish the direct engagement and class-based firefights, while purists may lament the loss of intricate puzzle-style missions that defined earlier installments. Newcomers seeking a WWII shooter with a light tactical twist will find plenty to enjoy, especially in the brevity and focus of its missions.

The game’s pacing is brisk, with most operations lasting around thirty to forty minutes. While this keeps the action tight, it also means the overall campaign can feel short. However, the option to replay missions with different characters or difficulty settings adds replay value, and the thrill of perfectly executed stealth runs or synchronized assaults delivers memorable moments.

A standout element is the orchestral score performed by the Bratislava Symphony Orchestra and City Choir, which elevates firefights and stealth sequences alike with rousing brass, tense strings, and atmospheric choral swells. Even when gameplay mechanics show their age, the music constantly reinforces the wartime drama and helps maintain immersion.

In the end, Commandos: Strike Force is a mixed bag: an ambitious title that rarely fully realizes its tactical FPS potential but still offers enough engaging set pieces and varied mission design to keep you invested. If you’re looking for a short, action-oriented detour into WWII scenarios with a dash of stealth, this entry is worth a look—just don’t expect the methodical strategy of earlier Commandos games.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10