PGC NEWS

The year was 1998. The real-time tactics genre was booming, and amidst the fray emerged a unique title: Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines. Blending squad-based tactics with stealth action, it offered a fresh and challenging experience that captivated players. The series reached its peak with Commandos 2: Men of Courage in 2001, refining the gameplay and boasting impressive 2.5D graphics. Its influence resonated throughout the gaming world, even eclipsing its successor, Commandos 3. Now, after Pyro Studios’ demise and the acquisition of the franchise by Kalypso Media, Commandos 2 has been resurrected as Commandos 2 HD Remaster, targeting a new generation of gamers while appealing to nostalgic veterans. But does this remaster live up to the legacy of the original?

Commandos 2 HD Remaster Gameplay

Back to the Front Lines

The gaming world has seen a surge of remasters, remakes, and reboots, but remasters often receive lukewarm receptions due to subpar quality. However, Commandos 2 HD Remaster demonstrates a significant investment from Kalypso Media. Beyond enhancing the graphics, the developers painstakingly rebuilt sections of the game’s code to ensure compatibility with modern operating systems like Windows 10. While initial releases suffered from minor glitches and even save-game issues, recent updates have smoothed out the experience, allowing for seamless gameplay.

Commandos 2 HD Remaster Updated Graphics

The remastered visuals are impressive, bringing the game closer to modern standards. While perhaps not matching the fidelity of newer titles like Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, the updated character models with HD textures and the reworked environments with enhanced lighting effects significantly improve the overall presentation. The contrast between light and shadow adds a new layer of visual depth that was absent in the original.

Commandos 2 HD Remaster Diverse Missions

Commandos 2 HD Remaster retains the core gameplay of the original, allowing players to control a squad of specialized commandos across diverse missions spanning from European prison camps to the tropical jungles of Burma, and even a mission set in Hai Phong, Vietnam, during World War II. Kalypso Media has wisely chosen to preserve the essence of the original rather than drastically altering the experience, unlike the controversial Warcraft III: Reforged. This approach allows veteran players to relive cherished memories while offering newcomers a challenging and rewarding tactical experience.

Commandos 2 HD Remaster Faithful Remaster

The game’s focus on squad-based tactics allows for multiple approaches to each mission, adding significant replay value. Like Broken Lines, the freedom to strategize and utilize each commando’s unique skills provides a deeply engaging experience.

Some Steps Backwards

Despite the commendable effort in updating the graphics and compatibility, Commandos 2 HD Remaster also suffers from some regressions compared to the original. The removal of the split-screen feature, crucial for coordinating multiple characters simultaneously, is a significant drawback, unnecessarily increasing the difficulty in certain situations. Other missing features, such as aiming through windows and the dedicated controls for tracking allied NPCs, further detract from the experience, particularly for veteran players.

Commandos 2 HD Remaster Censorship

Furthermore, Kalypso Media’s censorship of Nazi symbols, including the swastika and historical footage, while understandable due to German regulations, feels excessive. Even contemporary symbols like the Iron Cross and Japanese flags have been removed, potentially jarring for those familiar with the original.

Commandos 2 HD Remaster Censorship Impact

Conclusion

Despite some shortcomings, Commandos 2 HD Remaster offers a worthwhile return to the classic tactical gameplay of the original, enhanced with updated visuals. While the missing features and censorship are disappointing, they don’t entirely overshadow the core experience. For both returning fans and newcomers to the series, Commandos 2 HD Remaster provides a challenging and engaging tactical adventure worth exploring.