Summary
- Release Year: 2006
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Developers: Pyro Studios
- Publishers: Eidos Interactive, Spike
Commandos: Strike Force (2006): A First-Person Departure in a Classic Stealth Series
Released in early 2006, Commandos: Strike Force marked a significant departure from the traditional gameplay of the critically acclaimed Commandos series. Developed by Pyro Studios and published by Eidos Interactive, this fifth installment adopted a first-person perspective, akin to many other World War II-inspired games, in contrast to the overhead view of its predecessors.
Gameplay: Embracing the FPS Genre
Commandos: Strike Force embraced the first-person shooter genre, providing players with a more immersive and action-packed experience. Players took control of various elite soldiers, each with unique skills and weapons, and embarked on perilous missions set in war-torn environments.
While the game retained the mission-based structure of earlier Commandos titles, the focus shifted towards stealth and action. Objectives ranged from sabotaging enemy installations to rescuing hostages, and players had to carefully plan their approach to avoid detection and complete their tasks.
Characters: A Diverse Squad of Elite Operatives
Commandos: Strike Force featured a diverse cast of playable characters, each with their own set of skills and weapons. Players could choose from:
- Lieutenant William “Bill” Hawkins: An American paratrooper and expert in explosives and heavy weapons.
- Sergeant Thomas “Tom” Harper: A British commando specializing in stealth and close-quarters combat.
- Captain Anya “Raven” Petrova: A Soviet sniper with exceptional marksmanship skills.
- Corporal Franklin “Duke” Jensen: A Canadian engineer proficient in demolitions and sabotage.
Weapons and Equipment: A World War II Arsenal**
Commandos: Strike Force provided players with a wide array of authentic World War II weaponry, including rifles, submachine guns, pistols, shotguns, and explosives. Each character had their own preferred weapons, and players could customize their loadouts to suit their playstyle.
In addition to firearms, players could also utilize various gadgets and equipment, such as binoculars, night vision goggles, and medkits. These tools proved invaluable for stealthy infiltration, reconnaissance, and healing wounded comrades.
Missions: A Variety of Stealth and Action Challenges
Commandos: Strike Force featured a diverse range of missions, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. Players had to carefully plan their approach, utilizing stealth, strategy, and firepower to overcome enemy forces and achieve their goals.
Some missions required players to infiltrate enemy bases undetected, sabotaging equipment or rescuing hostages. Others involved intense firefights against overwhelming odds, where players had to use their combat skills and teamwork to survive.
Reception: Mixed Reactions to the New Direction
Commandos: Strike Force received mixed reactions from critics and fans alike. Some praised the game’s immersive first-person perspective and intense action sequences, while others lamented the departure from the series’ traditional gameplay.
Despite the mixed reviews, Commandos: Strike Force sold over a million copies worldwide, proving that the series had a loyal following even with the significant change in gameplay.
Legacy: A Stepping Stone for Future Commandos Games
While Commandos: Strike Force marked a departure from the series’ roots, it also laid the groundwork for future installments. The game’s focus on first-person action and character customization would be further developed in Commandos 3 and Commandos 4: Destination Berlin.
Commandos: Strike Force remains a unique and enjoyable entry in the Commandos series, offering a blend of stealth, action, and strategy from a first-person perspective. It serves as a testament to the adaptability of the franchise and its ability to embrace new gameplay elements while retaining its core identity.
Review Score
7/10
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