Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines

Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines is an innovative real-time tactics video game developed by Pyro Studios and published to the public by Eidos Interactive. While many other RTS games are providing players with the chance to control armies of units that can be controlled on large battlefields, this game turns this entire popular concept into a new form.



In Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines, players are given control over the small team of infiltration specialists who must navigate numerous environmental and equipment challenges to fulfill their goals behind enemy lines in WW2 Europe and Africa.

The entire roster of playable characters consists of six Allied Commandos that must use their expertise in small unit tactics to free captured  Allied soldiers, eliminate Axis leaderships, bomb various targets, and more.



Each of the characters can contribute in their own ways, such as the green beret, spy, sniper, demolition expert, and others. The campaign of the game consists of twenty very varied missions that feature extensive pre-operation briefing and numerous surprises that can suddenly appear mid-mission.

Each of the missions is set in an incredibly realistic environment, with multiple levels, obstacles, and dynamic elements, and of course, enemy soldiers that impede our heroes.

While many of the games available in the late 1990s featured simplified visuals in order to show larger levels, this game is focused on incredibly detailed small levels that are densely packed with details. Even today, more than two decades after its original release, Commandos Behind Enemy Lines manages to surprise with its eye-catching visuals and attention to the details.

Enemies are separated into regular soldiers and officers, and all are represented on the screen with a rigid cone of vision that Commandos have to evade to not be spotted.



To succeed in their mission, Commandos will have to use all of their skills, gear, and ammunition to clear or manipulate enemies. The extremely limited resources transform this game from a free-flowing real-time strategy game into a highly tactical game that promotes the use of caution, precise planning, and skillful execution. Due to this approach to gameplay, each mission can be viewed as a highly intricate logic puzzle.

Because of the success of this game, the Commandos franchise was quickly expanded with numerous sequels and expansion packs. Today, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines can be played on almost every PC you can find around you. Since it has truly minimal system requirements, it can even be easily played on modern laptops that don’t have a standalone GPU.

Main Features

Multiple Characters
Each commando has unique abilities and specialized equipment. These include the Green Beret for stealth and melee combat, the Sniper for long-range attacks, and the Sapper for demolition tasks.

Diverse Missions
The game features 20 missions set in various locations, each requiring different strategies and tactics to complete.

Historical Accuracy
The game’s missions and settings are based on real World War II events, providing an immersive historical context.

Complex AI
Enemies have varying levels of alertness and patrol patterns, adding depth and realism to the gameplay.

Resource Management
Players must manage limited resources, such as ammunition and health packs, strategically to complete missions.

User Interface

The interface of this game is designed to provide players with detailed control over their team. The game features a top-down view, allowing players to survey the entire battlefield.



Each commando is represented by an icon, and selecting a character reveals their inventory and special abilities. The game includes a mini-map for quick navigation and an objectives panel to track mission goals.

Installation and Setup

Installing the game is straightforward. The game is available on various platforms, including physical CD-ROM and digital distribution services like Steam and GOG. For modern systems, it may require compatibility settings adjustments or patches available through the gaming community.

Installation Steps

• Insert the CD-ROM or download the game from a digital platform.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the game.
• (Optional) Apply compatibility settings or patches for modern systems.
• Launch the game and configure the graphics and control settings to your preference.

How to Play



Basic Controls:

• Movement: Click on the destination point to move a selected commando.
• Actions: Right-click to perform actions such as using weapons or interacting with objects.
• Inventory: Access a commando's inventory by clicking on their icon and selecting items to use.

Gameplay Tips:

• Plan Ahead: Study enemy patrol patterns and plan your moves accordingly.
• Use Distractions: Utilize distractions, such as throwing rocks or using decoys, to divert enemy attention.
• Coordinate Attacks: Use the strengths of each commando in combination to tackle difficult scenarios.
• Save Often: The game allows saving at any point; use this feature to avoid replaying large sections.

FAQ

How do I switch between commandos during a mission?
Use the number keys (1-6) or click on the commando's icon to switch between them.

Can I play Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines on a modern Windows 10/11 system?
Yes, but you may need to use compatibility settings or apply community patches for optimal performance.

What should I do if the game crashes frequently?
Ensure your system meets the game's requirements, try running the game in compatibility mode, and apply any available patches.

How can I get past difficult sections of a mission?
Study enemy movements, use the strengths of each commando effectively, and save your game frequently to experiment with different strategies.

Are there any expansions or sequels to Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines?
Yes, there are several sequels and expansions, including "Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty" and "Commandos 2: Men of Courage."

Alternatives

Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive: A similar real-time tactics game set in the Wild West, featuring a diverse group of characters and challenging missions.

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun: A real-time tactics game set in feudal Japan with stealth-based gameplay and a focus on strategic planning.

Company of Heroes: A real-time strategy game with a World War II setting, offering a more traditional RTS experience with base building and resource management.

Jagged Alliance 2: A turn-based strategy game with tactical combat, character customization, and a deep storyline.

Men of War: A real-time strategy game with a focus on realistic World War II combat and detailed unit control.

Pricing

The game is available on digital distribution platforms like Steam and GOG, typically priced between $5 to $10. Discounts and bundle offers are common during sales events.

Recommended System Requirements

• OS: Windows 7/8/10/11
• Processor: Pentium II 300 MHz
• Memory: 64 MB RAM
• Graphics: DirectX-compatible graphics card
• Storage: 500 MB available space

PROS

• Challenging and rewarding gameplay
• Unique characters with specialized abilities
• Historically immersive missions
• Complex and intelligent AI
• High replay value

CONS

• Steep learning curve
• Dated graphics by modern standards
• Can be frustratingly difficult
• Limited multiplayer options
• Compatibility issues on modern systems

Conclusion

It remains a classic in the real-time tactics genre, offering a blend of challenging gameplay, strategic depth, and historical immersion. While it presents a steep learning curve and some compatibility issues on modern systems, the game's unique mechanics and rewarding missions make it a must-play for fans of tactical strategy games.

The diverse cast of commandos and intricate level design ensure a varied and engaging experience, while the historical context adds an extra layer of depth. Despite its age, Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines stands the test of time as a seminal title in the genre.