When one thinks RTS(if one is aware of what that is an abbreviation of, mind you), one is likely to be able to think of a multitude of such games... maybe even name some favorites and/or the best released. But before the world knew this title, it would have been difficult to come up with many that steer clear of the standard formula. There is no base, you construct no buildings, you do not lead, or train, an army, being discovered by the enemy forces is seldom something you will survive(and you can neither build a defense to keep them at bay nor overwhelm them with superior numbers), at no point do you gather resource, and Fog of War takes a prolonged vacation for the entire duration of this(presumably, it needs it, so much work for so many franchises). Are you still with me? Then by all means, read on. Taking place during the second World War, this puts you in charge of a team of six men on the Allied side(of distinct nationalities), each specializing in his field(covering almost everything you could think of that could be useful, strategic and cool...this was expanded further(complete with more individuals added, and more abilities) later in the series, in fact right away, which is not to insinuate that this was missing much of anything), and almost invariably indispensable(and the correct use of what they can do, proper utilization of their different talents a necessity) whenever available(you didn't think you were gonna get to use them all every time, did you?). You are ridiculously outnumbered, you're in territory under Nazi control, and the tasks you are to carry out are hardly a walk in the park. You will most certainly need tactics, and ones that are thought out well, to come out victorious. It takes a lot of precision and exact timing to do well in this. One of the first things you notice about this is how accessible the interface is... you can get right into this with very little, if any, prior knowledge or instruction(and this does have six interactive tutorials(and some video ones), one per Commando, taking place in a safe environment, and which can be tried as many times as you feel like it... and do set up the rest of this). This should not be confused with simplicity or lack of challenging game-play. This can be frustratingly tough. It can, however, also be rather rewarding and entertaining. The difficulty level is ever-so-slightly uneven. The concept is excellent and majorly pays off. This could be smoother(and is, in the sequels)(meanwhile, it definitely beats its concurrent counterparts). There is high realism throughout, and almost everything is designed to a strong accurate measure, as far as period, people, architecture, etc. go(the troops, both sides' vehicles, areas, . This is somewhat open, but there is admittedly at parts a sense that you're meant to figure out what they intended for you to do, in the order and the way they planned it. All missions are preceded by a briefing, which always starts with a brief update of how the war is going, which point this takes place at(even with a date), and it's backed up by authentic photos. The objectives could perhaps be more varied(one certain thing seems to be kind of a stand-by, a well that they go to pretty often... this was improved upon in the followups). This is almost unblemished as far as glitches go, and there are no real show-stoppers(unfortunately, on a newer machine, it may kick you out due to memory issues, but this happens so seldom that it's by no means a problem that can't be solved largely by saving often, which you should be doing anyway in this). Graphics are nice, if mostly "for the time", and effects are well-done. There are several cinematics, well-edited and put together expertly(if they aren't as effective as the later ones tend to be) made up of actual footage from the time, narrated, and they really help with the overall mood, and feeling of accomplishment. A bit too much trial and error is necessary, even about things that ought to be obvious. There is a lot of sophistication herein(if not as much as the later ones, but as a starting point, this is undeniably about spot-on). The music is a score that is never out of place or doesn't fit(sound in general is quite magnificently done). This takes you across a vast number of different locations, and nothing really comes off as having been phoned in. Your efforts will be evaluated and rated, whenever you complete a scenario(you can even be promoted). This can last reasonably long(without staying beyond its welcome), entirely dependent on the player's skill, as well as such variables as persistence, and more often than not, luck. This can be a lot of fun, not the least when it lets you unleash some hijacked weaponry, the handful of types of explosives you get to "play" with(I know, rotten pun), and the like. Don't get me wrong: it is also an experience to savor to methodically go through the German soldiers, to the extent allowed or all the way(and almost without them ever realizing what happened, to boot!). AI is almost flawless(within the bounds that they wanted). This is not that heavy in the way of overall, overarching plot, but it doesn't particularly need one, and it does have a well-known backdrop that doesn't get old in the course of beating this. The last level is incredibly satisfying in, and I say this without hyperbole, every single imaginable way(the absolute end of it... thank you, Pyro and whoever else had a thing to do with that). In closing, this is just about unique(the right kind). I recommend this to everyone into the genre, especially those who dig guerrilla combat... it really doesn't get much better than this(even with the continuation of the franchise I would still also suggest playing this, in addition to them... they're all great). 8/10
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