Commandos: The Multiplayer Online Game from 1999 That Defined Military Tactics

Are you a retro gamer who remembers the thrilling multiplayer online games from the late 1990s, especially the Commandos series? If you're searching for the name of a multiplayer online game from 1999 that featured a 4-person squad of military men throwing grenades and shooting in a 2D map similar to a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) with haystack walls and cover, your search is about to end. This article will dive deep into the Commandos series, the secret behind its success, and its impact on the gaming industry.

Introduction to Commandos

The Commandos series was a series of action-oriented stealth games that first appeared in the late 1990s. Developed by Enlight Software and later by Rebellion Developments, the Commandos series featured 2D side-scrolling gameplay, where players controlled a 4-person squad of commandos. The game mechanics revolved around sneaking past enemies to complete objectives, which included capturing prisoners, rescuing teammates, and bomb disposal. The games were renowned for their tactical depth and challenging difficulty levels.

Commandos and Its Unique Gameplay

Commandos was one of the few games at the time that allowed for true multiplayer, enabling players to team up and play together in a 4-player squad. The gameplay was designed with a 2D map similar to MOBA games, featuring haystack walls and cover, adding a layer of strategy and teamwork to the gameplay. Each member of the squad had unique roles and abilities, making each tactical decision crucial to completing objectives.

The game mechanics included throwing grenades and shooting enemies, both of which required precision and strategic thinking. The multi-layered environment, filled with haystacks, rocks, and other obstacles, added spatial awareness and tactical planning to the gameplay. The combination of careful planning and split-second execution made Commandos a thrilling and rewarding experience for players.

Commandos and Its Impact on Gaming

The Commandos series had a significant impact on the gaming industry. It popularized the idea of stealth gameplay and set the standard for tactical multiplayer experiences. The unique control scheme and the balanced team dynamics ensured that each player in the squad had a role to play, making the game memorable for both casual and hardcore gamers.

The success of the Commandos series also laid the groundwork for a new wave of tactical games, influencing games like Ghost Recon, Ghost Recon Wildlands, and even modern MOBA games that incorporate stealth and tactical elements. Commandos redefined what it meant to play a multiplayer online game and established a benchmark for future developers.

Conclusion: Why Commandos Still Holds a Special Place in Gaming History

Commandos from 1999, with its unique multiplayer setup, 2D map design featuring haystacks and cover, and the strategic depth of throwing grenades and shooting, was a game changer. It offered a level of tactical gameplay and teamwork that was rarely seen in its time and has since inspired many games to follow. Despite the emergence of sophisticated and immersive games, Commandos remains a notable and cherished part of gaming history, a testament to the innovative spirit of developers and the enduring appeal of strategic gaming.