Software:Commandos 3: Destination Berlin

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Short description: 2003 video game
Commandos 3: Destination Berlin
Developer(s)Pyro Studios[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)Eidos Interactive[lower-alpha 2]
Designer(s)Ignacio Pérez Dolset
SeriesCommandos
Platform(s)Windows
Mac OS X
Nintendo Switch
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Release
Genre(s)Real-time tactics
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Commandos 3: Destination Berlin is a real-time tactics video game and the third installment of the Commandos series. It was developed by Pyro Studios and published by Eidos Interactive in October 2003 for Windows, with a Mac OS X port releasing in June 2005 via publisher Feral Interactive. The game is the first in the series to use a true 3D engine as well as introduce deathmatch multiplayer mode.

A remaster of the game was released in August 2022 for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Gameplay

The player controls a group of Commandos that are used to complete missions. Destination Berlin marks the first installment of the Commandos series not to feature the Driver, who was part of the original Commandos team. Natasha (aka "Lips"), who was introduced in Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty, is also absent. The only available Commandos characters are the Green Beret, the Sniper, the Marine, the Sapper, the Spy, and the Thief.

The gameplay is similar to the previous games, allowing the player to see all enemies on the map and using a "point and click" control scheme, but it has fewer hotkeys compared to the previous installment, and the user must press buttons on the action bar.

Gameplay experience and strategy differ from the previous games of the series, particularly around addition of an assault rifle, a weapon less powerful than a rifle but more powerful than a pistol. Additionally, all units can use weapons such as the grenade, rather than just the Sapper as in previous games.

The previous "knapsack" setup, simply showing a picture of all the items the currently selected commando has in his possession, has been abandoned in favor of a "box" system. When searching enemy bodies or supply crates, a smaller box is shown for their capacity. Commandos such as the Green Beret or Spy, who were only armed with pistols in previous installments, can now use all small arms except for the sniper rifle.

The new "cover mode" ability allows the player to leave Commandos waiting at a door or behind cover, ready to shoot at any enemy that comes within range, often more accurately than when controlled manually. This gives the option of ambushes and more defensive tactics.

Commandos 3 is broken down into three campaigns: Central Europe, Normandy, and Stalingrad. Each campaign uses different characters. Most missions are on a time limit.

Plot

The tutorial begins with Jack O'Hara clearing out a bunker, Sir Francis T. Woolridge killing a few German soldiers with his sniper rifle and Thomas Hancock destroying a Panzer III tank with explosives. The game then shifts to 21 February 1939, where René Duchamp and Paul Toledo infiltrate the German Embassy in London and steal documents from a safe.

In the Battle of Stalingrad, Woolridge kills an elite German sniper, lifting the siege of a Soviet command post at the Barmaley Fountain. General Franklin O'Donnell then arrives for a meeting with Soviet personnel, accompanied by Hancock and O'Hara. A massive German airstrike ensues followed by airdrops of the Fallschirmjäger. In an effort to protect the General, the commandos repulse waves of infantry attacks including a 7.5 cm Pak 40 anti-tank gun. When the meeting ends, O'Donnell crosses behind German lines and boards a Junkers Ju 52, much to the commandos' confusion. When they too enter the aircraft, O'Donnell orders the Germans to arrest them.

While in an underground prison cell, O'Hara subdues a jail guard and frees Woolridge and Hancock, telling them of O'Donnell's betrayal. When they make their way through the sewers, they run into René Duchamp, who informs them that O'Donnell plans to reveal top-secret information to the Germans. Unknown to the three, Duchamp tells them they are in Berlin. The player is given three tactical ways to kill O'Donnell before a timer initiates, after which he would appear. After O'Donnell's assassination, the four commandos enter a Kübelwagen and escape the capital.

In Saint-Avold, René Duchamp and Paul Toledo board an armoured train carrying stolen artwork but are discovered. The Germans warn the next station and they try to derail the train using explosives. Jack O'Hara discovers this and he single-handedly clears the area before boarding the train just as it passes. Together with Duchamp and Toledo, the three take control of the train. The Germans, however, destroy an incoming railroad bridge, forcing O'Hara to stop the locomotive. Duchamp and Toledo are captured and loaded onto a truck along with the artwork, while O'Hara hides in the back of another truck.

With the German convoy scheduled to pass through a small town in Forbach, Sir Francis T. Woolridge and Thomas Hancock eliminate the town of all German resistance, allowing American soldiers to fortify the area and prepare for their arrival. The convoy arrives escorted by Tiger I tanks but is ambushed as they enter the town. The trucks carrying Duchamp and Toledo are freed and the artwork is recovered.

On June 6, 1944, the night before the Normandy landings, Hancock and Toledo infiltrate a German encampment serving as reinforcements near Caen. They destroy a fuel depot, munitions building and as many Tiger I tanks, Schwerer Panzerspähwagen armored cars and Sd.Kfz. 251 half-tracks. At daybreak, James Blackwood infiltrates a port in Le Havre, disabling two German E-boats using mines. As the landings commence, O'Hara joins the Americans as they converge on Omaha Beach. Together, they take out the coastal artillery and clear the bunkers of all German troops.

Release

Commandos 3: Destination Berlin was released for Windows in October 2003 for North American,[1] European,[2] and Australian markets.[3]

Developed by Zonic, a Mac OS X port of the game was released on June 3, 2005, by publisher Feral Interactive along with the Software:Commandos 2: Men of Courage as part of the Commandos Battle Pack.[4][5] Developed by Raylight Games, a remastered version of the game subtitled HD Remaster was released on August 30, 2022, via publisher Kalypso Media for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.[6]

Reception

Reception
Aggregate score
AggregatorScore
Metacritic72/100[7]
Review scores
PublicationScore
CGMStarHalf star[8]
CGWStarStar[9]
Edge6/10[10]
Eurogamer8/10[11]
Game Informer6/10[12]
GameProStarStarStarStar[13]
GameRevolutionB−[14]
GameSpot7.9/10[15]
GameSpyStarStarStar[16]
GameZone8.9/10[17]
IGN8.9/10[18]
PC Gamer (US)78%[19]

Commandos 3 received a "Gold" award from the Asociación Española de Distribuidores y Editores de Software de Entretenimiento (aDeSe), for more than 40,000 sales in Spain during its first 12 months.[20]

Commandos 3 received "average" reviews according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[7] The game was criticized for being difficult to play on account of having fewer hotkeys than its predecessors and being locked at an 800x600 resolution[15] which was low-end at the time of release.

Notes

  1. ↑ Ported to Mac OS X by Zonic. Remastered version developed by Raylight Games.
  2. ↑ Mac OS X version published by Feral Interactive. Remastered version published by Kalypso Media.

References

  1. ↑ Thorsen, Tor (October 14, 2003). "Commandos 3 ships". https://www.gamespot.com/articles/commandos-3-ships/1100-6076763/. 
  2. ↑ Bramwell, Tom (October 24, 2003). "What's New?". https://www.eurogamer.net/news241003whatsnew. 
  3. ↑ "Commandos 3". http://www.atari.com.au/product/?action=view&id=1001. 
  4. ↑ "Commandos Battle Pack is now shipping everywhere". June 3, 2005. https://www.feralinteractive.com/en/news/113/. 
  5. ↑ "Commandos Battle Pack is now shipping everywhere". June 3, 2005. http://www.feralinteractive.com/en/news/113/. Retrieved October 24, 2018. 
  6. ↑ "Commandos 3 HD Remaster announced for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC" (in en-US). 2022-06-14. https://www.gematsu.com/2022/06/commandos-3-hd-remaster-announced-for-ps4-xbox-one-switch-and-pc. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin for PC Reviews". CBS Interactive. https://www.metacritic.com/game/commandos-3-destination-berlin/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. Retrieved September 2, 2010. 
  8. ↑ "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". Computer Games Magazine (theGlobe.com): 67. January 2004. 
  9. ↑ Kapalka, Jason (January 2004). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". Computer Gaming World (Ziff Davis) (234): 92–93. Archived from the original on December 4, 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20031204191106/http://www.computergaming.com/article2/0,4364,1396062,00.asp. Retrieved October 25, 2018. 
  10. ↑ Edge staff (December 2003). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". Edge (Future plc) (130). Archived from the original on December 3, 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20031203094408/http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/reviews/default.asp?subsectionid=169&articleid=66112&pagetype=2. Retrieved October 24, 2018. 
  11. ↑ Taylor, Martin (October 20, 2003). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_commandos3_pc. Retrieved September 2, 2010. 
  12. ↑ Biessener, Adam (January 2004). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". Game Informer (GameStop) (129): 157. http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/4BA4A406-AD18-4BC6-9B41-6E964C0A9FAE.htm. Retrieved October 24, 2018. 
  13. ↑ Vicious Sid (October 29, 2003). "Commando[s 3 Destination Berlin Review for PC on GamePro.com"]. GamePro (IDG Entertainment). Archived from the original on February 7, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050207073237/http://www.gamepro.com/computer/pc/games/reviews/31535.shtml. Retrieved October 25, 2018. 
  14. ↑ Mr. Tickle (November 2003). "Commandos 3 [Destination Berlin Review"]. CraveOnline. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150906111559/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/commandos-3. Retrieved October 25, 2018. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Parker, Sam (October 20, 2003). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin Review". CBS Interactive. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/commandos-3-destination-berlin-review/1900-6077063/. Retrieved October 24, 2018. 
  16. ↑ Dy, Bernard (November 23, 2003). "GameSpy: Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". IGN Entertainment. http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/commandos-3-destination-berlin/6387p1.html. 
  17. ↑ Wrentmore, John (November 2, 2003). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin - PC - Review". Archived from the original on October 5, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081005203200/http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r20693.htm. Retrieved October 24, 2018. 
  18. ↑ Butts, Steve (October 15, 2003). "Commandos 3: Destination Berlin". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/10/16/commandos-3-destination-berlin-2. Retrieved October 24, 2018. 
  19. ↑ Poole, Stephen (December 25, 2003). "Commandos 3 [Destination Berlin"]. PC Gamer (Future US) 10 (13): 118. Archived from the original on March 15, 2006. https://web.archive.org/web/20060315141902/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/commandos_3.html. Retrieved October 25, 2018. 
  20. ↑ (in Spanish) Dossier de prensa Galardones aDeSe 2004 (Report). Asociación Española de Distribuidores y Editores de Software de Entretenimiento. March 2004. pp. 5, 6. Archived from the original on March 2, 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20050302174112/http://www.adese.es/pdf/Dossier_de_prensa_Galardones_aDeSe-2004.pdf. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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