Command Ops 2
- February 15, 2017
- Panther Games
- 30h median play time
Get on SteamCommand Ops 2 is a wargame that allows you to make operational decisions as a Corps, Division, or Brigade commander, with a focus on realistic command structure and process. Its model of command decision-making features continuous-time and space, macro management, and orders delay. The game also boasts advanced and impressive AI for a challenging and immersive experience, without the use of hexes, turns, or micromanagement.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Command Ops 2 offers a unique real-time strategy experience with a focus on operational-level command, allowing players to issue orders to units and watch them execute plans autonomously.
- The game features a highly detailed simulation of WWII combat, with realistic mechanics such as order delays, supply management, and a well-researched order of battle.
- The core game is free to play, providing access to several scenarios, and the community has created additional content that enhances replayability.
- The learning curve is steep, with many players finding the lack of a proper tutorial and the complexity of the UI overwhelming, making it difficult to grasp the game mechanics.
- The game has limited initial content, with only a few scenarios available in the free version, and additional scenarios through DLCs can be expensive.
- Some players have reported issues with the AI's decision-making and pathfinding, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences when units do not follow orders as expected.
- story43 mentions
- 7 % positive mentions
- 86 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The story in the game revolves around the Axis invasion of Greece, featuring missions primarily focused on German and Italian forces attempting to breach UK defenses. Players engage in historically inspired scenarios that emphasize strategic planning and AI-driven tactical execution, although the tutorial is criticized for lacking proper guidance. Overall, the narrative is enriched by a variety of missions that offer deep tactical challenges, appealing to fans of military strategy.
“The missions focus entirely on the Axis invasion of Greece, with the Italians (in a few early missions) and the Germans (in most of the missions) trying to punch through the United Kingdom defenders (primarily Australia and New Zealand, far from home) while they attempt to spare the Greek forces from annihilation.”
“The earliest mission in the pack explains what American ground troops were trying in their own daring thrust during Market-Garden; the last mission hypothesizes action in a historically quiet sector at the start of the Bulge.”
“It's free to try, you can even design your own scenarios for free, but if you find yourself enjoying the game then the modules are definitely worth a look; they are all extremely well-designed missions that offer many varieties of tactical challenge.”
“The 'tutorial' mission has no tutorial that I can see.”
“There is one tutorial mission (which is in the demo), but after that, you're left with a series of complicated scenarios and a 200-page manual.”
“Coming from a background of FPS shooters, RTS, and grand strategy, the main appeal of Command Ops 2 was a combination of realistic order delays and smart AI commanders, but the missions focus entirely on the Axis invasion of Greece, which feels limiting.”
- gameplay24 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its deep strategic mechanics and a high level of detail, appealing to fans of hardcore wargames. While the learning curve can be steep, with some players struggling to grasp the mechanics without adequate tutorials, those who invest time in understanding the system find it rewarding and engaging. The game features a unique real-time strategy format that allows for pausing and tactical assessment, moving away from traditional turn-based gameplay, which enhances its dynamic nature.
“The gameplay developed here is truly solid strategy work; I mean when I realized what this was, it triggered an entire deep dive.”
“If you enjoy strategic wargames, I promise if you put in the initial work of coming to terms with the mechanics, you will be as hooked as I am!”
“What astonishes me is the wonderful translation of combat commanding at the brigade/division/corps level into game mechanics.”
“The game prides itself on putting supply ahead of all (agreed!), yet its supply mechanics consist of essentially sending trucks into a combat zone, leading to the supply fleet being gradually taken out, and all the fun consequences of that will follow.”
“The airstrike mechanic is my biggest gripe since it is a timed response that is sometimes easy to miss (especially when running on fast mode after plans).”
“If you try to play the game with no understanding of the underlying mechanics at all, all you’ll see is counters moving back and forth in strange, random patterns.”
- graphics15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally described as basic and functional, featuring 2D maps and simple unit counters that prioritize clarity over visual flair. While some players find the graphics unremarkable, they appreciate the immersive and realistic feel they provide, enhancing the strategic experience. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay well, despite lacking modern visual appeal.
“The NATO unit symbols really make the game feel 'real' and the artwork of the game is so well done, it does not feel like a game but an actual simulation.”
“Despite the abstraction of the unit icons and the stripped-back graphics, this game is very immersive, giving a very real feeling of how command may really have worked in WWII combat and the impact down to company level.”
“I really like the maps and unit graphics; they are perfectly suited for operational planning and command!”
“And terrible graphics.”
“Graphics, while not impressive by any means, are very clear and I certainly prefer this to a 3D environment - 3D wargames usually don't look great, especially in close-up, and those games hardly benefit from it.”
“The graphics are spartan - essentially you see a map similar to the ones a commander like Patton or Rommel would have seen in his field headquarters, and use it to issue commands to your subordinates.”
- replayability7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, enhanced by its diverse settings, free scenarios, and a steep learning curve that rewards strategic thinking. Players appreciate the freedom to approach challenges in numerous ways, leading to virtually unlimited replay value. Overall, it is highly regarded as a well-executed war game with significant replay potential.
“Co2 has a steep learning curve, but it rewards you with unparalleled depth and replayability.”
“The free-flowing nature of the game means virtually unlimited replayability; there are as many ways to approach problems as your imagination can conjure.”
“The replay value of each scenario is very high; for example, I've played the free tutorial scenario 'Return to St. Vith' over twenty times!”
“Different settings regarding weather and reinforcements increase the replayability even more.”
“The size of the game and the ability to run it on a low-end PC are huge pluses for replayability.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game tedious, particularly due to the prolonged and repetitive nature of chasing down small enemy units and the lengthy process of eliminating them, even when significantly outnumbering them.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Wild goose chases against escaping enemy units of 1-5 men are tedious.”
“Eliminating a unit entirely, even with multiple units on assault facing it, depleted to near nothing, is an overly long and tedious affair.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 200 % positive mentions
- -400 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users feel that while the game's optimization may currently be lacking, there is potential for improved performance through understanding the mechanics and practice.
“The optimization options are extensive, allowing for a tailored experience that enhances gameplay significantly.”
“I've noticed a remarkable difference in performance after tweaking the settings, making the game run smoother and more efficiently.”
“I have the feeling that improved performance might someday be within my grasp if I read the manual and practice.”
“The game runs poorly on my system, and I can't seem to find any settings that help improve the performance.”
“Despite my efforts to optimize the settings, the game still lags and stutters during crucial moments.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users praise the music in the game, particularly highlighting the loading screen's sound effects as a standout feature that enhances the overall experience and creates a serene atmosphere.
“My all-time favorite part was the loading screen and the special sound/music effects that just serenade in your ears.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive experience that keeps you engaged.”
“Every track in the game is a masterpiece, enhancing the atmosphere and making each moment memorable.”
“The music in this game is repetitive and lacks variety, making it feel monotonous after a short while.”
“I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which really detracted from the overall experience.”
“The sound effects are poorly mixed and often drown out the music, leading to a frustrating audio experience.”
