The last time we saw the Commandos franchise in all its isometric real-time tactics glory was in 2003 with the release of Commandos 3: Destination Berlin. Today, Kalypso Media announced they have secured full rights to the franchise. That means all future games and distribution rights for the entire series.
Simon Hellwig, founder and Global Managing Director of Kalypso Media Group, gives us an idea of what to expect from the franchise.
“This will include the development of a completely new games for all platforms, but also an extensive adaptation of the existing titles for contemporary technologies and platforms. We’re incredibly excited about the opportunities, and will begin speaking to potential development studios in the near future.”
A remaster of the classic Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines is all but guaranteed. But I can’t wait to see what Kalypso has in store for an entirely new Commandos game. I’m crossing my fingers they tap Mimimi Productions to be the developer.
You might be wondering who Mimimi Productions are? They created the outstanding Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. Imagine Commandos-like gameplay set in Japan around the Edo period.
Here’s a review from ACG if the trailer peaks your interest.
The great thing here is that Mimimi Productions and Kalypso already have a relationship. Kalypso served as the publisher for the console versions of Shadow Tactics.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun shows what the genre can do today. Plus, the 400,000+ copies sold on Steam shows there is an audience for this type of game.
We’re still a ways off from seeing a new entry, but at least the IP is in the hands of a publisher who wants to make it happen.