Bless you, Xbox Live and your open Marketplace filled with downloadable goodies that range from extra maps for your favorite first-person shooter, original Xbox titles and an Arcade section filled with various games. The Xbox Live Arcade section not only contains coin-op classics but also some original games designed specifically for Xbox Live. Commanders: Attack of the Genos is one of those original downloadable games and while its style is very familiar, this tactical strategy game won’t fail to show you a good time on this intelligent battlefield.

The very second you start playing Commanders; you won’t be able to help but think of the Advanced Wars games. Played as a turn-based strategy game with a wartime theme, Commanders pits two sides against each another in a playing map. The game comes complete with a single-player Campaign mode (complete with a single battle mode as well as a mode that allows you to play missions with different options) and a multiplayer option. It’s quite a juicy package, all right, and all this could be yours for 800 Marketplace Points (roughly $10). Believe me when I say it’s well worth the points.

The game’s solo Campaign mode offers 15 missions in total and they each revolve around the major conflict between the Federation and a conflicted group of super humans known as the Genos. You see, in an alternate 1924, these super beings were created to serve in the military but soon the Genos grew tired of being treated like second-class citizens and genetic freaks and an uprising began against the Federation. The game follows a Federation Commander named Alec Falcon as he leads his troops against the Genos army led by an enemy Commander named Striker Alden. It isn’t until Alden decides to unleash his plan to take over key Federation installations that the Federation recognizes a new kind of Genos threat.

The 15 missions in Campaign mode comes complete with various mission objectives that range from capturing an enemy factory to getting through a mission with only one infantry unit left. Thankfully, the game includes a Training mode that acts like the game’s tutorial because - while there are familiar gameplay essentials from past tactical strategy games - the game can get a bit complex in certain areas. Aside from the fact that you’ll be moving various types of vehicular units and learning how each vehicle moves differently on the map, you’ll have make tactical decisions that will affect the outcome of each mission.

As a turn-based strategy game, though, you’ll seriously be rethinking each move since at the end of your turn the enemy begins to make their own strategic moves. As I mentioned above, each unit type moves different. When you move a unit, you’ll see that sections of the map turn into a grid indicating each possible position. Your unit consists of everything from light vehicles (small scouts and light tanks) to heavy vehicles (monstrous mechs and heavy tanks). You’ll have light Infantry mechs that can even be placed in transport vehicles to move them all at once.  

Each map has key locations such as enemy factories and stronghold that if you’re able to take them from the enemy will generate money and reinforcement. Factories will build more units to help aid you clearing enemies from the map. The enemy AI is actually quite good at attempting to counter your every move while taking advantage of your mistakes during your turn. Battles begin by moving the reticule over your opponent and, depending on your unit type; your firepower can take out your enemy or badly injure them.

Aside from the fact that the game can be played using a standard and advanced difficulty mode, you’re able to play a single battle using any of the available Commanders at your disposal. You can also play the game with up to four players offline but the real reason you’ll still play this game is the fact that you can play online via Xbox Live.

Visually, the environments aren’t filled with incredible details nor are they wonderfully colorful. This is fine seeing as the game’s graphics aren’t bad either and the vehicles (which come in blue or red depending on your side) look good. There are no animated cut scenes (all dialogue is handled via text) but there are some decent 2D character designs. The sound effects are nothing to write home about and while the soundtrack starts off well it gets really old and annoying rather quickly.

Commanders: Attack of the Genos is a clever and addictively challenging game and just a great example that the Xbox Live marketplace is home to fun and challenging titles. Strategy gaming enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the nicely designed maps and situations that make this turn-based war game a treat to play. While it’s not entirely original, there’s still much fun to be had in this one so do yourself a favor and check it out in the Xbox Live Arcade.

Gameplay: 8.0
The turn-based tactical maneuvering of your squad is entirely up to you and moving along the grid requires you think your every move thanks to the solid enemy AI. There are various different vehicles to use and missions in Campaign mode offers a number of challenging objectives.

Graphics: 7.0
The game’s graphics are sharp but there’s not much in terms of environmental details. The vehicles look decent and the only real color scheme comes in blues and reds. At least the explosions really stand out.

Sound: 5.0
The game features no voices and the music starts off decent enough but soon gets very annoying. The only sound effects you’ll hear are explosions and gunfire.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
The opponent AI is sharp as a tack and is good at coming up with ways of trying to counter your every move on the grid. You will find yourself really rethinking each and every move in this game and how to manage your light armor on the field.

Concept: 8.0
The solo portion of the game is actually quite meaty so there’s a lot to enjoy on your own. The missions are wonderfully designed and there’s a lot to the game’s tactical decisions. The maps are wonderfully designed so expect to be challenged. You can also enjoy single battles as well as play a multiplayer match online.

Multiplayer: 8.5
Up to four players can take each another on offline or online via Xbox Live. Either way, you’re in for a real treat since the game excels at making the turn-based action really enjoyable. Online, the game runs smoothly so must really play this one with other gamers.

Overall: 8.0
Challenging and delightfully addictive, Commanders: Attack of the Genos is a genuinely enjoyable Xbox 360 game well worth downloading. Fans of the strategy gaming genre will find tactical challenges aplenty as both a single-player and multiplayer offering so there’s a lot to love about this title. Really, do yourself a favor, strategy gaming fans, and head over to the Xbox Live Arcade and download this likeable gem.