Commando
Fight Your Way Through the Jungle
Step into the boots of Super Joe, a lone soldier dropped deep into enemy territory. Commando is a fast-paced action game where you must fight your way out singlehandedly against overwhelming odds. You are not fighting an army; you are fending off a massive assault of enemy soldiers who are trying to stop you from completing your mission.
The gameplay is straightforward but intense. You control Super Joe as he moves through vertical scrolling levels filled with hostile forces. Your primary goal is to advance through the jungle environment, engaging enemies at every turn. You are armed with an assault rifle that has unlimited ammo, allowing you to spray bullets at approaching foes without worrying about running out of ammunition.
However, shooting alone won't always be enough. The battlefield is often cluttered with obstacles and groups of enemies that can surround you quickly. This is where your grenades come in handy. You have a limited supply of hand grenades, which are essential for clearing dense clusters of enemies or breaking through barriers. A key mechanic to master is how these grenades work: they can only be thrown vertically toward the top of the screen, regardless of which direction Joe is facing. This means you need to position yourself carefully before throwing to ensure you hit the targets above or behind you.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Commando is the objective-based gameplay. You are not just shooting for points; you have a mission. Part of your job involves rescuing prisoners of war who are held captive in various locations throughout the levels. Finding and freeing these prisoners adds a layer of strategy to the chaos, as you must navigate through dangerous areas to reach them while under heavy fire.
The game also features clever bonus opportunities. If you spot a cowardly officer hiding among the enemy ranks, shooting him provides bonus points. This encourages you to look closely at the battlefield and identify high-value targets rather than just spraying bullets blindly. The arcade version of the game is known for its eight unique levels, each presenting different challenges and layouts that keep the experience fresh as you progress.
As you play, you will notice the difficulty ramping up. The enemies are relentless, coming from multiple directions and often in large numbers. The vertical scrolling nature of the game means new threats are constantly appearing from the top of the screen, requiring quick reflexes and constant awareness of your surroundings. You must balance moving forward to complete objectives with positioning yourself to defend against incoming attacks.
Commando helped popularize the run-and-gun genre, setting a standard for arcade action in the mid-1980s. The feeling of being a lone hero holding the line against an endless stream of foes is both thrilling and challenging. It captures the essence of arcade gaming: simple controls, immediate action, and high stakes.
While there was a sequel titled Mercs released in 1989 that expanded on these ideas, Commando remains a standalone classic. Its design focuses on pure combat and survival, making it accessible to new players while still offering enough depth for veterans of the genre.
To succeed in Commando, keep moving. Standing still makes you an easy target. Use your grenades wisely to create breathing room when surrounded, and always be aware of prisoners that need rescuing. The combination of unlimited rifle fire and limited grenade resources creates a tense balance between aggression and caution.
Whether you are here for nostalgia or to experience the roots of the run-and-gun genre, Commando delivers a solid arcade experience. It is about skill, quick decision-making, and perseverance as you push through each level to clear the obstacles and defeat the enemy forces blocking your path. You can also try more Arcade games from the same system.