Commando

Overview

Commando delivers a thrilling homage to classic run-and-gun platformers that clearly resonates with fans of the genre. This side-scrolling shooter captures the essence of titles like Mega Man and Metal Slug with its satisfying weapon variety and relentless action. While some technical limitations and a punishing final boss temper the experience, the core gameplay loop proves exceptionally addictive. Players find themselves returning repeatedly to master its challenges and discover hidden secrets, creating a nostalgic yet fresh experience that celebrates retro gaming at its finest.

This game reminds me of Megaman which is a good thing. I give this game a 90% because there are many things to it, like the different weapons and secret entrances.

Stoned_soldier

Pure Run-and-Gun Bliss

The heart of Commando beats to the rhythm of its exhilarating combat system. Players wield an impressive arsenal of weapons that fundamentally change engagement strategies, from close-quarters shredders to long-range artillery. Each firearm delivers distinct tactile feedback through screen-shaking impacts and satisfying sound design, making every enemy encounter feel impactful. The controls strike a perfect balance between simplicity and depth - responsive enough for split-second reactions yet deep enough to reward mastery. This creates that magical "just one more try" compulsion that defines the best action platformers.

Level design complements the combat perfectly with escalating challenges that push players to utilize their full toolkit. Environments constantly evolve, shifting from jungle terrains to industrial complexes, each requiring fresh tactical approaches. Cleverly placed environmental hazards and vertical elements prevent combat from becoming repetitive, while secret areas reward exploration with power-ups and alternate paths. The pacing remains relentless without feeling overwhelming, creating that perfect flow state where reflexes and strategy merge seamlessly.

Brotherhood in Battle

One of Commando's most celebrated features is its ally system, which transforms solo missions into coordinated assaults. Friendly soldiers dynamically join the fray at key moments, creating unforgettable battlefield camaraderie. These AI companions don't just provide cannon fodder - they actively flank enemies, draw fire strategically, and even complete tactical objectives. Watching your squad breach a fortified position together creates genuine moments of triumph that elevate the experience beyond typical solo platformers.

The ally implementation shines brightest during boss encounters where coordinated attacks become essential. These computer-controlled partners demonstrate surprisingly intelligent behavior, adapting to player positioning and focusing fire on weak points. Their occasional heroic sacrifices during critical moments add emotional weight to the carnage, making players genuinely care about their digital comrades. This feature taps into the same satisfying team dynamics that made classics like Contra memorable, but with more sophisticated AI behaviors.

Sometimes you have other soldiers on your side fighting with you, which is pretty cool.

Fipi

The Thrill of the Hunt

Commando masterfully incentivizes replayability through its progression systems and hidden content. Multiple playthroughs reveal cleverly concealed weapon caches, alternate routes, and environmental secrets that completely change mission approaches. Discovering a new grenade type tucked behind destructible scenery or uncovering a shortcut that bypasses a brutal enemy gauntlet delivers genuine eureka moments. This exploration-reward loop creates tremendous value beyond the initial playthrough.

The weapon variety deserves special praise for how dramatically it alters gameplay dynamics. Each firearm isn't just statistically different - they change movement patterns, engagement ranges, and even level navigation strategies. Some weapons enable new platforming possibilities while others turn defensive positions into overwhelming kill zones. This transforms subsequent playthroughs into fresh experiences as players experiment with different loadouts. The joy of finding a devastating new weapon after multiple failed attempts provides some of the most satisfying moments in the game.

The Brutal Final Exam

Commando's difficulty curve presents both its greatest strength and most significant frustration. Early levels provide a fair challenge that teaches mechanics organically, but the final boss represents a staggering spike that tests even veteran players. This towering opponent demands pixel-perfect execution, pattern memorization, and resource management that borders on punishing. While many appreciate the ultimate test of skill, others find the abrupt transition from manageable to near-impossible somewhat jarring.

The boss design itself is visually impressive with multi-stage transformations and arena-altering attacks. However, the absence of checkpointing before these climactic battles means repeating lengthy sections after each failure. This design choice amplifies tension but can lead to frustration during the learning process. Some players report dozens of attempts before achieving victory, creating both legendary triumph stories and occasional controller-throwing moments.

The only hard part would be the boss which I have never beaten but I'll never stop trying.

Donny123123

Presentation Quirks

Visually, Commando delivers vibrant pixel art that pops with personality. Enemy designs range from creatively menacing to darkly humorous, while backgrounds shift dramatically between levels to maintain visual freshness. Explosions and weapon effects provide satisfying visual feedback, though the low native resolution creates noticeable pixilation on modern displays. The electronic soundtrack deserves special recognition for its pulse-pounding beats that perfectly complement the on-screen chaos.

The most consistent criticism involves technical presentation rather than artistic direction. The absence of proper fullscreen support forces players into a tiny window or requires resolution adjustments that still result in suboptimal scaling. This becomes particularly problematic during precise platforming sections where visual clarity is essential. While the core gameplay shines regardless, this presentation limitation prevents the art from achieving its full potential.