Gaming

Series of memory about the game

21. Commando is a run-and-gun arcade game developed and published by Capcom, first released in 1985. The game became an iconic title in the shoot-’em-up genre, known for its fast-paced action and challenging gameplay.

Story

In Commando, players take on the role of a soldier named Super Joe, who is sent on a solo mission to infiltrate enemy territory and rescue captured prisoners of war. Armed with a submachine gun and grenades, Super Joe must battle his way through waves of enemy soldiers and reach the enemy’s base.

Key features include:

	• Movement and Shooting: Players can move Super Joe in eight directions while shooting in the direction he is facing. The goal is to eliminate all enemies in sight while avoiding being shot or captured.
	• Grenades: In addition to his gun, Super Joe is equipped with a limited supply of grenades, which can be thrown to take out groups of enemies or destroy obstacles. Grenades are especially useful for defeating larger enemies or enemy fortifications.
	• Rescuing Prisoners: As Super Joe progresses through the levels, he can rescue prisoners of war by destroying their cages. Rescuing prisoners adds to the player’s score and is crucial for completing the mission.
	• Challenging Levels: The game consists of multiple levels, each filled with enemy soldiers, tanks, and other hazards. The difficulty increases with each level, requiring players to master the controls and develop strategies to survive.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Commando featured detailed 8-bit graphics, with well-animated sprites and diverse enemy designs. The game’s environments range from jungle terrain to military bases, each with unique obstacles and challenges. The sound design includes energetic music that matches the intensity of the action, along with sound effects for gunfire, explosions, and enemy attacks.

Reception and Legacy

Commando was a major success in arcades, praised for its engaging gameplay and challenging difficulty. The game was later ported to various home consoles and computers, including the NES, Commodore 64, and Atari 2600. Its influence can be seen in many later run-and-gun games, and it is considered a classic in the genre.

The success of Commando led to the development of sequels, including Mercs and Bionic Commando, both of which expanded on the original game’s mechanics and introduced new features. Commando remains a beloved title among retro gaming enthusiasts and is often remembered as one of the defining games of the mid-1980s.

Gameplay

Commando is played from a top-down perspective, with the screen scrolling vertically as the player advances through the level. The gameplay is straightforward but intense, requiring quick reflexes and strategic use of weapons.