About Commando
A racing game with an emphasis on global competition, Continental Circuit challenges players to race through various international tracks filled with obstacles, other racers, and tight corners. It combines fast-paced action with strategy, as players must navigate challenging terrain to secure victory.
Developer & Publisher:
Commando was developed and published by Capcom, a company that would go on to create some of the most iconic video game franchises in history, including Street Fighter, Mega Man, and Resident Evil. The game was designed by Tokuro Fujiwara, a renowned game developer at Capcom.
Levels:
Commando is a vertically scrolling shooter, where players control a soldier named Super Joe who must fight his way through various enemy-infested terrains. The game features a mix of open terrain and narrow paths filled with enemies and obstacles. Players advance through multiple levels by defeating waves of enemy soldiers, tanks, and other military units, with the goal of rescuing captured soldiers and clearing out enemy forces. The gameplay is set across six stages (or levels), each with different environmental themes and challenges, such as: Jungle – The initial level where Super Joe begins his mission, facing enemies in dense jungle terrain. Swamp – A level featuring tougher enemies and more challenging terrain. Enemy Base – This level focuses on clearing out military bunkers and strongholds. Desert – A more open level, with enemies coming from all directions. Fortress – The final level in the game, where Super Joe confronts more powerful enemies and the game's ultimate boss.
High Scores:
In Commando, players earn points by killing enemy soldiers, destroying vehicles, and completing levels. Points are awarded based on the number and type of enemies defeated, with bonus points for rescuing hostages. Players also score higher for their accuracy and efficiency in dealing with enemies. The ultimate goal is to rack up as many points as possible while surviving through all stages of the game.
Legacy:
Commando was a groundbreaking title for its time, introducing a fast-paced, action-packed gameplay style that would influence numerous sequels and clones. It was one of the first arcade games to feature a top-down, vertically scrolling shooter format with intense action. The game became highly popular and was ported to multiple home platforms, including the NES, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. The game’s success spawned several sequels and inspired many future military-themed shooters, including games like Ikari Warriors and Metal Slug. Commando is often cited as one of Capcom's early hits and a key title in the history of arcade action games.