Commando (US, set 1)

Commando, known in Japan as Senjō no Ōkami, is a 1985 run and gun game from Capcom. Designed by Tokuro Fujiwara, it hit arcades that year and was distributed in North America by Data East. This US set 1 version is the arcade original, not related to the Schwarzenegger film that came out months later. It's a classic example of early Capcom action, before they became the fighting game giant we know today.

You control a lone soldier advancing through enemy territory. The view is top-down, and you move in eight directions while shooting enemies that appear from all sides. Your main weapon is a rapid-fire rifle, but you can also toss grenades to clear groups of soldiers or take out bunkers. The terrain scrolls vertically, with obstacles like trees and rocks that provide cover. Each stage ends with a base you need to destroy, after which you move to the next area.

Commando holds up as a tight, challenging arcade shooter. It's simple by modern standards but demands quick reflexes and smart positioning. The soundtrack is catchy, and the sprite work is clear and readable. Compared to later run and guns like Ikari Warriors, Commando feels more focused and less cluttered. It's a solid pick if you want to see where Capcom's action pedigree started, with no gimmicks, just pure shooting.