Commando

Commando, known as Senjō no Ōkami in Japan, is a 1985 arcade run and gun game from Capcom. Designed by Tokuro Fujiwara, it was released worldwide, with North American distribution handled by Data East. While sharing a name with a popular film from the same year, the game has no connection to that movie. It arrived at a time when arcades were flooded with shooters, but Commando carved out its own identity. Playing as a lone soldier named Super Joe, you fight through vertically scrolling stages filled with enemy troops. The core gameplay involves moving upward while firing your machine gun and tossing grenades to clear a path. You have to avoid enemy fire and obstacles, with each stage ending after you reach a certain point. The action is relentless, requiring quick reflexes and smart use of limited grenades. Today, Commando stands as a foundational title in the run and gun genre. It directly influenced games like Ikari Warriors and later overhead shooters. For retro fans, it offers a pure, challenging arcade experience from Capcom's early days. If you enjoy no-frills action that tests your twitch skills, this one is worth a play.