Commando is a classic top-down shooter main game, first released in 1985, where you take on hordes of enemies across varied terrain featuring obstacles like trees and rivers. Gameplay centers on relentless combat using a standard rifle and strategically collected grenades to clear entrenched positions. Success requires precise movement and tactical use of limited explosives against overwhelming opposition across multiple challenging levels.
The gameplay loop is straightforward yet demanding: advance through the terrain while eliminating all opposition. Armed initially with a standard rifle, the player must manage their limited resources effectively. A key tactical element involves the use of grenades, which provide crucial ranged firepower necessary for clearing entrenched positions or dealing with distant threats.
The environment itself plays a significant role in survival. The combat terrain is varied, featuring elements such as trees, rivers, and bridges that must be factored into movement and attack planning. Enemies are positioned both openly and in concealed spots, requiring the player to approach from specific angles to maximize effectiveness and minimize incoming fire.
While the standard rifle offers continuous fire, extra grenades are a vital collectible. Securing these additional explosives allows the player to engage targets from a safer distance, providing a necessary buffer against the constant barrage of enemy shots. Effective use of these limited resources often dictates success in later stages.
The primary tactical consideration is positioning relative to environmental obstacles and enemy placements. Since some enemies hide in locations requiring specific approach angles, players must constantly adjust their pathing to expose threats while remaining protected by terrain features like bridges or foliage. The game demands continuous forward momentum against superior numbers.
As a main game title, there are no associated downloadable content packs, expansions, remasters, or remakes currently listed for this original release iteration. The game saw extensive distribution across a wide array of 8-bit and 16-bit platforms, ensuring broad accessibility upon its initial release period.
The game distinguishes itself through its focus on relentless, single-character action against massive odds, demanding precise movement and tactical use of limited ordnance within a dynamically hazardous environment. It established a template for vertical scrolling combat scenarios popular during its era.

A considerably stripped down version of Commando, with a limited amount of enemies onscreen and generally simplified gameplay. The levels have been reduced to only four stages that loop twice, as opposed to the arcade game's eight levels. The arcade game made use of two fire buttons; as the 2600 only has a single fire button, the player has to press fire to shoot and hold to lob a grenade. This version was programmed by Mike Riedel for Imagineering, Inc.

The NES port of the Capcom Run & Gun shooter Commando.