The Nintendo SNES is one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history, and its library of games is still widely regarded as some of the best ever made. One game that stands out among the rest is Captain Commando, a side-scrolling beat-em-up that was released in 1991 for the console.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Captain Commando, including its gameplay, graphics, and soundtracks. We'll also explore its age rating, as well as how it has held up over time.

Gameplay

Captain Commando is an action-packed beat-em-up that follows the story of a commando named Captain Howard, who must fight his way through hordes of enemy forces to rescue the President's daughter from an evil villain. The game takes place on three different levels, each with its own unique theme and challenges.

Players control Captain Howard as he navigates through the levels, fighting off waves of enemies using a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, and special moves. Along the way, Captain Howard must also interact with non-playable characters (NPCs), such as civilians and other soldiers who can provide assistance or obstacles to his progress.

One of the standout features of Captain Commando is its emphasis on teamwork. Players can recruit up to four other commandos to join them in battle, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. This allows for a wide range of strategies and team compositions, adding depth and replayability to the game.

Graphics

The graphics in Captain Commando are surprisingly good considering the time it was released. The game features colorful and detailed backgrounds, as well as characters with intricate designs and animations. The enemy AI is also notable, with many enemies displaying distinct behaviors and patterns that require players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

However, some of the graphics have not aged particularly well. The character models can appear blocky or pixelated in certain areas, and some of the backgrounds display a noticeable amount of texture compression artifacts. Still, overall, the graphics hold up remarkably well, especially considering the technical limitations of the SNES at the time.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Captain Commando is one of its standout features. The game's music is catchy and energetic, with many memorable themes that add to the overall atmosphere and tension of each level. The sound effects are also excellent, with crisp and clear audio that really enhances the gaming experience.

One of the most impressive aspects of the soundtrack is how well it captures the sense of urgency and danger that pervades the game's levels. Whether you're fighting against waves of enemies or navigating treacherous terrain, the music always seems to be pushing you forward, urging you on towards your goal.

Age Rating

Captain Commando is rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), which means it contains content that may not be suitable for all ages. Specifically, the game features:

• Violence: There is a significant amount of violence in Captain Commando, including blood and gore.
• Strong Language: The game includes some strong language and profanity.
• Suggestive Themes: Some levels contain suggestive themes or references to mature topics.

Overall, while Captain Commando is not excessively violent or gory compared to other games from the same era, it still contains content that may be disturbing or objectionable to younger players. Parents are advised to exercise caution when allowing their children to play the game.

Legacy

Despite being released over 30 years ago, Captain Commando remains a beloved game among fans of the SNES and action-adventure games in general. Its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and exploration has influenced countless other games, including popular titles like Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game and Guacamelee!.

The game's enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless gameplay mechanics, which still hold up remarkably well today. Captain Commando is a true classic of the beat-em-up genre, and its influence can still be felt in many modern games.

In conclusion, Captain Commando is an excellent addition to the SNES library that has stood the test of time. Its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of action-adventure games. While some of the graphics may have not aged particularly well, the game's overall quality and replay value make it an essential title for any retro gaming collection.

Conclusion

Captain Commando is a classic SNES game that continues to entertain and challenge players to this day. Its emphasis on teamwork, strategy, and exploration has influenced countless other games, and its timeless gameplay mechanics still hold up remarkably well today. If you're a fan of action-adventure games or simply looking for a fun and challenging experience, Captain Commando is an absolute must-play.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended for: Fans of action-adventure games, beat-em-ups, and retro gaming in general.

Not recommended for: Younger players due to mature themes and violence.

Additional Information

• Developer: Capcom
• Publisher: Capcom
• Release Date: November 1991 (US)
• Genre: Beat-em-up, Action-Adventure
• Platforms: SNES, Other (varies by region)

Note: The information provided is accurate as of the knowledge cutoff date mentioned earlier.