Info
One of the most popular arcade shooters is back! Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 revives the classic Commando franchise with an all-new adventure. Fight solo or recruit two other specialized commandos to defeat the evil tyrant General Ratiev. Play as Codename Wolf, Coyote, or Fox as you take on waves of soldiers, rescue POWs, and blow up armoured vehicles through a variety of dangerous battlefields. With loads of weapons and power-ups at your disposal, gear up and blast your way to victory!
No of Players: 1-3
Released:2008
Review August 2008 by Jamie Davies.
From the moment the game starts it’s clear that Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 (or simply Commando 3 from now on to save on keyboard wear and tear) is designed to be heavily stylised. From the cartoony design of the main characters, to the animated menu’s which crack and explode as you select them, it’s a nice style which suits the arrival of the series into the age of High Definition.
Despite the more modern style, Commando 3’s gameplay doesn’t stray too far from its origins. Taking the role of one of the three Commando’s and progressing over a number of different levels as a scrolling shooter, the basic principle is that if it moves, shoot it.
And if it doesn’t move, you should still shoot it since the chances are it will reveal power-ups for your weapons or just add to your score.
Of course there are some new editions like vehicles (which control a little awkwardly) but the basic principles of continuously shooting and moving are the same, instilling a heady sense of nostalgia for anyone with fond memories of the first two games. This time around there’s an online co-op mode, with up to three players taking on the role of one of characters. It’s a nice addition to be able to play along with others, squabbling over power-ups and co-operating to take down the enemies or bosses.
True to its roots the game is very short and can be completed within a hour or so. This makes it fun as a punchy but throwaway retro-shooter (albeit with a more modern veneer) and aside from co-op there probably isn’t much else to keep you coming back.