What if I told you that the teams behind the awesome Warhammer: Space Marine II got together with one of the best directors in the business to create a Left 4 Dead game from the heavens? (Or hell, for that matter?) Well, good news, kids, it happened – and John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is the payoff.
What it lacks in narrative – a squad of four go up against a beast called the Sludge God and its sludgeite (?) army – it more than makes up for in brutal mayhem. Powered by the Swarm Engine used in other games, Toxic Commando cooks with insane action. It benefits from having real players by your side, though the AI is serviceable. And it has more than enough weapons to go around, including some really cool toys that can turn the tide.
On top of this, other mechanics work well here. The vehicle system is excellent, especially when it comes to the use of the winch. Plus the upgrades are very worthwhile, and the ongoing mission structure will certainly keep you busy. It also pulsates with a strong presentation (with mild wrinkles) and a soundtrack worthy of the master himself.
It doesn’t redefine the genre, as it’s an amped up take on Left 4 Dead. But when you’re having this much fun creating bloody sushi with your buddies, who cares? Toxic Commando is a party waiting to happen, and you won’t want to miss crashing it.
The Sludge God Wreaks Havoc In John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando
In Toxic Commando, you play a team of four players with a very unfortunate task. The unforgivable Sludge God has arisen, turning innocent people into controlled, mindless minions. They’re beyond saving, so it’s up to you to lay waste to them before the horde grows in size. You do this across a number of bite-sized missions, sent out by a wise man who looks strikingly familiar to Carpenter. (Perhaps that was the idea…?)
These missions vary, but the general idea is to reach a safe point or obtain an item that’s worthy for the cause. Getting there, however, is the real fun. Sometimes you’re on foot, and other times you’ll need to use a vehicle to crush your way through. What’s neat here is that using a car isn’t as simple as jumping in. You have to consistently refuel it, using gas cans that are lying around. Plus, on occasion, you’ll need to use a winch to bust down doors or get up a steep hill, to great effect. My only regret is that you can’t use the winch for more destructive means – like launching through an army of the undead to get more traction.
But, hey, you’ve got weapons for that, right? And Toxic Commando piles up aplenty. Along with traditional goods that can mow down most foes, you also come across occasional power weapons that can turn the tide in an instant. It turns a hopeless situation into an all-out victory, and though they’re limited in use, they’re nothing short of wonderful. If only we could all get our hands on railguns at once. At least we can take turns, yeah?
The four-player co-op gameplay is nicely balanced. Sure, there are times someone can easily be overwhelmed by a heavy. But, just as in Left 4 Dead before it, you can save them and, if needed, revive them to stay in the fight. You’ll need them too. The online co-op we tested (limited in review time, sadly) worked very well, but the AI is reliable too, in case you feel like going solo. Trust us, though – invite friends. It’s all for the better.
I also like the upgrade and progression system for each character. You can power-up enough that it truly makes a difference, especially in later missions. You’re going to need every bit of that experience.
Gameplay is sharp and precise, and the effect of weapons is very cool. I do wish the missions were a little longer, but they remain sufficient enough to keep you coming back. Plus there’s a wide variety, and I hope we get more via DLC.
Overall, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando plays like Left 4 Dead turned up to 11. Hell, 25. That may not be much of a revolution, but it’s a good time all the same. I’ll take it.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando Isn’t Afraid To Get Bloody
The hijinks shine through in Toxic Commando, and it shows with the game’s visuals. It runs incredibly smooth on the Xbox, moving at (mostly) 60 frames per second with only a few hiccups here and there. Saber’s Swarm Engine continues to do very well here, serving up zombies like ants invading an anthill. It adds to the chaos, and I’m here for it.
Plus the animated sequences are a blast to watch, and the little touches – the monster designs, the main characters, the vehicles – really deliver. Overall, this is a good looking take on the genre, even if there is room for a very slight bit of patchwork.
As for the soundtrack, it’s inspired. It’s like Carpenter worked on the tunes himself. (Who knows, maybe he did.) It’s mostly old-school inspired, playing out and giving each mission a small dose of energy. Plus having a new Gunship song never gets old. Throw in superb voicework (with plenty of playful banter) and rocksteady sound effects, and you’ve got a slick sounding package.
This Game’s Love Got Us Toxic (Commando)
How is it that Focus and Saber Interactive can’t miss these days? Just like Space Marine II, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando offers a wild thrill ride. What it lacks in invention and long-term narration, it more than makes up for with co-op thrills and superb gameplay. Plus it looks and sounds like a winner, straight out of the filmmakers’ library.
Do yourself a favor and find a good co-op team now. Playing with friends is way more fun than with AI, though the solo sessions certainly don’t suck. Whatever you do, tho, don’t miss the party. And fingers crossed we see some guest stars stop by. I can’t imagine what Jack Burton would do in a situation like this. (“Who?” “Jack Burton. ME.”)
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Saber Interactive for providing us with review codes! John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando arrives on March 12 for Xbox, PlayStation and Steam/PC/Steam Deck!
