Commando is a vertically-scrolling military action game developed by Capcom and released in 1985. You play as a lone commando — known in the arcade original as Super Joe — dropped behind enemy lines with a rifle and orders to fight north through hostile territory. Waves of infantry, motorcycle troops, and fortified bunkers stand between you and each stage’s exit, and the screen scrolls forward whether you are ready or not.
How to play
Move with the joystick (arrow keys for Player 1) and fire your rifle with the trigger button (Spacebar). Ammunition is unlimited — use it constantly. The battlefield scrolls continuously and does not pause, so falling behind costs ground you cannot recover. Enemy soldiers attack from all directions including the screen edges, making flank awareness as important as watching straight ahead. A second player can join on the same keyboard using the controls below.
| Joystick control: | ||
| Player 1: | Player 2: | |
| joystick | ↑↓←→ | TGFH |
| trigger | Spacebar | A |
| turbo | Del | . |
| RESET | F12 | F12 |
| SELECT | F11 | F11 |
| Pause | Alt+P | Alt+P |
| black-white / color mode: F2 | ||
| paddle / joystick mode: Alt+L | ||
Tips
- Never stop moving. A stationary target draws fire from every direction; constant motion keeps enemies from surrounding you.
- Watch the edges of the screen — infantry spawns from the sides and can outflank you quickly if you focus only on what is straight ahead.
- Approach bunkers and fortified positions at an angle rather than head-on; a diagonal run reduces the time you spend in their line of fire.
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