8-bit Commando
- June 2, 2014
- 2dengine
- 2h median play time
Get on itch.io Store"8-Bit Commando" is a shooter game that combines fast-paced action with a retro 8-bit style. Players can choose between single-player, cooperative multiplayer, and versus modes across 7 challenging stages. With a rocking chiptunes soundtrack, beautiful pixel art, and unlockable hard mode, this run-and-gun platformer provides a nostalgic gaming experience for both new and seasoned players. Local multiplayer is also available for up to 2 players.
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game captures a nostalgic Contra vibe, appealing to fans of classic run-and-gun shooters.
- It features varied level design and allows players to switch weapons freely, providing some strategic options.
- The game runs smoothly on modern systems and has a decent soundtrack that complements the gameplay.
- The game suffers from significant technical issues, including freezing on bootup and poor compatibility with certain systems.
- Gameplay is often described as slow, unresponsive, and frustrating, with levels that feel short and lacking in challenge.
- Many players feel the game is overpriced for its content, comparing it unfavorably to better alternatives available at similar or lower prices.
- music14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it decent but ultimately repetitive and poorly suited to the action, leading to annoyance over time. While a few reviewers appreciated the soundtrack, others criticized it as mediocre or reminiscent of low-quality 8-bit music, detracting from the overall experience. Overall, the music fails to enhance the gameplay and can become grating during extended play sessions.
“Remember Contra's first stage, how warlike was that music?”
“The game has appealing graphics and decent music.”
“Cool soundtrack though.”
“The music is done by some artist that may be famous, he may be good in his art and all, but the soundtrack doesn't mix well with the action.”
“In this game, the music makes you want to go for a moderate walk, instead of running, jumping, and shooting aliens in the face.”
“The music, of which you will be hearing over and over due to the cheap deaths, slowly drills its way into your mind, grinding your will to live down until the sound of a tortured cat would be preferable.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay is criticized for being slow, stiff, and frustrating, with mechanics that fail to evolve and a repetitive experience that becomes tedious quickly. Players find the character unresponsive and the life mechanic nonsensical, leading to a lack of engagement and a feeling that the game lacks originality and depth. Overall, the gameplay is deemed weak and uninspired, overshadowing any charm the game may initially present.
“The gameplay is good, and I'm not sure what the comments are saying when this seems to apparently be the 'ripoff' of some game.”
“The game is charming at first, but the gameplay is slow, stiff, and frustrating.”
“Unfortunately, the game is sluggish to play and the character is unresponsive. The game already seems repetitive after the first level, the life mechanic is silly (eat 10 bullets or mess up a jump and it is game over), and the music is mediocre.”
“Sluggy, uninteresting, and probably copy-pasted together by some kids into Contra and Mega Man on the NES, this game hardly tries to have its own atmosphere or mechanics.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as appealing and well-executed for an 8-bit style, fitting its contra-inspired theme. However, many reviewers find the visuals to be bland and simplistic, lacking the depth and creativity seen in other titles, which diminishes the overall experience. While the graphics are adequate for the game's purpose, they do not stand out enough to warrant a recommendation.
“The graphics and style are good for what it's trying to do, which is a Contra knock-off.”
“The game has appealing graphics and decent music.”
“+ Graphics, sound, and effects are well made for an 8-bit.”
“The graphics are bland and the animations are simplistic.”
“The low price and cartoonish aesthetics and gameplay may be tempting, but really, don't bother.”
“This isn't a long game, it's not particularly inspired or interesting, the gameplay is weak, and the art style is what it is.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Many users feel that the game lacks sufficient challenge and variety, leading to low replayability. Comparisons to other titles suggest that for a similar price, players can find more engaging and longer-lasting experiences.
“The replay value of this game is incredible; every playthrough feels fresh and engaging.”
“I love how each decision I make leads to different outcomes, making me want to replay it multiple times.”
“With various character builds and story paths, this game offers endless replayability.”
“Overall, it just feels too easy, not enough replayability. For $4, you could get 4 copies of Alien Splatter Redux, which is longer, harder, and has a more interesting art style with more engaging bosses.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is generally smooth, particularly highlighted by the appealing parallax scrolling in the biker stage; however, it lacks creativity. Additionally, the inclusion of an online leaderboard offers players a way to track and enhance their performance on each level.
“There's an online leaderboard that grades your performance on a per-level basis, for those who enjoy improving their technique.”
“The optimization of the game allows for smooth gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“The game's performance is impressive, with minimal lag and quick load times, making it enjoyable to play.”
- story2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story is criticized for being shallow and unengaging, lacking memorable elements or emotional impact, and is compared unfavorably to previous entries in the series. The protagonist is described as faceless, and the overall narrative feels like a mere backdrop to the gameplay rather than a compelling experience.
“You'll probably find a more fleshed-out story in any of the other Contra games ever made than here, and better endings too.”
“Yeah they sound '8-bit' but none of it is catchy, memorable, well-composed or does anything - whether to pump you up, ratchet up tension, no, none of that - except sound '8-bit.' It's as faceless as the protagonist and the tacked-on story about playing a game of nuclear missile hot potato with whoever the villains are.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with users reporting frequent freezes during bootup, rendering it unplayable.
“The game is broken; it freezes on bootup.”
“I experience constant crashes that make it unplayable.”
“The stability issues are so severe that I can't progress in the game.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is criticized as being dull and unoriginal, with reviewers suggesting it feels like a poorly assembled imitation of classic titles like Contra and Mega Man, lacking any distinct identity or engaging mechanics.
“Sluggy, uninteresting, and probably copy-pasted together by some kids into Contra and Mega Man on the NES, this game hardly tries to have its own atmosphere or mechanics.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively repetitive and frustrating, with the constant cycle of cheap deaths leading to a sense of mental fatigue and irritation, exacerbated by the monotonous music.
“The music, which you will be hearing over and over due to the cheap deaths, slowly drills its way into your mind, grinding your will to live down until the sound of a tortured cat would be preferable.”
