Iron Commando
- July 13, 2016
- Arcade Zone
In "Iron Commando," players can choose between a soldier or a martial arts master to stop G.H.O.S.T. from acquiring a radioactive meteorite. The game features 10 levels of brawling action, including unique experiences like riding in a Jeep and motorcycle, and is available for purchase on Steam. Fans of classic beat 'em up games like Final Fight and Streets of Rage will enjoy this tribute to the genre.
Reviews
- The game features a good variety of weapon types, adding depth to the combat experience.
- It has a quirky charm and is visually polished, reminiscent of classic beat 'em ups from the 90s.
- Retro fans may enjoy the chaotic gameplay and the nostalgic feel of side-scrolling action.
- The controls are sluggish and can be frustrating, with issues like not recognizing controllers and clunky mechanics.
- The difficulty is inconsistent, with some players finding even the easiest setting challenging to the point of being unplayable.
- The game suffers from poor emulation performance, leading to stuttering and low framerates on some systems.
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for prioritizing emulation accuracy over performance, resulting in poor performance on low-spec machines, including stuttering and low framerates. This has led to a general dissatisfaction with the retro re-release style, as users find it challenging to recommend the game due to its performance issues.
“Between this and Sega's good-looking but shockingly low-performance 'upgrade' to their Genesis Classics frontend, it's become harder to wholeheartedly vouch for this style of retro re-release.”
“Piko prioritized emulation accuracy above performance here, meaning low spec machines that would otherwise be totally fine emulating 90's era console games might get nasty stuttering and unplayably low framerates.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highlighted by its SNES-style graphics, featuring diverse character designs and classic animations that enhance the overall aesthetic and charm.
“The character development is incredibly rich, with each character having a unique backstory that unfolds throughout the game.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the choices I make, making every decision feel impactful.”
“The diverse character designs and animations really bring the personalities to life, enhancing the overall experience.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The graphics feature a nostalgic SNES style, showcasing diverse character designs and classic animations that evoke a sense of retro charm.
“SNES-style graphics with varied character designs and classic animations.”
“The visuals are stunning, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the world to life.”
“The art style is beautifully crafted, blending nostalgia with modern aesthetics.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
“The environments are bland and lack detail, making the game visually unappealing.”
“Character models are poorly designed and animations are choppy, detracting from the overall experience.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Reviewers note that the variety of usable items significantly enhances the game's replayability, encouraging players to explore different strategies and experiences in subsequent playthroughs.
“The variety of usable items significantly enhances the replay value.”
“Each playthrough offers new challenges and experiences, making it hard to put down.”
“The dynamic choices and outcomes ensure that no two games feel the same.”
“The usable items add to the replay value.”
“Once you complete the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
“The lack of varied endings makes replaying feel pointless.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story is characterized as a typical mid-90s narrative, lacking originality but still manageable for players.
“The story is the usual generic mid-90s nonsense, but I can deal with that.”
“The plot twists are predictable and lack any real impact.”
“Character development is shallow, making it hard to care about their journeys.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been compared unfavorably to classic titles like Streets of Rage on the Sega Genesis, with users noting that it feels similar but lacks the smoothness and functional options menu found in those older games.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by whimsical elements, such as the amusing design of a cartoon motorbike reminiscent of 60's acid rock art, which adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay and elicits laughter from players.
“For variety, there are a few vehicle shooting sections in which your character rides a funny little cartoon motorbike that could've come straight off of a 60's acid rock album cover... it always makes me chuckle.”
“The dialogue is filled with witty one-liners that had me laughing out loud, making even the most intense moments feel lighthearted.”
“The quirky characters and their absurd antics provide a constant stream of humor that keeps the gameplay enjoyable and entertaining.”