Commando

Commando - the 1985 run and gun for Commodore 64 from Elite Systems.

Charge upward as Super Joe through trenches and forts, spraying rifle fire
and lobbing grenades under constant pressure. Break defenses, rescue POWs
for bonus points, and storm the fortress to push the warfront.

Core loop
- advance upscreen while shooting infantry and tossing grenades
- blow open bunkers, trucks, and sandbag walls to thin resistance
- reach the fort at the top to clear the stage

Systems and items
- rifle - rapid shots in the facing direction
- grenades - limited stock that clears groups and fixed guns
- POWs and leaders - freeing prisoners and tagging officers yields bonuses
- side routes - bridges, trenches, and cover let you bypass heavy fire

Level design and feel
Fast vertical scrolling with tight enemy spawns and entrenched guns.
Shorter than the arcade campaign, but brisk and replayable. The driving
Rob Hubbard soundtrack keeps the tempo high throughout.

Why it is notable
- conversion by Elite with music by Rob Hubbard
- famous for its C64 soundtrack and punchy pacing
- trimmed level count compared to the arcade original

Tips
- save grenades for barricades and nests you cannot shoot through
- keep moving diagonally to desync enemy fire patterns
- enter forts from the safest edge to avoid crossfire at the gate

At a glance
Year - 1985
Developer - Elite Systems
Design and programming - Chris Butler
Graphics - Dory Green - Chris Harvey
Music - Rob Hubbard
Publisher - Elite Systems
Genre - Run and gun
Players - 1
Controls - Joystick in port 2