Leave it to Xbox
Live to provide gamers with much more than just downloadable content and demos
of upcoming games. The service also managed to introduce classic games of years
ago to a new crop of gamers. Commando was one of those classics that lit
up arcades and old-school consoles and now has received a next-generation
treatment that gives it a new look as well as add co-op to the mix. Wolf of
the Battlefield: Commando 3 is a reboot of sorts that is not only fun in a
retro sort of way but will also bring back fond memories of this classic Capcom
shooter.
Ok, time to feel
really old here but if you don’t remember the original Commando it
basically featured a one-man army American GI going up against a multitude of
Nazi troops and their tanks. The idea was acceptable seeing as, at that time,
movie heroes such as Rambo or Die Hard’s John McClain were taken
on scores of bad guys all on their lonesome on the big screen. Wolf of the
Battlefield is more of the same only without German soldiers and you can be
joined by two other friends in a battle to take out the enemy. In the tradition
of the original, the game is seen in the classic top-down format.
In this third
outing, you take control of one of the members of an elite group called the
Jackals as they attempt to bring peace to the world by using ultra violence. The
three operatives are Wolf, Coyote and Fox and they have no problem with taking
on the enemy on their own or with the others. Speaking of Rambo, Coyote bears a
striking resemblance to him (that is, if Stallone had grown a beard) while
Coyote is a blonde version of Schwarzenegger. Then there’s Fox, the only female
operative in the group who is lovely and is talented with knives. There’s not
much of a story here only that you’re a group sent by the government until you
are captured by the enemy after a major mission and break out to continue the
fight.
Like the
original game and its sequel, playing the game on your own will pit you against
numerous enemies soldiers armed only with your machine gun and a few grenades.
Of course, there are POW power ups that allow you to shoot farther or unleash
twin shots for when you want to bring down an enemy tank or jeep faster. Each
character has his or her own powerful special attack that wipes out all the
enemies on the field. You’ll see a colorful animation before your character
unleashes an explosive firepower or – in the case of Fox – unleash a wave of
knives. You’ll also pick up other weapons along the way such as rocket launchers
and flamethrowers. Believe me, you’ll need it.
The game’s
levels will feel familiar for those who played a Commando game in the
past so you should expect enemies to hide behind sandbag cover, man gun
emplacements and drive in reinforcements. You can even destroy environmental
details such as shacks and trees. The problem with Wolf of the Battlefield
is that the game is very short. Sure there are five levels in the game that
range from the Beach, Prison, Fortress, Swamp and Mountain but they seem
bite-sized at times. Secondly, the game can get really repetitive. Run, shoot
and repeat … just like the original. If you can look past these things and the
fact that the replay value is low, you will have a good time taking on level
bosses.
Still, gamers
and retro shooter fans will have a good time running and gunning their way
through this game. The controls are a tad on the awkward side seeing as you use
the analog stick to fire your main weapon but gamers will become accustomed to
the control scheme. My only real complaint in the controls department is that
grenades are difficult to throw accurately. There’s even co-op multiplayer that
allows other players to take control of the other two characters in the game
both online of offline. Offline the game runs at a somewhat steady framerate
(which takes a dib when tossing grenades). Online, the game runs into some
hiccups along the way.
The game’s
visuals and art direction are actually unique and an interesting approach. Aside
from the cartoon quality character design – especially during the non-motion cut
scenes – the environmental detail and visual effects look good. Everything from
the water ripples to the explosions look like they belong on a next-gen console
and that’s good news. As for the game’s soundtrack, it’s actually good although
there are not a variety of tunes to hear. There are no voices to be heard …
unless you count the screams of pain.
Wolf of the
Battlefield: Commando 3
for the Xbox 360 feels like a short but fun ride where all the
thrills are over way too early. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a fun game and
worth the money ($10 to be exact) to download if you’re in need of a retro
shooter fix. The game’s multiplayer mode alone is worth the price of admission
so try this one out if you feel like unleashing your inner Rambo.
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Gameplay: 7.0
The controls
are quite basic although shooting using the analog stick takes some practice.
Each Jackal has his or her own unique attack but other than they all play the
same. There are some fun moments in the game that stand out but the action can
get repetitive after time.
Graphics: 7.0
Visually, the
game’s artistic appearance is akin to a Cartoon Network original animated
series. It’s a unique look that actually works for the game. The only complaint
I have is that the camera isn’t too close to the action or the characters.
Sound: 7.0
The music
isn’t bad, which is a very good thing since you’ll hear it throughout the game.
The sound effects are rather campy in a retro sort of way but it isn’t so cheesy
that you’ll be reaching for the volume.
Difficulty:
Medium/Hard
Alone your
Jackal will face off against numerous enemies at once while avoiding an oncoming
jeep with a mounted gun. Anyone who has ever played the original Commando
and its sequel can tell you how challenging the foot soldiers and boss battles
can get even early in the game.
Concept: 6.9
The replay
value of this game is fairly low but at least there’s co-op action offline and
online so even if you’re tired of playing solo you can always drag your buddies
into combat. The art design is unique and some levels stand out more than
others. Either way, it’s good to see a newly updated version of Commando.
Multiplayer:
7.0
Offline the
game runs smoothly with your friends filling in the role of the other Jackals so
share this game with your war buddies. Unfortunately, online the game runs into
some lag, especially if your comrades toss a few grenades at the same time as
you. Still, multiplayer is certainly appreciated.
Overall: 7.0
Aside from the
fact that the game can get a bit repetitive and is rather on the short side,
Wolf of the Battlefield is a retro-styled shooter that’s hard to put down.
Not only will the game put a smile on the face of any gamer who loved
Commando back in the day but it will also entertain gamers new to Capcom’s
brand of arcade shooters.
