Captain Commando is a beat 'em up arcade game developed by Capcom and released in 1991. While not one of their most well known titles, Captain Commando remains a cult classic deserving of rediscovery. Let's take a look at the origins and appeal of this underground gem.
Developed during the 16-bit era, Captain Commando pushed the boundaries of arcade technology at the time with its detailed sprites and expansive levels. Players control one of four members of an elite military unit tasked with battling the terrorist organization BANG. What made Captain Commando stand out was its over-the-top sci-fi setting and characters with outlandish superpowers.
Lead character Captain Commando could blast enemies with powerful artillery, Hyde could stretch and contort his limbs, and Jack could literally smash foes with a miniature version of himself. Meanwhile you battled adversaries like motorized sumo wrestlers and bosses the size of skyscrapers. It was this bombastic and absurd tone that gave Captain Commando such memorability and replay value.
Behind the scenes, Captain Commando was also notable for being an early collaborative project between Capcom and other video game creators. Main programmer Akira Yasuda would go on to lend his talents to games like Darkstalkers and Red Earth. Music was composed by Yoshihiro Sakaguchi of Terranigma and Actraiser fame. This creative team injected the game with real personality.
While never achieving mass success, Captain Commando has retained a dedicated cult following to this day thanks to its oddball charm and frenetic cooperative brawling. Modern gamers owe it to themselves to experience this lesser-known 16-bit arcade gem. With its over-the-top setting and gameplay, Captain Commando remains a fun time capsule to another era. Emulation makes it easily accessible for new audiences to finally discover.
Its anarchic take on the beat 'em up formula and creative talent involved make Captain Commando well worth checking out for fans of Capcom, retro gaming history or just games with truly bizarre flair. Nearly 30 years later, it's proven to have staying power as a one-of-a-kind arcade oddity deserving wider appreciation.