Commando
One man army
Capcom's vertical run-and-gun became an arcade staple and spawned one of Rob Hubbard's most beloved C64 soundtracks.
Overview
Commando dropped Super Joe behind enemy lines with unlimited ammunition and a simple mission: shoot everything. Capcom’s 1985 vertical shooter became an arcade hit, but its true legacy on home computers was Rob Hubbard’s C64 soundtrack—a composition so good it elevated the entire conversion.
Fast facts
- Developer: Capcom.
- Release: May 1985 (arcade).
- Protagonist: Super Joe (later appeared in Bionic Commando).
- Gameplay: vertical scrolling run-and-gun.
- C64 conversion: Elite Systems.
- C64 music: Rob Hubbard, legendary soundtrack.
- Sequel: Mercs (1990).
The arcade game
Commando established run-and-gun conventions:
- Eight-way movement: free scrolling, unrestricted direction.
- Unlimited ammo: machine gun always available.
- Limited grenades: arc over obstacles, destroy groups.
- Hostages: rescue prisoners for bonuses.
- Waves of enemies: soldiers, vehicles, fortifications.
The C64 version
Elite’s conversion became definitive through sound:
- Rob Hubbard’s score: among his most celebrated works.
- Driving rhythm: matched the action perfectly.
- Technical showcase: demonstrated SID capabilities.
- The music: often remembered more vividly than the gameplay.
The loading screen music alone was worth the wait.
Other versions
Commando appeared everywhere:
- NES: competent conversion, different music.
- Spectrum: playable, monochrome action.
- Amiga/ST: enhanced graphics, not the C64’s music.
- Arcade-accurate: various later compilations.
The Hubbard effect
Commando demonstrated how music elevated games:
- Identical gameplay with different audio = different experience.
- The C64 version’s reputation built on the soundtrack.
- Hubbard’s compositions created emotional engagement.
- Publisher-musician relationships became important.
Super Joe
The protagonist continued in Capcom games:
- Bionic Commando (1987): now with grappling arm.
- Series connection: established Capcom universe.
- Character persistence: rare for arcade protagonists.
Legacy
Commando itself was solid arcade action. The C64 version transcended that through Hubbard’s music—proving that audio could transform good games into memorable experiences. When people discuss the SID chip’s potential, Commando is evidence.