Sometimes it’s good to switch your brain off, grab the nearest big gun, and wade into a pile of enemies like you’ve got nothing to lose. No game leans into that chaotic energy quite like John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando. It feels like a throwback to a louder, messier era of shooters, the kind that doesn’t care about subtlety and instead throws everything at you in a glorious, explosive mess.
John Contributor
Right off the bat, it’s worth flagging that although John Carpenter’s name is on the box, the legendary filmmaker and composer had only light input, with his biggest contribution being the main theme. There’s also a character who looks a little like him, but he doesn’t voice the role. If you’re a die‑hard fan hoping for his take on modern gaming, you may feel a bit let down, as his name is mostly there to get bums on seats.
Get beyond that, though, and Toxic Commando is a pleasant surprise, blending World War Z, Space Marine 2 and… MudRunner into a popcorn‑fuelled power trip.
B Movie, AA Game
Imagine a mix of B‑movie horror, co‑op chaos, and a heavy dose of tongue‑in‑cheek humour, all wrapped up in a world that’s gone completely off the rails. It’s pure pulpy storytelling, which means it’s forgettable, and that’s probably for the best.
If you’re hoping for a tale on the level of The Thing, Escape from New York or Big Trouble in Little China, it’s best to stick to those silver‑screen classics. The story here is as brain‑dead as the zombies you’ll be blasting.
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It’s one of those “near future, experimental energy project goes wrong” setups. An attempt to harness the Earth’s core ends in disaster. A Sludge God emerges, terraforming the land, turning soil to scum and the living into zombies. You and your team are sent in to stop it.
It’s on the gameplay side where Toxic Commando comes into its own. It’s built around teamwork and chaos. Players encouraged to combine abilities, weapons and environmental hazards to rack up destruction in the most over‑the‑top ways possible.
Arsenal
From heavy machine guns to more experimental gear, your arsenal is designed to feel powerful and just a little ridiculous. Vehicles also play a big role, letting you plough through enemies or uncover hidden loot and new paths.
There’s a satisfying loop here: jump in, survive the swarm, upgrade your gear, and do it again but a little stronger each time. It can get repetitive over long sessions, especially solo, but with a full squad it really comes alive.
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The game uses systems similar to World War Z and Space Marine 2, so you’re often swarmed by hordes as hundreds of undead make a beeline for you. There are also a few special zombies, or monsters, that fall into familiar archetypes. One is a sniper, another charges and explodes. Nothing groundbreaking, but they break up the standard hordes nicely.
With the difficulty ramping up, you really need to be at the level it demands. Jumping straight into hard mode will not end well, trust me.
Drive to Survive
When you’re not killing anything that moves, you’ll be driving around the beefy maps looking for points of interest and upgrades. This is where the MudRunner influence comes in. With the big bad being a Sludge God, the map is often covered in muck that you can get stuck in.
You’ll use HMVs, pick‑ups and police cars, each with unique abilities. The ambulance, for example, can support the team and hand out health packs. Some vehicles have a winch you can attach to high ground to pull yourself up, just like in MudRunner.
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The driving feels good and adds to the overall experience, though it can feel a little overused, as you’ll often be taxied around more than you might like.
Zombie Looking Game
Graphically, the game is strong. Environments are drenched in grime and glowing toxic effects, giving everything a distinct look that fits the tone perfectly. Explosions are chunky, enemies burst in all the right ways, and the presentation sells the chaos. The soundtrack, very much in line with Carpenter’s roots, adds a moody synth edge that pairs nicely with the horror vibes.
It’s not without flaws. Missions can blur together as you blow up this and defend that a little too often, leading to a lack of variety in objectives. If you’re after a serious, story‑driven experience, this isn’t it. But if you want to jump in with mates and cause absolute carnage for a few hours, Toxic Commando is messy, loud, and very entertaining.
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