Seven minutes, forty-two seconds. That's how long it took to finish the first stage in Commando: Steel Disaster. But that statement only tells half the story. Though the level itself is short (as are all levels in this game), it will take you five to 10 times as long to get skilled enough, or maybe just lucky enough, to actually complete any given stage.
If this turns you off, leave now. If the retro screenshots, Metal Slug-inspired appearance and Metal Slug-inspired difficulty are music to your ears, then this just might be the best DS game you've had in months.
Gameplay 8
Graphics 7
Sound 5
Difficulty Hard
Concept 5
Overall 8.0
Nintendo Letterbox and the almighty TETRIS are some of this week’s exciting titles.
Marc Golding writes:
"If Commando: Steel Disaster is any indication, I suppose not. Sadly, despite some good graphics, decent sounds and temptingly mindless shoot-em-up action, the average gamer will consider this a throwaway. I can only see hardcore fans of the Metal Slug games and its ilk bothering to grant Steel Disaster more than a cursory play through. And even then, probably not for long: the unspectacular and provincial nature of this Metal Slug rip-off doesn't warrant enduring the frustration that progress in it elicits."
The gameplay is straightforward run 'n' gun stuff, with the idea being to shoot everybody before they shoot you back. The graphics are detailed and chunky, and despite slight slowdown now and then, everything chugs along. There's even a semblance of a story – but that's not why you'd buy this game. This is unashamed, out-and-out action, and if that's your thing then this will give you plenty of jaw-clenching frustration fun.
Ah coolness didn't know it was one of those games. Would be nice to have another high octane side scroller :)