John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando Review: A Sludgy, Action-Packed Co-Op Shooter

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a love letter to ’80s action movies wrapped in a modern co-op zombie shooter, and it’s an absolute blast. Developed by Saber Interactive, the studio behind World War Z, this game takes everything great about its predecessor and cranks it up to eleven. With its retro aesthetic, over-the-top action, and seamless co-op gameplay, Toxic Commando is a must-play for fans of the genre.

The Setup: A Cheesy, ’80s-Inspired Narrative

Set in a near-future wasteland, Toxic Commando drops you into a world overrun by the Sludge God, an ancient, malevolent entity that has corrupted everything it touches. You play as one of four self-proclaimed “toxic commandos,” a ragtag group of mercenaries hired by a desperate mining company CEO to cover up the mess. The narrative is unapologetically cheesy, dripping with ’80s-style cutscenes, dramatic title cards, and a retro film grain effect that adds to the charm. While the constant quipping from the characters might grate on some players, the well-executed jokes and over-the-top dialogue make it hard not to smile.

Gameplay: A Modern Twist on Classic Zombie Mayhem

Toxic Commando builds on the foundation laid by World War Z, but it takes the formula in exciting new directions. The game features nine missions set in semi-open-world maps, offering a surprising amount of freedom compared to the linear structure of its predecessor. You’re guided by an objective marker, but you’re free to explore, scavenge for supplies, and uncover hidden caches of ammunition and health items.

Vehicles: The Star of the Show

One of the standout features of Toxic Commando is its vehicle mechanics. Inspired by Saber’s MudRunner and SnowRunner games, the driving feels surprisingly weighty and realistic. Whether you’re piloting an armored all-terrain vehicle with a mounted gun or a fragile ambulance that can heal your team, vehicles play a crucial role in both traversal and combat. However, they’re not invincible—muddy terrain, fuel shortages, and relentless zombie hordes keep you on your toes.

Weapons and Progression: Satisfying but Grindy

The weapon arsenal is diverse, featuring assault rifles, shotguns, SMGs, sniper rifles, and more. Each gun can be fully customized with attachments, and maxing out a weapon’s level allows you to “prestige” it for unique skins, a nod to Call of Duty’s progression system. However, the grind to level up weapons can be tedious, especially if you want to tackle higher difficulty missions. This is one area where the game could use some post-launch balancing.

Enemies: Familiar but Fun

The game features a variety of zombie types, from tanky brutes to explosive kamikazes. While the enemy roster isn’t groundbreaking, mowing them down in waves is endlessly satisfying. The game also introduces dramatic “horde moments,” where you must defend an area against thousands of zombies at once. These sequences are a highlight, showcasing the game’s impressive scale and intensity.

Visuals and Performance: Retro Charm Meets Modern Polish

Toxic Commando’s visuals strike a balance between retro charm and modern polish. The ’80s-inspired aesthetic is complemented by detailed environments, dynamic lighting, and a pleasing film grain effect. The game runs smoothly on high settings, even with DLSS enabled, making it a great choice for PC players with mid-to-high-end hardware.

Multiplayer: Seamless Co-Op Fun

Toxic Commando shines in co-op mode, supporting up to four players with seamless cross-play. Whether you’re playing with friends or matchmaking with strangers, the game’s mechanics are designed to encourage teamwork. From coordinating vehicle usage to reviving downed teammates, the co-op experience is both challenging and rewarding.

The Verdict: A Must-Play for Co-Op Fans

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a fantastic addition to the co-op zombie shooter genre. Its blend of retro charm, modern gameplay mechanics, and over-the-top action makes it a standout title. While the campaign could be longer, and the progression system could use some tweaking, the game’s strong foundations and promise of post-launch DLC make it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re a fan of World War Z, Left 4 Dead, or Back 4 Blood, Toxic Commando is a no-brainer. It’s a game that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on that promise with style.

Tags & Viral Phrases:

• “John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is everything I wanted from a new zombie shooter”
• “Retro ’80s action movie vibes meet modern co-op gameplay”
• “Vehicles feel surprisingly weighty and realistic”
• “Mowing down thousands of zombies never gets old”
• “The grind to level up weapons is a bit tedious”
• “A must-play for fans of World War Z and Left 4 Dead”
• “Seamless co-op with up to four players”
• “Post-launch DLC promises even more zombie-slaying fun”
• “A love letter to ’80s action movies”
• “The campaign could be longer, but it’s still a blast”

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