Having played the initial three missions of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, it appears to be a promising addition to the zombie shooter genre, injecting fresh vitality into a familiar style of gameplay.
Since the inception of first-person shooters, there has been a consistent appeal in games that allow players to engage in relentless combat against waves of zombie adversaries. This cathartic experience remains enjoyable, especially when shared with friends, intensifying the thrill of surviving as a cohesive team.
Titles like Left 4 Dead and Call of Duty have successfully captured this essence, and now John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando steps in to capture the essence of this gore-filled magic. After experiencing three levels in a recent preview build, it is evident that this game offers a level of excitement not seen in zombie shooters for quite some time.
The game’s success lies in its carefree and campy tone, as players are thrust into a world where they must combat a giant sludge god converting people into zombies and monsters. By scavenging for resources, engaging in optional challenges, and upgrading their arsenal, players are tasked with holding off the relentless enemy forces.
Developer Saber Interactive, known for their work in games like World War Z and Warhammer: Space Marine 2, brings their expertise in portraying hordes of foes to Toxic Commando. While the game may lack the finesse of its predecessors, its unapologetic approach to chaotic gameplay adds to its appeal.
One notable aspect of Toxic Commando is its inclusion of four distinct classes, each offering unique abilities and objectives within the game’s maps. The emphasis on teamwork, resource gathering, and vehicle utilization sets this game apart from traditional zombie shooters, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
Specialist zombie types and environmental challenges add layers of complexity to the gameplay, requiring strategic coordination among players. The diverse skill trees for each class and the variety of objectives ensure that players are constantly engaged and challenged throughout the game.
Despite its engaging gameplay, one notable absence in Toxic Commando is the lack of a slide function, a common feature in modern FPS games. However, this minor drawback does not diminish the overall excitement and potential for the game’s evolving maps and objectives.
With its B-movie charm, innovative gameplay design, and intense combat mechanics, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando promises to deliver a unique co-op shooter experience. The delayed release date seems to have allowed for further refinement, building anticipation for its launch on PC and consoles on March 12, 2026.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is set to launch on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox in 2026.