Captain Commando

A sci-fi team of superheroes, a futuristic city and hordes of villains waiting for a beating. Captain Commando from Capcom expands the studio's famous family of street brawlers with a colorful touch of science-fiction comics. The game builds on the legacy of Final Fight, but moves the action into the future and offers a foursome of unforgettable heroes.

Instead of ordinary street thugs, the title's Captain Commando and his crew are in command here: a ninja, a mummy and a small warrior piloting a robotic suit, or an alien depending on the interpretation. Each team member has its own combat style, reach and special attacks, so the choice of character markedly affects how the game will play for you. This variety gives the pummeling of enemies a pleasant diversity.

In gameplay it is a classic side-scrolling beat 'em up in the proven early-1990s Capcom style. You punch, use grapples, collect weapons and items and fight through waves of opponents up to the bosses. Multiplayer co-op is once again the best way to experience the game, because a full band of heroes on screen turns the action into a fun melee.

Visually the game shines with typical Capcom quality. Large and carefully animated sprites, colorful futuristic environments and imaginative enemy and boss design create a fresh sci-fi atmosphere that sets it apart from the more realistically tuned brawlers of the time. The feel of blows is tangible and the pace brisk.

Captain Commando belongs to the wider group of Capcom beat 'em ups that together form the peaks of the genre. Alongside Final Fight, Knights of the Round or Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, it takes its place as a colorful, sci-fi-flavored piece that fans fondly remember.

Why play: For lovers of Capcom brawlers who want a brisk street brawl spiced with a sci-fi team of heroes and superb co-op with friends.