The Nintendo SNES is a legendary console that has been cherished by gamers for decades. One of the most iconic and underrated games on this platform is Captain Commando, a side-scrolling beat-em-up that was released in Europe in 1993. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this classic game, including its age rating availability.

A Brief History of Captain Commando

Captain Commando was developed by Capcom and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was created to capitalize on the popularity of side-scrolling beat-em-ups, which were all the rage in the early 1990s. Released in Europe in May 1993, Captain Commando was initially met with lukewarm reception from critics and players alike.

However, despite its initial lack of fanfare, Captain Commando has since become a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts. The game's unique blend of action-packed combat, challenging platforming, and quirky characters has made it a beloved favorite among many gamers.

Gameplay

Captain Commando is a side-scrolling beat-em-up that follows the story of the titular character, Captain Commando, as he battles against an evil alien invasion. Players control Captain Commando as he navigates through eight levels, fighting hordes of enemy aliens and collecting power-ups to aid him in his quest.

The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, with a focus on melee combat and platforming. Captain Commando can use various attacks, including punches, kicks, and special moves like the "Rocket Punch" and "Gravity Spin." Players must also collect coins and other power-ups to upgrade their character's abilities and increase his damage output.

One of the standout features of Captain Commando is its level design, which is both challenging and visually striking. Each level takes place on a different part of a spaceship, with players facing off against waves of enemy aliens, bosses, and obstacles along the way.

Graphics and Soundtrack

The graphics in Captain Commando are typical of early 1990s SNES games, with 16-bit sprites and a limited color palette. However, despite its age, the game's visuals still hold up surprisingly well today, with detailed backgrounds and character designs that add to the game's overall atmosphere.

The soundtrack for Captain Commando is equally impressive, featuring catchy and energetic music that perfectly complements the game's fast-paced action. The sound effects are also top-notch, with satisfying "thwacks" and "boings" that enhance the gameplay experience.

Age Rating Availability

In Europe, Captain Commando was originally rated 12+ by the Pan European Game Information (PEGI) rating body, which means it is suitable for players aged 12 and above. The game's content includes mild violence, some suggestive themes, and brief strong language, but overall it is considered to be a relatively tame title.

In terms of its age rating availability, Captain Commando has been re-released on various platforms over the years, including the Wii Virtual Console, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, and Nintendo 3DS eShop. However, these releases are often region-locked, meaning that they may not be available in all regions.

Re-Releases and Legacy

Despite its initial lack of fanfare, Captain Commando has been re-released on various platforms over the years, introducing the game to new generations of gamers. The game's release on Nintendo 3DS eShop in 2014 was particularly notable, as it marked one of the first times that the game had been made available in North America.

Today, Captain Commando is considered a cult classic among retro gaming enthusiasts, with many fans praising its unique blend of action and platforming. The game's legacy extends beyond its own release, however, as it has influenced countless other beat-em-ups and side-scrollers on subsequent consoles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Captain Commando is a hidden gem on the Nintendo SNES that deserves more recognition than it has received over the years. With its unique blend of action-packed combat, challenging platforming, and quirky characters, this classic game is sure to delight fans of retro gaming.

While its age rating availability may be limited in some regions, Captain Commando remains a beloved favorite among many gamers. If you're looking for a new challenge on your SNES, or simply want to experience one of the most underrated games of all time, then Captain Commando is definitely worth checking out.