Overview and Gameplay
Super Joe lands behind enemy lines with an unlimited rifle, a limited supply of grenades, and orders to rescue prisoners while breaking through fortified defenses. This NES conversion of Capcom’s 1985 arcade shooter uses vertically scrolling battlefields filled with infantry, vehicles, gunfire, and barricade encounters.
Progress follows a repeating cycle of four main battlefield designs that return with denser and more dangerous enemy patterns. Hidden ladders open underground shelters containing prisoners, supplies, bonus items, upgrades, enemies, or traps. The result is a fast, score-driven campaign with one-hit deaths and no save system.
Controls And Mechanics
- Move: Use the directional pad to travel and aim in eight directions.
- Rifle: Press B to fire in the direction Super Joe faces.
- Grenade: Press A to throw a limited grenade.
- Items: Bonuses can reveal shelters, provide protection, award points, increase grenade power, or grant an extra life.
- Two players: Players take alternating turns rather than fighting simultaneously.
Version Notes
The North American release is titled Commando. The Japanese Famicom version is titled Senjō no Ōkami, meaning approximately “Wolf of the Battlefield.”
Release And Credits
- US release: 1986
- Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.
- Publisher: Capcom Co., Ltd.
- Original platform: Capcom arcade hardware, 1985
