John Carpenter's Toxic Commando for Windows

Game snapshot

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando is a cooperative first-person shooter with a throwback 1980s vibe. Built by Saber Interactive in collaboration with filmmaker John Carpenter, the game supports solo play and online co-op. Players take on the role of a Toxic Commando tasked with ridding the world of an encroaching zombie menace.

How the action plays out

This is a class-based shooter with a progression system—each character class has unlockable upgrades and customizable skills. Levels are designed for teamwork, whether you’re dropping in solo or joining friends online. Large crowds of undead, scripted encounters and environmental hazards encourage players to combine tactics and firepower to survive.

Weapons, vehicles and progression

• Energy in melee combat: nimble blades and close-quarters weapons let you slash through nearby threats.
• Explosive ordnance: toss grenades and use other high-impact devices to break apart clustered hordes.
• Firearms and heavy armament: a variety of guns, from rapid-fire rifles to heavy launchers, cover long-range engagements.
• Drivable machines: commandeer vehicles to plow into enemies and create devastating area effects.

These systems are tied into the upgrade tree, so you’ll be improving both your character’s abilities and the efficiency of your gear as you progress.

Story and stylistic tone

The antagonist is the Sludge God—an otherworldly entity unleashed by a scientific mishap that transforms people into ravenous beings. The narrative leans heavily into neon-drenched, pulpy 80s horror motifs and intentionally exaggerated genre tropes. That bombastic, tongue-in-cheek tone will delight players looking for campy thrills but might be off-putting for those expecting a somber survival experience.

Final impressions

Overall, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando aims to deliver a nostalgic, high-octane co-op shooter: lots of movement, teamwork, and spectacle. With vehicle mayhem, a wide weapons roster, and cooperative upgrades, it’s geared toward players who enjoy blasting, blowing up, and cutting down waves of undead with friends.