Description

"Commando Raid" is a classic video game released for the Atari 2600 console by U.S. Games in 1982. In this vertical shooter, players assume the role of a gunner positioned at the bottom of the screen, tasked with defending a cityscape from an onslaught of paratroopers who descend from enemy helicopters. The gameplay is straightforward yet challenging, requiring players to shoot the incoming troopers and helicopters before they can land and destroy the buildings which the player is sworn to protect. The gun fires continuously as the player moves it left and right, and the game's pace intensifies with each wave of attackers, adding a layer of difficulty and urgency as players strive to achieve high scores.

The game is notable for its engaging mechanic of building defense, where players must prevent paratroopers from landing and planting bombs that can demolish the city's structures, including the gunner's own base. If the base is destroyed, the gun's mobility is severely limited, adding a strategic element to the gameplay. "Commando Raid" was part of the wave of military-themed games popular in the early 1980s, reflecting the era's interest in arcade-style shooters. Despite being a simpler title in the vast library of Atari 2600 games, it has been remembered fondly for its addictive gameplay and was a fine example of the era's push toward more action-oriented, reflex-based video games, combining simple graphics with compelling game dynamics.

Title

Commando Raid - Title

Close

Gameplay

Commando Raid - Gameplay

Close