John Carpenter's Toxic Commando: a cooperative shooter with an 80s essence
The video game John Carpenter's Toxic Commando positions itself as a first-person shooter designed for cooperative play. Its main hallmark is reviving the visual atmosphere of 1980s horror and action movies, associated with the filmmaker whose name it bears. 🎮
A powerful graphics engine for a retro aesthetic
The studio behind the project chooses Unreal Engine 5 to build it. This engine not only handles the scenarios and enemies, but its post-processing system is key to applying the characteristic cinematic look. Film grain filters, a color palette with neon touches, and exaggerated blood effects are implemented to simulate the physical format of the era.
Technical features implemented with Unreal Engine 5:- Apply post-processing effects to emulate the grain and color of 80s films.
- Manage advanced physics systems for enemy dismemberment and environmental destruction.
- Process large hordes of creatures while maintaining smooth performance during chaotic combat.
The title seems to believe that adding a lot of grain and neon is enough to capture the essence of an era, though some might argue that the substance goes beyond aesthetics.
Gameplay based on cooperation and chaos
The central premise of the game revolves around the cooperative mode for multiple players. Participants form teams to survive waves of mutant creatures in scenarios that evoke Carpenter's cinema. Progression allows unlocking new weapons and abilities, making team dynamics essential to overcome the most intense encounters. 💥
Key elements of cooperative mode:- Face massive hordes of enemies in themed scenarios.
- Unlock weapons and abilities through a progression system.
- Coordinate strategies with the team to survive disorganized and chaotic combats.
A visual homage seeking to define the experience
Beyond the action, Toxic Commando seeks for the player to perceive a unique audiovisual experience. The combination of neon lighting, gore effects, and grain filter is not just decorative; it attempts to immerse the user in an interactive simulation of a film from the era. The challenge for the developers lies in balancing this marked aesthetic with solid and satisfying gameplay. 🎬