John Carpenter's Toxic Commando brings a refreshing new perspective to a well-worn genre

In the world of cooperative first-person shooters, there have been many games that have come and gone, each trying to capture the essence of Left 4 Dead. One such game is John Carpenter's Toxic Commando, a title that promises to deliver an adrenaline-fueled experience with its unique blend of co-op gameplay, semi-open world exploration, and... MudRunner-inspired mud-spewing mechanics.

Saber Interactive, the studio behind World War Z, Space Marine 2, and now Toxic Commando, has clearly taken the best bits from their previous games and added a fresh coat of paint to create something truly special. The game takes place in a world where four infected mercenaries - each with their own unique abilities - must fight against hordes of zombies and other enemies to uncover the secrets behind a recently awakened Sludge God.

The twist? You're not just stuck following a linear storyline, but instead have the freedom to explore each map at your leisure. Want to grab all the loot from various points of interest? Go for it! Need to find a better vehicle to take on the hordes? Search high and low! The choice is yours in Toxic Commando.

But what really sets this game apart is its focus on vehicular combat. Ah, yes - you read that right. In a world where zombies are plentiful and vehicles can be found scattered about, it's only natural to grab one and start mowing down the undead with gusto. And, oh boy, do they deliver. Hordes of squishy zombies will pour out from every direction as you speed around the map, your teammates providing covering fire from the safety of their own vehicle.

And then there's the vehicles themselves - each with its own special abilities and playstyles. Want to drive a speedy ambulance that can heal your teammates? Or perhaps a self-destructing police car that'll clear out entire hordes at once? The options are endless in Toxic Commando, making every mission feel fresh and exciting.

But what about the explosions? Oh, my friend, where do we even begin? The sheer amount of gore and destruction on display is nothing short of glorious. Limbs flying through the air, torsos splattering everywhere - it's a visual feast that'll leave you grinning from ear to ear.

Of course, no game is perfect, and Toxic Commando has its share of minor flaws. The lead characters themselves are a bit generic, with personalities that border on repetitive and annoying. And don't even get me started on the upgrade and cosmetic mechanics - grinding for resources can feel like a chore at times.

But these quibbles aside, John Carpenter's Toxic Commando is an absolute blast to play. The game's focus on co-op gameplay, vehicular combat, and sheer carnage makes it a must-play for fans of the genre. Even if you don't plan on playing through the campaign multiple times, there's still plenty to enjoy in this glorious zombie splatter-fest.