There’s a thing called the Mohs scale that scientists use to measure the hardness of substances. Talc is at one, while diamond is at ten. Commando: Steel Disaster is just off the edge of the chart at 12.1. This Metal Slug-alike is unapologetically difficult – and that’s just on Normal difficulty; pick Hard mode and you’re signing your own in-game death warrant.

The gameplay is straightforward run ’n’ gun stuff, with the idea being to shoot everybody before they shoot you back. The graphics are detailed and chunky, and despite slight slowdown now and then, everything chugs along. There’s even a semblance of a story – but that’s not why you’d buy this game. This is unashamed, out-and-out action, and if that’s your thing then this will give you plenty of jaw-clenching frustration fun.

Oct 9, 2008