Summary
The zombie genre is one of the most popular in gaming, and despite the risk of becoming oversaturated, zombie-based games continue to be hits among players. With the likes ofState of Decay 3andNo More Room in Hell 2on the horizon, there is already a heavy lineup of zombie games scheduled for release. However,John Carpenter’s Toxic Commandocould be the dark horse that manages to stand out in the rapidly growing genre. Announced last year during Summer Game Fest, the first look atToxic Commandooffered a glimpse into the action-packed co-op first-person shooter.
John Carpenter is a name that has become synonymous with the horror genre itself. Responsible for classics likeHalloweenandThe Thing,Carpenter is a horror legend. Zombie-focused games have been at the forefront of gaming for years now. From theDying Lightseries to the resurgence ofDead Island, thanks to its surprisingly solid sequel, there is a steep mountain of zombie content to scale. However,Toxic Commandomay already have what it takes to set itself apart.
Toxic Commando Has the Power of John Carpenter Behind It
Carpenter’s Reputation Could Give Toxic Commando the Extra Push it Needs to Succeed
One of the trickiest parts of developing any zombie story is making it stand out from other projects.The Last of Ustook a bold leap by reworking a zombie-like infection to be a fungal virus, whileProject Zomboidfocuses on a grounded and brutal survival experience.When it comes toToxic Commando, having John Carpenter’s name on the project is already a big advantage for the title.
Due to the zombie genre being so varied, it takes something special to get the attention of potential players, and a game from the mind of John Carpenter is something that would make a lot of horror fans' ears perk up. The trailer forToxic Commandolooks to be a fun embrace of cheesy 80s action, but the game could be easily overlooked if it didn’t havethe support of John Carpenterbehind it. Carpenter has a knack for taking common horror tropes and giving them a special twist, and that’s why his name on the project is so important. At first glance, the game could be written off as another first-person zombie shooter, but being the work of John Carpenter already signals that it aims to have its own fresh flare.
John Carpenter’s Toxic Commandois scheduled for release sometime in 2024, but an official date has yet to be revealed.
There are some validconcerns aboutToxic Commando, as some may be worried that the game won’t live up to expectations. However, one exciting aspect of the game is that it seems to have a unique focus on first-person vehicle combat, which could prove to be something special.
John Carpenter’s Legacy Bleeding Over Into Video Games
Despite his legacy as a horror and action legend,John Carpenter is no stranger to video games. Not only is he heading his own game withToxic Commando, but he’s a longtime fan. A few of his favorite titles includeJak and Daxter,Fallout 76, andHorizon Forbidden West. His decades of experience with horror and action mixed with his own love for video games means that there is likely a lot of care going intoToxic Commando. The collaboration between Carpenter and developer Saber Interactive could bring a truly unique zombie title to life.
John Carpenter diving deeper into the world of video games is an exciting prospect. He’s made remarks about wanting todirect aDead Spacemoviein the past, further illustrating his love for games. From the game’s apparent focus on over-the-top 80s action to first-person horde fighting and vehicle combat,Toxic Commandowill hopefully prove itself worthy of being part of the genre when it finally launches.
