One Upcoming Zombie Game Could Be a Dark Horse in a Crowded Field

Highlights

• John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando has the horror legend’s name behind it, giving it a unique advantage in the oversaturated zombie game genre.
• With a focus on first-person vehicle combat and an over-the-top 80s vibe, Toxic Commando aims to stand out among the sea of undead games.
• Carpenter’s love for video games and decades of horror experience could make Toxic Commando a fresh and exciting addition to the genre.

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 of State of Decay 3 and No More Room in Hell 2 on the horizon, there is already a heavy lineup of zombie games scheduled for release. However, John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando could be the dark horse that manages to stand out in the rapidly growing genre. Announced last year during Summer Game Fest, the first look at Toxic Commando offered 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 like Halloween and The Thing, Carpenter is a horror legend. Zombie-focused games have been at the forefront of gaming for years now. From the Dying Light series to the resurgence of Dead Island, thanks to its surprisingly solid sequel, there is a steep mountain of zombie content to scale. However, Toxic Commando may 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 Us took a bold leap by reworking a zombie-like infection to be a fungal virus, while Project Zomboid focuses on a grounded and brutal survival experience. When it comes to Toxic 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 for Toxic Commando looks to be a fun embrace of cheesy 80s action, but the game could be easily overlooked if it didn’t have the support of John Carpenter behind 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 Commando
is scheduled for release sometime in 2024, but an official date has yet to be revealed.

There are some valid concerns about Toxic 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 with Toxic Commando, but he’s a longtime fan. A few of his favorite titles include Jak and Daxter, Fallout 76, and Horizon 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 into Toxic 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 to direct a Dead Space movie in 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 Commando will hopefully prove itself worthy of being part of the genre when it finally launches.