Toy Commander - A Dreamcast Exclusive
In honor of Dreamcast birthday, A review of another Dreamcast exclusive game.
The Toys
Here is another game that is a forgotten "Hidden Gem" on the Dreamcast. Many dismissed this title as a kid's game, or another version of all the Army Men video games. In reality a very well rounded Arcade and sometimes in depth Flight as well as Driving Simulator. Remember as a kid you pretend to fly that plane, race the Hot Wheels or blow up those plastic green soldiers? This game now puts you in the drivers seat of the plane, car or tank. More vehicles include a Spaceship, Helicopter, Jeep and a multitude of planes to fly.
Levels
Each room of the house has various levels, from bombing a convoy, to dropping water bombs on a forest fire, to racing a course. Most levels give you two or more different vehicles, a battle of wits trying to figure how to complete a particular mission. Fly the plane get a view, then land and drive the tank up the ramp to get to a target. One of the levels take the scene of a Godzilla movie, complete with plastic Godzilla destroying the town. So why is that ferocious monster wearing the rabbit outfit anyways?
Gameplay
Controls are very intuitive and feels real natural. This game works beautiful with the original controller. The Madcatz Panther DC really brings the game out. The Flightstick is so much better for flying then a thumbstick. For driving or racing levels, there are also steering-pedal controllers. A driving controller works well and adds to the game, especially with foot pedals being used.
Controls
Analog Stick - Direction
Right Trigger - Throttle Up
Left Trigger - Throttle Down
Direction Pad - View
Y - Switch Special Weapon
X - Change Vehicle
B - Shoot Special Weapon
A - Shoot Primary Weapon
Depending on vehicles, the analog stick has unique functions
Ground Vehicles - Left or Right and Control Gun Sight
Airplanes - Left or Right and Climb or Dive
Helicopters - Left or Right and Up and Down Collective Stick
Flying the helicopter at first needs to be learned, then it comes naturally. Flying while changing the height by moving the "collective" really has a tight control to get to the next target.
View mode not only gives third and first person mode, but also left, right and rear views. An interesting unusual aspect is the capability of driving up walls. Literally think of "Speed Racer" sticky tires racing up that kitchen wall, even the tank can climb! This is where Toy Commander really shines, adding a whole different aspect of game play.
Strategy
There is also a strategy theme of sorts, a little bit of Command Conquer in Toy Commander. Load up the Green Army Men and dispatch them in key locations to kill the enemy. The trick is to stage the right soldier such as the machine gunners or bazooka soldier in just the right spot so they don't get wiped out.
Music
Of special "note" the soundtrack really adds to the game! You can set music to random, sequential or a particular track. Recognizable song synonymous with this game is the track titled "Your Mission". Get the original pressed game disc, some CDR copies do not include the wonderful music tracks.
Multiplayer
You can play Cat and Mouse, Death Match and Capture the Flag. One to Four Players. Yes Multiplayer will let you go solo to explore the arenas. You can also turn off the Active Environment so no enemies to contend with.
EXTRAS
Not enough Toy Commander?
PAL only release called Toy Racer, a racing game using the Toy Commander Engine.
Christmas Bonus
Look for the demo disc from Sega Dreamcast Magazine January 2001 Volume 10 issue. A single complete EXCLUSIVE level with a Christmas theme. You drive a jeep, fly a plane and control a toy Santa wearing a jet-pack. Ho! Ho! Ho!
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OTHER SYSTEMS
PC Sublogic Flight Simulator
The Hawaiian scenery disc. Fly into volcano and into a giant kitchen.
PC Airfix Dogfighter
Dogfight in a house, similar to Toy Commander.
PC Hot Wheels Jetz
Another PC flying toy game, even a UFO to try out. Not as good as Sublogic UFO, but different.
Army Men
Obligatory mention since there are so many versions.
Do I have to mention Toy Story?
My other game reviews:
Team ICO - ICO and Shadow of the Colossus information.
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=221298#p221298
Wild Metal (Country) - A Dreamcast and PC exclusive.
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=304356#p304356
Katamari Series Review - A review of the PS2 releases and a comparison.
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=25806&p=326982#p326982
Dreamcast Owners Manual - http://www.thocp.net/software/games/con ... manual.pdf
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Extra Background Pics
Put Dreamcast Toy Commander Disc in your PC. Look for various pics in sub folders.
