Commando Emulation

   For those who may still not know it, there are programs on the internet (for various operating systems) that allow for the playing of the original versions of Commando.  This process of "translating" computer instructions is called "emulation".  Currently, there are emulator programs for various systems (Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Atari, Coleco, Gameboy, Genesis, and even Arcade machines). 

   Thanks to the miraculous work of the MAME team, Commando has been added to that long list of classic games currently under emulation.  This website largely focuses on the Arcade version of Commando, though by no means does that mean that Commando was not ported to other systems. Commando has been ported to a wide assortment of systems (Atari 2600, Commodore 64, NES, Pocket PC, IBM-PC, Spectrum, Atari ST, CPC).  

   Parting from the premise that the arcade version of Commando was the most advanced (at least graphically), I am only offering information here on this website toward finding the tools for emulating the arcade Commando.  If you are interested in one of the other versions (for other systems), please visit Yahoo, Google, Altavista, or any other search engine and search for "Commando emulation".  This might yield information and files for the emulation of other Commando ports.

*A note on emulation

   The emulator programs and the process of emulation are not illegal.  However, the ROM files (the files containing the original game code) are still the property of Capcom, until that company decides to release their content to the public domain.  The law governing ROMS is much like the law governing audio CDs.  You can make copies of the CD into CDRs if you own the original CD.  Likewise, you may make computer "dumps" (or copies) of the original game chips if you own the Commando Arcade PCB (hardware mainboard).

   That said, you may find a "commando.zip" file in various ROM-storing database websites on the internet.  It is technically illegal to download this file onto your computer if you don't own Commando, but many people do it all the time.

   To protect myself from legal action, I cannot offer the Commando roms on this site.  However, I can point to sites who do have them.

Files needed for Commando Emulation

   1.  You need an emulator program.  By far, I recommend the best arcade emulator program, MAME.  This amazing program has been written for Windows, Linux, Solaris, BeOS, and Macintosh based computers.  There are even smaller versions for some of the Palm type handheld computers.  You need this program to run Commando.  The emulation under this program of Commando is perfect in graphics and sound.

   2.  You need the Commando Arcade Roms (game code).  The MAME.DK website currently contains many of the roms needed to run under MAME.  Should this website close, I'd suggest using the common search engines of the internet (Yahoo, Altavista, Google, etc) to find the Commando Arcade Roms.

   3.  Since I own an AMD 1.33ghz PC computer, I can only offer technical information on PCs.  I would recommend a 500Mhz computer to run MAME and Commando properly.  Other systems may need more or less computer power.  I would encourage you to download the program and test its performance on your computer for final results.  To check the speed of the emulation, press F11 to see the emulation progress.  If the game runs stable enough on 60/60 FPS without frameskipping (frameskip 0), then you're emulation of Commando is excellent.  If it is skipping frames, or not running at 60/60, your computer needs more power.

   4.  Read the MAME technical documents, configure the program to your liking, and THAT'S IT.  ENJOY COMMANDO AGAIN!

Click on "Super Joe" to go back to the Main Page