Duck, duck, SHOOT!
Go back behind enemy lines fight against soldiers, helicopters, and fellow gamers in this pedestrian duck-and-cover game for Android.
The commando is back!
Frontline Commando 2 is the sequel to the very popular Frontline Commando. It is a duck-and-cover shooter where you rescue teammates and shoot enemies that bear an odd resemblance to NATO soldiers. Like other duck-and-cover shooters, it’s a very linear game in that you are limited to moving back-and-forth between cover. After all your enemies have been killed, the level is completed.
You also have the standard selection of weapons (e.g. shotguns, sniper rifles, submachine guns) to choose from and they can all be upgraded. At this point, it should be made clear that Frontline Commando 2 is very a much a pay-to-win type of game. This is especially noticeable in the “elite” levels that are incredibly difficult to beat without upgrading your equipment. It’s worth noting that it is possible to upgrade your equipment without inapp purchases, but it will take you a very long time to do it.
As you progress through the game, you can recruit teammates to fight alongside you in the proceeding levels. You don’t have much control over them other than activating their special abilities such as throwing grenades or healing your team. The lack of control works in Frontline Commando’s favor because it allows you to focus on shooting your enemies while not having to micromanage your team. The players equipment and special abilities can also be upgraded in the ingame shop.
Frontline Commando 2 also has an entertaining PvP mode which is unlocked after defeating the first boss in single player. In it you take your squad from single player missions and play against your opponent and their squads. It runs fairly smoothly and the action can get excited as you manage your teammate’s abilities while shooting at the enemy. However, you’ll ultimately lose to people who have purchased upgrades for themselves and their squad members.
Aiming your guns and controlling your team
Controls for the game are well-implemented. It’s recommended that you play the game with a thumb on either side of the screen. Your left thumb is used for aiming and using team mates abilities. Your right thumb covers the trigger, take cover, change cover, and swap weapons buttons. For some guns, such as the sniper rifle, there’s also a zoom in button on the left side of the screen.
This might sound a bit chaotic and difficult to manage, but Frontline Commando 2 handles all of this quite well and you likely won’t reach a point where you’ll hit the wrong button or have trouble controlling your team.
The world of a commando
The game looks good overall. Character models look good and the high-quality of their design is especially noticeable when zoomed in with the sniper rifle. Initially the landscape graphics are impressive, but they lose their charm as the same few levels are constantly recycled.
The sound for the game is well-produced: explosions rumble and gunshots sound realistic.
Frontline Commando 2 really wants you to p(l)ay
The gameplay and controls work well, but Frontline Commando 2 is ultimately held back by the constant reminders that you probably need to purchase something to get ahead.
