Gamescom 2025 delivered the first extended gameplay glimpse of John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, and the reaction is solid. The clip leaned into the expected mayhem: the zombie hordes, vehicular carnage, and over-the-top ’80s flair. All of this action is powered by Saber Interactive’s Swarm Engine.
The trailer also put an emphasis on firepower, with players cutting through hordes using everything from flamethrowers and grenade launchers to LMGs and assault rifles. The trailer also hinted at a handheld electrical attack, though it’s unclear whether this is a weapon, perk, or augment. That variety suggests a sandbox of approaches for tackling swarms, though it raises the question of whether weapon customization will play a role. Will scopes, attachments, or upgrades be available to encourage different playstyles? Focus Entertainment hasn’t confirmed those details yet, but the arsenal on display hints at a game that could thrive on more than just mowing down enemies. Additionally, the emphasis on vehicles suggests they’ll play a major role, though it’s unclear if this will span the full game or just specific levels.
Still, the footage left some open questions. The mission-based structure appeared linear, and while Saber’s legacy with World War Z suggests the team can make tightly designed horde shooters work, fans are already wondering about replay value and long-term variety. The studio’s track record inspires cautious optimism. World War Z was praised for its pacing and teamwork, and Evil Dead: The Game succeeded in translating fan service into cooperative thrills. Focus Entertainment, meanwhile, has carved a niche supporting stylized titles but will need to ensure that scope and post-launch support meet expectations for a modern co-op shooter.
The Toxic Commando gameplay trailer delivered a strong first impression with its massive enemy swarms, vehicle mayhem, and retro blood-and-humor presentation. The Swarm Engine is clearly doing heavy lifting, and the tone is on point. Whether Saber and Focus can balance spectacle with depth will ultimately determine if the game becomes a standout in the genre or fades into an increasingly crowded space.