Review: Bionic Commando Rearmed
Bionic Commando started out life on the original NES, where it became a phenomenal hit back in the late ’80s. Bionic Commando was known for it’s mind bending puzzles and unique platforming action. The recent launch of Bionic Commando Rearmed (BCR) is a remake of the cult classic aimed at next gen platforms Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.
Story
BCR starts you off with Nathan “Rad” Spencer, the main character you control throughout the game. Spencer is sent out on a rescue mission to find “Super” Joe, who has been captured by the Imperial Army. As you delve deeper into the story, you come to discover the Imperial Army’s secret plot to destroy the Federation with a new weapon. As you proceed throughout the game you will notice that the story really doesn’t get any deeper than the premise I mentioned above. However, what you will find is that the meat of the game lies with the gameplay mechanics. The challenge in BCR lies in the platforming puzzles, which you will eventually realize as you spend a great deal of time figuring out how to get from point ‘A’ to point ‘B.’
Controls
The controls in BCR are basic; you can either shoot or grapple with your bionic arm. Some have complained about the lack of a jump button, often times attributing that to the difficulty of the game. However, adding a jump button to Bionic Commando would completely ruin the game as it would render the complete reliance on the bionic arm useless. The best part about BCR is figuring out how to get to the next platform. At times, this will require mind bending trials that may leave you frustrated. However, the sense of accomplishment is more than rewarding after you solve the puzzle.
Visuals
The developers have kept BCR faithful to the original game, leaving the side scrolling aspect and the game mechanics intact. However, the graphics have been completely overhauled with hi-resolution textures and vibrant colors. The attention to detail is telling in the game. You will notice subtle movements such as the twisting of Spencer’s body as he falls off a cliff, or the shifting of weight as he lands hard on the ground.
Design
Overall BCR has been designed extremely well, allowing for extended replayability long after the main story mode has been finished. The challenge rooms will also leave you wanting more as each room gets progressively harder. With a nice trophy or achievement available upon completion of all the challenge rooms, many players will rack up some extended gameplay time just for that reason alone.
Wrap-up
Everything about this game is great, from the new retro remix of the classic Bionic Commando theme song, to the upgraded visuals. The addition of the puzzle when hacking the system is a nice touch. In the original, when hacking the system an alarm would go off randomly regardless of what action you take. BCR will give you about 20 hours of gameplay including the challenge rooms, which is great value for a $10 game. There is a local deathmatch mode but an online multiplayer addition would have made BCR perfect. There is very little bad one could say about BCR, I am sure very much like the original, Bionic Commando Rearmed will become an instant classic. I would definitely recommend a buy for this game.
Score
5/5
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