Bionic Commando: ReArmed (PSN) Review

Posted by Drew Robbins on 09.01.2008

The NES classic returns with improved graphics and the same gameplay that made you love it back in 1988.



Bionic Commando: ReArmed
System - Playstation 3 (Playstation Network)
Developer - Grin
Publisher - Capcom
Awesome? - Yes, very.

So what do you think of when you hear the word platformer? Is it a nimbly young prince running and jumping up walls? How about a fat plumber jumping on small turtles? It seems like no matter who you are, the word platformer brings images of jumping from platform to platform. This is where Bionic Commando: ReArmed is different. Your little friend “jump button” has been taken away and replaced with the “bionic arm.” Get used to the bionic arm, because it is the backbone on which this incredible platformer has been made.

In case you didn’t know, this is a remake of the NES classic, in order to build excitement for the next-gen sequel. Mission accomplished, Capcom.

Gameplay

As I already said, the bionic arm is the ability on which this whole game revolves around. When presented with a group of platforms, the solution is no longer simply to press on the jump button. Instead, you must press a button which will launch a grappling hook, then launch upwards towards the platform. While at first the grappling hook seems a little difficult, you get used to it as you advance throughout the game. After the first few levels, you will be swinging from platform to platform with ease. Your only other ability in this game is the ability to shoot a variety of guns. Even though the variety of weapons are nice, it seems like you only need the revolver to traverse most of the game’s levels, though the game does force you to use the rocket launcher at one point in the game.

Like you would expect with any platformer, level design plays a big part in how the gameplay works. Each level is extremely well designed, assuring you that a dull level is not something to find in Bionic Commando. Every level found ways to introduce new strategies into your arsenal, which all lead up very nicely to a last level that forced you to use everything you’ve learned. I don’t want to say too much about the last level aside from the fact that it will kick your butt. There is a point in that level that is pure platforming, and it is incredibly difficult. Defeating that part of the level left me with a feeling that I haven’t felt since the point in Prince of Persia where you lose the ability to rewind time.

Bosses in Bionic Commando tend to be pretty easy, but it doesn’t change the fact that they are awesome. In the past, games were always defined by really big bosses. With limited story telling and limited graphics, the only way to make a villain seem imposing was by making them huge in comparison. When it comes to boss size, this game certainly does not disappoint. Your first boss is a giant sphere-shaped robot, and every boss seems to be bigger. However, when the game’s bosses shrink, you can definitely feel the impact. Two of the bosses are what I call “platoons,” a group of enemies and their leader. The goal of that fight is to get rid of the leader, a task that is very simple. Going through a giant robot quickly is way more satisfying than killing a normal sized human wearing samurai gear. Seriously Capcom, what were you thinking?

Since I have spent most of this review saying how outstanding the gameplay is, it is about time to take a look at where it just falls short. Off the top of my head, I can only think of two poorly designed instances of gameplay. The first one you are acquainted with is the game’s 3D puzzles. Thankfully these only serve to get you supplies, and don’t account for too much of the time you spend with the game. Bionic Commando’s only other shortcoming is the top-down sequences where you guide Nathan through a small track to destroy a truck. These segments are extremely easy and, from what I saw, only served to get you an extra 1-up before you headed into the next zone.


- One of two moments in Bionic Commando that isn’t completely awesome.


Graphics

When a company remakes a game on a newer system, it is to be expected that the graphics will receive a facelift. Bionic Commando is no different, seeing as how this game features pretty decent graphics. Sure, they won’t blow you out of your seat, but they certainly aren’t an eye-sore. Well now that I think of it, there was one segment where a color on the screen was so bright that I had to look away for a second, lest I be blinded.

The backgrounds look pretty decent, as do all of the character models. If your major drawback for playing the original was that you couldn’t stand 8-bit graphics (if that is the case – shame on you!), then you should have no problem with the bright and colorful graphics in Bionic Commando: ReArmed.

Sound

Capcom is a company that never seems to fail when it comes to the music department in their games. Some of those old Mega Man songs are better than some of the music you hear in the games today. Instead of messing with the music, it has been practically left alone in this game. With everything else around it changed, the music remains completely stuck in the 8-bit era. While those who weren’t in to games during this era (see: there first console was a PS2…) may not like the music, those who came to bask in the nostalgia of the glory days will not be disappointed.



Lasting Appeal

Bionic Commando suffers from being a terribly short game. I’m not 100% sure on this, but I think my final play time when I beat the game was around 2 hours. Luckily, this game has the same old school charm that made people play Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man over and over. The three difficulty levels will keep you occupied for at least six hours (assuming you start out on easy), and even after that you will likely be coming back for more. If that isn’t enough, the game throws in a co-operative mode which, surprisingly enough works well. Any game with co-op can be fun, but considering that this game is incredible, co-op will make it a blast.

Another thing to tack on to the game’s replay value is the promise of trophies at some point in the future. Considering that there are only four games right now with trophies, this will probably be a big draw for a lot of people. Bionic Commando: ReArmed, Achievement whores welcomed!

Fun Factor

I thought I covered this already? This game is awesome. So awesome, in fact, that you should be playing it right now. Stop reading, log onto PSN (or Xbox Live if you choose) and pay $10 for this game. Just trust me here; you will be a better person for doing this.

The 411

Bionic Commando is a game that can truly be described as hardcore. Much like Mega Man, this game will challenge you until you have finally overcome it, leading to an almost surreal experience that you can hardly ever find in games today. The old days were good, and for $10, you could (and should) go back and visit one of the games that defined the era.

Graphics	8.5	The game is very colorful and everything looks nice, but some things are a little...too bright.
Gameplay	9.5	The lack of jumping makes this game both unique and extremely fun.
Sound	8.0	This is one thing Capcom didn't really mess with, and once you hear it, you will be glad.
Lasting Appeal	8.5	While this won't be the game you play for the rest of your life, it is something you'll pick up and play a lot down the line.
Fun Factor	10.0	I payed $10 for something that was more fun than most games I pay $60 for. Speaking of 10...
Overall	9.6   [  Amazing ]