Score
Gameplay:	9
Graphics:	10
Sound:	10
FunFactor:	10
PlasmaFactor:	9
Overall:	9.6

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Review
August 25, 2008 by Beau King

Remakes and Sequels are the mainstay to keeping a franchise alive. Normally such additions are no more than a graphical upgrade or extension of a prior storyline. Bionic Commando: Rearmed, however, grips hold of its predecessor and keeps swingin’ forward. The original SNES version was undoubtedly fun to play, and many elements like level design, the bionic arm, and side scrolling mechanics are still inherent in the game play.

Beyond that though, Rearmed is a whole new experience. Many praise Braid for its fascinatingly unique visual style. That may be, but Rearmed excels visually just as well. Everything from lighting effects to set design is outstanding. Almost every dominant color in the palette is used to perfection. And that’s just how the game looks.

More fun than drooling over the pretty landscape is swinging to and fro via the Commander’s Bionic appendage. If you were to classify the game play in any one category, it would be “difficult”. In essence, a medley of one part side-scroller, two parts platformer, and one part action/adventure is stirred until thick. This is mainly due in part to having to navigate each level while periodically shooting an enemy. The biggest weapon at your disposal is the bionic arm. Whether it be swinging from platform to platform, throwing objects, or blocking projectiles; the arm does it all. Well, almost. Enemies are dispatched through a variety of weapons picked up along the way. The commando has enough machinery by game’s end to outfit a platoon. One of the most entertaining weapons is that of rocket launcher (of course) complete with missile guidance abilities.

Stepping back from the Commando himself, each level consists of a network of platforms and obstacles. Being a side-scroller a big complaint may come in the form of not knowing where to go or exactly how to get there. Bumbling along normally gets the job done, but traversing the entire level opens up secrets as well as a computer mainframe that accesses both HQ and a mini puzzle that grants secret messages about a Boss’ vulnerabilities. Finding these are a treat as they are often comical. At one point a character says ROFL and his superior tells the guy to get up off the floor.  Nerdy yes, but we get it.

Getting from level to level is most likely the most annoying aspect of the game. Pushing a direction does not guarantee your pilot will follow. This wouldn’t be so bad if the mini-levels did not slow your progress by forcing you to clear an area. Once it begins, the Commando has to clear all enemies in a top down view akin to an Oregon Trail hunting session. Neat, but definitely not necessary.

Putting the cherry atop this beautiful sundae is the soundtrack. Every element certainly says you’re playing an arcade title in the modern age. Nonetheless, the beats are amazingly balanced between an arcade style electro beep session and bass amplifying thumps. From the get go the game positions you to get ready and start playing through a well executed intro number. Oh yea, the weapons, explosions, and boss battles sound great too.

Debates will never end when it comes to a game and its price. Braid certainly could be a standalone retail yet goes for 1200 MS points. Still people complain. Bionic Commando: Rearmed is a measly 800 points; ten dollars for those unaware. It boggles the mind how a game as good as this has a lower price tag than Marvel’s Ultimate Alliance. Especially since the game is not just a single player experience. Two commandos’ can raid each level with AI that scales to how many players are on screen. What’s more is that anyone wanting to escape the main storyline can take part in about 50 different challenge courses. Challenging describes Bionic Commando perfectly. The whole game is pretty hard. Players starting on the default difficulty setting in Bionic Commando: Rearmed may find the game to be on the same controller smashing tier of difficulty as Ninja Gaiden.

Reasonably, arcade titles are given a glance and passed upon. Do the gaming world a favor and give this guy a chance. Make excuses about the economy all you want, but for 800 points this game’s a steal.