'Bionic Commando' falls short of potential
The revamped version of the Capcom videogame is not an improvement.
Published June 3, 2009
There are some gaming franchises that get better with age, like a fine wine. "Bionic Commando" aged like milk.
Videogame company Capcom has dusted off hardcore gaming icon "Bionic Commando" and put it into the hands of developer Grin to create a revamp of its 1988 masterpiece. Grin then took an excellent game play idea and completely ruined it by loading the game with clichŽs and linear level design.
"Bionic Commando" follows super soldier Nathan Spencer. Spencer is fully equipped with a bionic arm, which comes packed with a powerful grappling hook and a plethora of abilities. It is Spencer's task to investigate a terrorist attack that has left the game's setting, Ascension City, deserted and in ruins.
"Bionic Commando" is plagued with linear levels that restrict the player's movement. Instead of allowing exploration of the beautiful cities and landscapes, you'll be stuck to a set path the entire game. Each level is lined with radiation pockets (read: invisible walls) that will kill Spencer within seconds of entering. More often than not, swinging too high or too far into radiation caused my demise.
"Bionic Commando" creates a foundation at the outset and builds upon it as the game progresses. New weapons, abilities and enemies are introduced shortly after you get the hang of the last ones, keeping the action fresh. With the combination of guns and the bionic arm's abilities, there are plenty of ways to dispatch the enemy's drones. You can't help but feel like a cyborg badass as you crush foes with your gargantuan arm.
Depth is added to the game through the use of challenges. Players will be rewarded with character upgrades and Xbox Achievements for completing various challenges. Think of them as "Call of Duty" online challenges, but with the addition of Achievement points. All in all, completing and unlocking challenges becomes quite the addicting experience.
"Bionic Commando" is impossible to take seriously. The plotline and characters are ridden with clichŽs, and are at times downright laughable. If I hear Nathan Spencer say, "Bring it!" or "Is that all you got?" one more time, I'm going to puncture my eardrums. The main character's blonde dreadlocks and sleeveless shirt still make my skin crawl.
The multiplayer aspect of the game, which has a learning curve of its own, is relatively straightforward. There are three game types to choose from: death match, team death match and capture the flag. Up to eight players can battle it out in frenetic matches. The speed of the games often resembles "Unreal Tournament," only on crack.
Sadly, "Bionic Commando" ends up as just an average game with the potential to be a great one. Uninspired and linear levels drag down the level of enjoyment considerably.
This iteration of "Bionic Commando" taints a franchise many gamers have held close to their hearts. My advice: buy the updated version of the original "Bionic Commando" on Xbox Live and rent this one if you must.