As far as old school platformers/ shoot ‘em ups go, few are as fondly remembered as Bionic Commando. Its tough as nails nature gripped just about every gamer who came across it almost twenty (yes count them) years ago.
If you missed it first time round Capcom have gone and given us a remake available for download (800 Microsoft points).
What makes Bionic Commando unique in the platforming world is the lack of a jump button. Instead you've got a handy grappling hook arm to leap from ledge to ledge.
This, in all honesty, makes a tricky game even more difficult. Often you’ll find yourself stuck behind a tiny barrel or facing a bullet aimed at your feet and the control method becomes a real test of your gaming ability.
The grappling hook can fire out horizontally, vertically or diagonally. You can hook onto just about all areas of the immediate backdrop, allowing you to sneak around the back of enemies to catch them unawares and fire off a few pot shots.
A word of warning - if you're new to Bionic Commando the controls take a hell of a lot of getting used to. When you’re used to casually hopping around platformers with devilish ease, this stop start method of gameplay will come as a bit of a shock.
Once you’ve got to grips with it the rest of the game makes up for that short spell of awkwardness. The updated visuals are gorgeous and the music harks back to the days when gamers were regularly treated to memorable tunes.
The plot's way over the top, the enemies are generally pretty daft and set in their ways and the actual level design is up there with the best. This is as old school as you’re ever likely to get.
Yes, it’s incredibly difficult – like games used to be - and unless you’re a veteran don’t go expecting to complete it anytime soon. But with a hefty number of levels and even a multiplayer mode to tinker with, this one is for anyone apart from the most rubbish of gamers.
Like this? Try these:
Streets of Rage 2 – XBLA
Braid – XBLA
Doom - XBLA
FORMAT REVIEWED
Xbox Live Arcade
PRICE
800 MS points (roughly £7)
OTHER FORMATS
PS3 (via the Playstation Network)
POSTED...
Mon 18 Aug at 2:14pm
