The Return of the Bionic Man

It’s been more than 21 years since the first Bionic Commando adventure was released. Back then, it was a firm favourite in both the arcades and on the Nintendo Entertainment System. But while that 8-bit machine remains a classic in the minds of gamers to this day, this sequel is one of those Marmite titles. You might love it, you might hate it, but whatever happens you really want to keep on trying it until you find out for sure.

Thankfully, the main storyline keeps faith with the original idea. In Bionic Commando, you take on the role of Nathan Spencer, a futuristic commando soldier who, like his predecessor, has an extending bionic arm. This allows him to swing from beams, climb up walls and execute deadly kicks by grabbing onto enemies and quickly reeling himself in – feet first.

Armed and Dangerous

In the NES version, the hero fought off a set of baddies hell bent on resurrecting Adolf Hitler. Here the task is simpler as Spencer searches for futuristic terrorists who've just detonated a huge bomb in Ascension City. The bomb has left much of the city radioactive and becomes a get-out-of-jail-free card for the soldier who was about to be executed for a crime he didn’t commit.

Spencer’s bionic arm is the key element here and it certainly makes a change from being handed an assortment of guns. Building a whole game around it though is a different matter.

The swinging and grabbing that moves you through the levels is more challenging than in games such as Prince of Persia or Assassin’s Creed. Less fluidity along with some unusual camera angles mean you really have to master your moves to prevent falling to your death, so make sure you stretch out those futuristic fingers!

What weapons there are range from small to large and will help you dispatch the healthy number of villains that cross your path. Targeting is simple and many will drop to the ground easily, but there’s enough scattered around the levels to stop it feeling like a Sunday stroll. There’s also another clever hazard to outwit you . . .

Run For Your Life!

Walk into an area with nuclear fallout and you better run – fast! Fail to run and you will die . . . often! And just as you wonder if it is actually possible to get through it the Marmite moment kicks in.

Graphically, Bionic Commando is excellent. Makers GRIN have done a superb job creating an atmospheric environment full of destruction, fire and hazardous objects. Many of these can be grabbed, smashed, climbed or even thrown. There are also collectables scattered everywhere, and the retro sounds you hear when you find one contrast against the rest of the game, which has been thoroughly modernised in every way.

One nice touch is the mixture of movements around the levels. You can travel along the ground or upwards and over with the bionic arm, which can also help you pummel your way out of trouble – which is always fun!

It may be set in a disaster zone, but this game is by no means a disaster. For those fond of gaming nostalgia, it’s well worth a stab for the memories alone. Without the special arm, Bionic Commando would be very ordinary. With it, this adventure keeps you hanging on while you explore the landscape – and giving those pesky terrorists a taste of your lethal left hand is something else!

GAME's Verdict

• An innovative and enjoyable gameplay skill to learn.
• Full of nostalgia.
• Great graphics and stunning level landscapes.

• You’ll die too easily... quite a lot.
• Poor use of checkpoints.
• Very little replay value in solo mode.

Review by: Jonathan Weinberg
Version Tested: PlayStation 3
Review Published: 30.10.08