Bionic Commando

"Broken Swing Set? No Problem!"

The Story
The Empire led by Generalissimo Killt has come across a top secret document by the BADDs of long time passed. They decide to put the plans into action. The Federation doesn't want this happening and sends their best man Super Joe in to put a stop to it. Super Joe fails and is captured.

A top-secret device that can put the power of an entire army into the hands of one soldier is given to a selected man (Who I think is called ''LADD''. That's the only possible name the game gives for him) to save Joe and stop the Empire from executing the BADDs' secret plan.

Graphics
8/10 - Good. Some backgrounds are a bit plain, but most are detailed and nice looking. Some characters look a little bland too. The mugshots of the speaking character are usually done well but the regular soldiers with their mouths that just move up and down like a robot just look dippy.

Sound
7/10 - The quality is a bit low, but the music itself is pretty good. The sound effects are just there. You've got the tapping of the messages, gunshots, getting hit, dieing, and stuff exploding. There aren't very many.

Control
9/10 - Yes, I gave it a 9. Sure, the arm takes some getting used to and can be a pain if you're not used to it. But once you get it down, it's half the fun of the game. So, then why isn't it a 10? They use Select to Pause the game and Start to use an item that can be used with it. I often wasted my Energy Recover pills trying to pause the game.

Gameplay
10/10 - Run around, using a grappling hook to get around (you can't jump in this game). Shoot some baddies, up your life by collecting bullets most enemies leave behind. Fight a boss. Simple. Half the fun of the game comes from the bionic arm.

Challenge
5/10 - When you first plug it in, you'll probably find it impossible as I did. That changes fast. The challenge is pretty much killed once you get the controls of the arm down and figure out how to get continues. And the major boss (I don't say ''final'' because you fight two minor bosses afterward) of the game is pathetic.

Replay
5/10 - You may pick it up once in a while just to play it or watch the interesting ending.

Pros and Cons
Good Points:
- The arm's half the fun when you get it down.
- The music itself ain't bad!
- ...aw, I don't want to spoil the surprise for you...

Bad Points:
- The controls take a bit of getting used to.
- Someone who doesn't know the A+B+Start thing probably won't like having to reset if they bring the wrong weapon or communicator.

Should I Get It?
Yes. Give the arm some time. It's a good game.

Overall
At first, I hated this game. After I gave it an hour, I loved it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/14/02, Updated 10/14/02