Bionic Commando

"No jump button? Genius!!!"

Bionic Commando is one of my favorite games of all time and I will tell you why. I have a major like toward 2D platformers but Capcom made this one stand out far above the others. So what did they do special? They did not include a jump button! Now you may be thinking 'what...a platformer with no jump button!?'. That is because instead of having a jump button, you have a grappling arm which you use to grapple onto ledges and swing yourself onto platforms and over gaps. Well after a few minutes of playing you will realize this game is a gem.

Gameplay: 10
The most important part of every game. Is the game fun? Why yes, yes indeed. This game is very fun. You start out on an overhead map and you choose what areas you would like to go to. Each area is a different level, though some are friendly towns. Every area rewards you with some of the many items in this game including flares, 3-way shot, machine gun, and the all powerful rocket launcher (plus many other things). In the beginning some of the areas are blocked off due to you needing certain items to complete the ahead stages. Something you may notice when you first start is moving vehicles that you may encounter on the map. When you have an enemy encounter you will go into an overhead battle in which you can whip your grappling arm 360 degrees around your head to knock away enemies and also fire your current gun. This is the place you may need to visit frequently for this is where you will gain your continues. If you run out of continues...game over! So make sure you keep track of your continues and go here often.

Controls: 9
You may disagree at first since there is no jump button but that is the fun of the game. The controls are easy to master and work great once you get the hang of them.

Sound: 9
It is Capcom so you can count on a well made soundtrack for this game. The sound effects are done as well.

Graphics: 10
You may question this score. I have no problem with NES graphics...in fact I like them. But this game did something very notable at the end of the game that caught my attention...I had never seen an NES game do something like it before...won't spoil it for you though ^_^

Replay: 10
This game is excellent to play as many times as you want. In my opinion all worthy 2D platformers have unlimited replay though. Pure fun every time!

Overall: 10
Yes, I RARELY ever give out a perfect score to a game. It really means something to me to give a game perfect. I'm not like any person who gives a game a 10 just because they enjoyed it. I check it for every detail before tossing out a perfect and this game passes the test. Everyone with an NES should buy this game. In fact...even if you don't own one you should get one for this game (not only JUST for this game because there are plenty of other awesome NES games out there)

So I conclude by saying that this is in my top 3 favorite NES games of all time (possibly my favorite) and I hope others like it!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/16/03