Review
Release Date: 1988
Platform:
Nintendo Entertainment SystemDeveloper:
Capcom Co., Ltd.Publisher:
Capcom USA, Inc.Reviewed by
Brian J. Balsan on 4.21.2003
| Review Rating: 9/10 | User Rating: 8.33/10 |
The NES was revolutionary. Outside of single-handedly saving videogames with its US debut in the mid-80s, the power of the system when compared to its prior competition (Atari 2600) was unlike anything anyone had ever seen, and the memory size of its cartridges made it possible to hold bigger, longer games with storylines and ever-changing scenery. Certainly, Bionic Commando was one such game to utilize the NES's power.
Bionic Commando told of the story of a secret military plot for global domination. The army, realizing the potential threat of such a movement, sends out its best man, "Super Joe," to thwart the enemy's plans, only to disappear without a trace. In a last-ditch attempt, the army sends out a 'Bionic Commando' to rescue Super Joe and save the world.
Thus begins a fantastic game which has barely been affected by the concept of time. You play as the "Bionic Commando," and it is your duty to find Super Joe and bring him back alive, all the while thwarting an evil plot. Your enemies are the Badds, an obvious cover-up on Nintendo's part of the word "Nazi," and you have to infiltrate enemy lines in the search for Super Joe.
What makes Bionic Commando so unique from the other typical run-'n-shoot games is its layout. For starters, your jump command is replaced by a grappling arm, which means that your success now depends on how well you manipulate the area surrounding you. You can pull yourself up from below, swing from one platform to another, or, if things seem bleak, reach out and hope you grab something in a last-ditch attempt to save yourself. You start with three lives, but a simple-yet-useful experience system allows you to gain hit points by collecting bullet units the enemies leave behind.
Once you have succeeded in beating a stage, you shall gain a useful item from that stage (whether it's a new gun or armor) and you will have the option to proceed to the next battle area, or go to the neutral zone, where you can search for information regarding Super Joe or collect communicators. Communicator stations are seen throughout the entire game, and will allow you to talk to your allies, or wire-tap the enemy and fish out valuable info. These stations are also responsible for opening up the doorway to the end-stage boss, so it's necessary that you find these stations when and wherever possible. Not all stations use the same communicator, however, so it's up to you to visit the neutral zones and find the correct communicator.
This mix of unique gameplay, huge level areas and story (even if it was altered for US gameplay) was what made Bionic Commando so ahead of its time, and even when compared to today's titles, you will find nothing quite like it. Swinging for your life has never been so much fun.
