Get Hooked- Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 Review

In hindsight, the programmer was right: an inability to leap didn’t dampen the title’s success. Recent Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 sequel, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 probably doesn’t need the skill either, since each of the game’s environments are designed for traversal with the series’ trademark grapple-arm. Yet, the jump button is there, catering to players with low frustration levels (purists may use fanatical restraint to earn an achievement/trophy by never tapping the button). Beyond an aptitude for foot-propelled altitude, the title also makes a number of additional changes in an effort to initiate a new generation of cybernetic swingers.

Forgoing the niggling tutorial screens of many contemporary titles, Rearmed 2 offers players Biovision. By holding down the R2 button, gamers can freeze time, and move their on-screen cursor over any color-coded points of interest. By lingering on those objects, game tips are given- detailing everything from the basics of maneuverability to supplying data on each bosses’ weak point. Like the ability to leap, Biovision is wisely kept optional. Surprisingly, Rearmed 2‘s new powerups and weapons are mostly elective as well. Two capabilities found early in the game- arcing grenades and health regeneration, are never necessary for advancement, yet will make the title’s trek easier for newbies. The same goes for the game’s arsenal. While shotguns quickly make mincemeat out of foes, I was able to complete the game using only the game’s standard-issue pistol. For completionists aiming to complete their loadout, the title coaxes a bit of Metroid-esque backtracking, where players utilize their newly found arms to access previously inaccessible areas.

Even if franchise veterans don’t dabble with Rearmed 2‘s additions, they’ll discover a host of small changes. Gone is the game’s multi-path map screen, replaced by a linear series of stages. The title’s integration of PhysX middleware allows for a few interesting graphical effects; now enemies crumple before falling lifeless off the bottom of the screen, while barrels seem to roll with a sense of weight. Several sequences which task players with picking off enemies via an on-screen crosshair add a bit of visceral variety to the game. Yet, the biggest change might be reserved for the game’s swing mechanic.  Now, the protagonist’s grappling hook tenaciously sticks to objects, prohibiting the inadvertent death drop. The downside is that Bionic Commando‘s swinging cadence is absent; hooking across platforms and fixtures no longer feels rhythmic. Additionally, I took things slow- as the game’s camera tended to conceal if there was solid ground beneath by hero’s boots.

Both the local co-op component and the Challenge Rooms of the last game return, offering players supplementary methods of diversion. Justification for the title’s price increase (the last game sold for $10 vs. Rearmed 2‘s $15 price) is found in the amount of new content- there’s roughly twice as many levels in this new game.

Despite a handful of minor concerns, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 does offer a gratifying adventure which scales to the ability of novices and series stalwarts. While it’s unlikely I’ll be discussing this title’s virtues in twenty years, Rearmed 2‘s running, swinging, shooting- and jumping, are a fitting testament to pleasures of  retro-influenced gaming.