It’s funny how someone yearns for something to be added to a game, and yet when it is, it doesn’t quite advance it as much as the development team was thinking. In this case, it was with the game Bionic Commando Rearmed, and the question that came to many players’ minds when they were playing it – why can’t Super Joe jump? Well, hey, maybe a bionic arm weighs down a guy more than we could possibly imagine, y’know? (Remember how it make Nathan Spencer sink like a stone in the high-budget Bionic Commando remake from a couple of years ago?) Now, with Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, Capcom has responded in kind by giving Joe the ability to jump. Finally, after years of dragging himself on the ground, he has the gift of air. Maybe it was the shoes, no idea. That said, that’s the only real major improvement given to the main character, outside of small power-up abilities, including the option of turning your arm into an electrical tool. So…do these improve the game in general? Not really. In fact, it’s somewhat…easier. That’s not to say there’s no challenge at all. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 has an acceptable story campaign, along with dozens of challenge rooms, in which you can run through virtual territory trying to shoot for the best times via online leaderboards.
But with Joe’s newfound ability to jump, it’s easier to get through some parts of a stage than we expected. It’s not entirely a cheat, as you can still go through the whole thing without jumping and actually earn an Achievement for it. But it detracts from the thrilling gameplay of the original just a bit. The plot isn’t really important. A warlord is unleashing all kind of hell, and it’s up to Joe and his bionic arm of justice to stop him dead in his tracks. To its credit, some of the dialogue is humorous, such as when the main hero argues with a heavily armed tank before taking it down. “BEEEEEEEP!” And despite the simplification of the gameplay in single player, there’s still fun to be had here, whether you’re lobbing barrels at gaggles of soldiers, climbing into a sniper station (a new addition to the game) to take them out, or flying around in a helicopter and mowing them down like grass.
It just seems there’s more emphasis on mowing down bad guys rather than truly showing them who’s boss. It’s more of a cakewalk thank you might expect from a Bionic Commando game. Still, if Rearmed 1 was too hard for you, this might just be what you need. Along with the single player component and Challenge Rooms, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 also features an off-line co-op mode, where a friend can join in the fun. It’s a good run through the first time around, but you probably won’t come back to it once you finish it and earn the proper Achievement. Outside of that, you’ll just go through levels again just for the sake of getting a faster completion time. And given some of the backtracking you’ll need to do in the game, you might not be so keen on the idea. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 doesn’t look too bad at all. The 2.5-D style environments once again make a return, with little details here and there (flowing waterfalls, cool explosions) that stand out from the otherwise dull character design.
We’re also big fans of the bosses, including the awesome Titan, which takes some time to bring down. We would’ve liked a little more elaboration with the level design, but whatever, it still looks decent. As for the music, it’s a fine mix of retro goodness and contemporary rock, with some Chiptunes-like themes thrown in for good measure. And, on top of that, we don’t have to put up with crappy audio dialogue. Whew. One final note – this game is offered both on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, and if we had to choose between the two, we’d go with XBLA. The reason for that is that the PSN version requires a constant Internet connection. You can’t play it off-line. On one hand, it’s easy to say that Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 runs the basics for a sequel, not really pushing forward enough to make the formula excel. On the other, it could’ve been a lot worse, as it’s a fun platforming romp while it lasts. The trial game is just within reach – even without a bionic arm – so check it out for yourself.
