Capcom's Bionic Commando harkens back to a time when you loved a game because of how difficult it was. Difficult might have been putting it lightly with the original, but while Grin's fantastic retelling is a little more welcoming to today's sissified gaming crowd, it is still tough enough to drive you nuts; but good enough to make it worth your trouble.
It is probably easiest to start with what the game does poorly, since there is all of one gripe with the impressive package. It is a problem likely only seen on the 360 version, as the mushy d-pad makes controlling your grappling hook a complete disaster at times. Even when think you finally have a solid grasp on the controls, you will find yourself falling to your death because the hook shot straight up rather than at an angle during a jump. Attempts to control your hook with the left-stick are even more difficult, as there seems to be a specific angle at which you need to push the stick. If any single game on XBLA screams for a redesigned controller, it is Rearmed. With the exception of this one frustrating issue, the game is stellar.
They made the game a little more accessible than the tough-as-nails original by making a few alterations. The most noticeable is the inclusion of a health bar, so you can take more than one bullet before dying. Your hook can still block bullets and pick up enemies, but now can also pick up and throw barrels. Secret locations and various friendly camps between the levels contain weapon upgrades and extra lives, both of which make the game a bit easier. For once the difficulty does more than just increase the number of lives you start with. With each increased level, you will notice additional enemies, take on more damage, and a better enemy arsenal. Enemies also begin moving around the level a little better, rather than sitting stationary where they spawn. Those that struggle too mightily with the grappling hook will find solace in the clear blocks preventing too many falling deaths on 'easy'. Still, the game is hard enough to serve as a reminder of how bad you really are at videogames.
You traverse the levels through an interactive map, directing the helicopter where to go next. In the event that you run into a purple enemy supply truck between levels, you are swept into a 'meet the enemy' sequence where you must clear the heavy artillery vehicle before you can continue. These levels have a top-down shooter view, with your hook only available to you as a whip to knock away bullets. Most provide a chance to grab an extra life, so seeking them out prior to attempting tough levels can be solid strategy. There are a few different landscapes to play through, but the most interesting is a wild-west themed level that closely resembles Capcom classic Gun.Smoke. One can only pray that Grin is working on that re-imagining next.
Some things have not changed. The game is still very difficult to master, thanks to the seemingly odd inability to jump. Your only means of progressing through levels is to use your hook, which proves a challenging implement even late in the game. The bosses are mostly well thought-out and cleverly designed, but not overly difficult to beat in comparison to the rest of each level's troubles. Unfortunately, the game seems to get a bit long for its own good, as most of the bosses repeat a second time with minimal changes.
Between the hacking mini-game and virtual-reality training levels, Rearmed provides an impressively deep experience. In the computer rooms scattered through various levels, you have the chance to contact friendly forces for intel and hack into the enemy systems to read their communications. You actually hack into the computer with well-conceived 3D puzzles, where you must get a yellow orb into the green square by using red obstacle blocks. These also get gradually tougher by increasing your difficulty level. Successfully hacking the computer rewards you with humorous enemy communication and tips on how to best the upcoming boss. The fifty-seven virtual-reality challenge levels are perhaps harder than the game itself, as they are all hook-focused and timed. As hard as everything is in the game, the achievement points are harder yet; with the only 'complete the game' one given only for those beating it on 'super hard' difficulty.
It is one of the most gorgeous titles available on XBLA. The 3D character animations are fantastic, and the environments look great. The presentation is consistently solid, with an in-game 'database' that keeps track of all you learn and see. It is full of detailed information on items, bosses, weapons, locations, and the game's plot. The game's score is surprisingly brilliant for an XBLA title, blending the old school 8-bit classic music with pounding dance beats.
Some will see the lack of Live support a major sticking point, but you will not miss it. The three different four-player versus modes are not compelling enough to hold your interest long, and would not get any better playing them with strangers over Live. Co-op would be nice, but the game is hard enough for one player to make it through alone. With so much of the game based on tricky platforming, a second player is not exactly going to make it easier.
Xbox 360 typically lacks good platformers, but Bionic Commando Rearmed is a great one. Though it only takes several hours to beat, you will keep coming back to find more secrets and best your times in the challenge rooms. This is one of the best remakes ever made for a current generation console, check it out as soon as humanly possible.
