Bionic Commando
DOS - 1988
Also available on: Amiga - Amstrad CPC - Arcade - Atari ST - Commodore 64
Description of Bionic Commando
Heralded as a pseudo-sequel to Commando, Bionic Commando is an excellent "realistic" action game that is a far cry from cutesy platformers of the time that require nothing more than reflexes.
You play Ladd, a rookie soldier tasked with rescuing the original game's protagonist, Super Joe, from the evil Federation. It's interesting to note that in the Japanese version of the game, the Federation is actually the Nazis-the game uses plenty of Nazi references (Swastika, etc.) to make that clear. These references have all been replaced with non-Nazi ones (e.g. replacing Swastikas with eagles), and Nazis renamed "Federation" in all releases of the game outside Japan. Doubtless this was done to avoid controversy that may arise.
At first look, the game seems fairly generic: you start off by parachuting into enemy territory. The fun starts with you learn to use Ladd's bionic arm-that's right, our hero is equipped with a cool bionic arm (hence the game's name) that allows him to perform great acrobatic moves, such as swinging like Tarzan and firing it at enemies. Key presses necessary to activate the arm are difficult to learn and use-but once you get the hang of it, you'll have a lot of fun. The controls besides the arm are all extremely responsive. The hit detection is solid, and the player moves quite well, despite the massive recoil you take when you get hit.
Two other high points of the game are the non-linear stage pregression and adventure game-style inventory-two features not commonly seen in a platformer. You can pilot the helicopter around the map screen, descending upon any battlefield within range. Most areas are enemy-infested encampments, while a few are considered "neutral zones." In these zones, you can talk to the various townsfolk (both friend and foe) and gather useful items. Picking up the flares in level 13, for instance, will brighten up the dark caves of area 4. The blue communicator, found early on in the game, will let you talk to your commanding officers near the end.
Overall, Bionic Commando is a lot of fun, even if Ladd in this PC version is more blocky and moves less realistically than his NES alter ego. The only gripe I have is that you can't kill enemies by swinging into them, but that's a minor disappointment. If you like Commando, you'll love Bionic Commando. Two thumbs up!
Review By HOTUD
External links
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
VanceKraven 2024-08-24 0 point
NES version might be more memorable in part because of better graphics.
OK Millenial 2022-03-08 0 point
Isn't funny that the best remember version is the sequel for the Famicom/Nes? And yes. That one was sequel, not a port. In fact the name was different in the japanese version: Top Secret: ... Hitler's Revivel. Master-D looked like The Fuhrer without moustache for a reason.
Then again, the control scheme worked way better for an Adventure Action Platformer than for a Contra-Like "Git Gud" Action Platformer. One needs a few seconds to familiarize with the grapling mechanic...
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DOS Version
Amiga ROM
- Year: 1988
- Publisher: Capcom Co., Ltd., GO! Media Holdings Ltd., U.S. Gold Ltd.
- Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.
Amstrad CPC Version
- Year: 1988
- Publisher: GO! Media Holdings Ltd.
- Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.
Arcade ROM
- Year: 1987
- Publisher: Capcom Co., Ltd.
- Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.
Atari ST ROM
- Year: 1988
- Publisher: GO! Media Holdings Ltd., U.S. Gold Ltd.
- Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.
Commodore 64 Version
- Year: 1988
- Publisher: Capcom Co., Ltd., GO! Media Holdings Ltd., U.S. Gold Ltd.
- Developer: Capcom Co., Ltd.
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