Revolutionary just like the original
Let me start off by saying that I bought this game on a splurge. I really didn't know what it was or why I should get it, but I wanted a new game so I decided to download it. I quickly realized that this was the game that I used to play as a young child many years ago. It was my favorite game on the NES and for years I had really been searching to remember the name of the game. So, I was thrilled when I hopped in the first level and found myself saying "Hey, I remember this!"
Gameplay
Just like the original Bionic Commando, BC:R introduces a claw mechanic that at first seems clunky and difficult to use, but as you progress you learn to use it in such a fluid motion, that it becomes second nature, similar to a jump button for instance. Speaking of that, Bionic Commando since it's conception as an arcade game, has lacked a jump button and really that is what makes it stick out from other games of the time period. The gameplay varies from using the claw to traverse simple obstacles, to then shooting, and as you dig deeper into the game, you can find some seriously difficult arm claw puzzles.
Weapons:
In the very beginning of the game, you will only have a revolver and your claw. Without any upgrades your claw has two major abilities. It can grab onto ledges or walls and swing you toward them and it can block enemy bullets. As the story progress, you will gain certain unlockables to your claw which give you the ability to grab various crates or barrels and throw them, and another allows you to grab your enemies and use them as a shield. By the end of the game you also have a large assortment of guns, including a machine gun, rocket launcher, laser gun, and this trippy gun that will bounce lasers off of things to kill enemies.
Sound Design:
As you have probably heard, BC:R boasts one of the most amazing soundtracks in a video game. If you have played the original game, there is no doubt that you will recognize some of the music and you will feel some strong nostalgia. If you have not, do not fear, the music is still absolutely brilliant even to new players. There is something about the feel that the music gives you when each piece of action happens that just feels right. And the music at the beginning and ending of the game, just feels epic, and I usually don't notice sound it games very often.
Story:
I suppose the story can be summed up by saying that this Bionic Commando soldier has been sent to rescue a soldier known as "Super Joe". Bionic Commando (I'm not sure what his name is) is a perfect rendition of a classic 80s movie character. He's totally badass, and he's got the shades and muscles to prove it. There is a more complicated story hidden somewhere underneath about love or something, but for some reason I couldn't find it. I watched a video on youtube of a guy playing the last level, and there was a part of the story in there that I didn't get to play for some reason. The enemy in the game is this army that is fighting with you for some unknown reason, I wont give too much more away about the story, but I'll just say, don't put the controller down after you save Joe. ;)
Achievements:
The achievements in this game are mad hard. I beat the entire game and only got 40 points, and it's possible to only get 20 after beating it. Most of the other achievements put up a real challenge and one in particular (beating the game on super hard) is going to require you to be very very skilled at this game. I suggest you don't buy it for the achievements, just for the fun. I beat the whole game without concerning myself with trying to get the achievements.
Final Word:
Is it worth it? Whether you're an old pro at the game, or you've never tried it, this is a must have arcade title. This game is probably my favorite game on the marketplace, and if not then definetly in the top 5. You will have tons and tons of fun running and gunning your way through this game. Easily arcade game of the year (so far) and you need to pick this game up! It's a bargain at 800 Microsoft points. If you're still iffy, then give the trial a few minutes.
