Girl Gamer

In Defense of Bionic Commando

By TheDCD 2 years, 7 months ago • 2 Comments

Doesn’t it come across as disappointing when you see a great game hit store shelves and it doesn’t sell worth a damn? Either people are buying something that they figure is more popular or “good” for them, or they pick up on something else merely because the title is out of their budget. Sadly, this was the case with Capcom’s Bionic Commando. Released last month for Xbox 360 and PS3, the game was met with average reviews and less-than-average sales. According to retailer numbers, the game sold a meager 27,000 copies in its first month of release.

To which I respond, really?! This is a Capcom title, people. Last time I checked, Capcom titles are usually met with bigger response than this. I’m trying to figure out what scared off the gamers more, the average reviews or the lack of strong word-of-mouth from the company itself. There are several factors to blame. The game could’ve used more advertising, it could’ve used more push from Gamestop employees (they chose to advertise the painfully short Terminator Salvation instead – is anyone even playing that anymore?), Bionic Commando Rearmed is a better (and cheaper) game, and it sure as hell could’ve used a better demo. Here’s an opportunity for Capcom to show players what the game is about, and instead they release a multiplayer only demo that a. takes a while to install and b. has absolutely no one online play it. It was a blown opportunity if there ever was one, a chance to show everyone what the game was about and instead coming across like a limited tech demo that no one wanted to touch. That’s like saying “buy our new car” and then showing us only what it can do in a demolition derby, instead of letting us take a test on the road.

But I digress. The fact of the matter is, Bionic Commando is a good game. Is it a great game along the lines of Resident Evil 5 and Street Fighter IV? No, but it’s still a solid 3-D adventure that’s worth the time to those who invest in it. There’s just a few things you have to get used to…

1. The swing mechanics aren’t the smoothest. Yeah, you’ll need to get used to actual physics when it comes to setting up your swing, but it is something that can be learned and mastered over time. Your swing will become your best friend, whether you’re trying to avoid toxic vapors from above, dangerous water from below, or finding the right mine to grab onto. It can be mastered, believe me. I’ve swung across plenty of surfaces with little to no problem.

2. Water is not your friend. For some reason, the bionic arm that Nathan is wearing makes him sink like a stone. Is it 500 pounds all of a sudden? No matter. Once you get used to the fact that you can’t walk in shallow areas of water without drowning like a madman, you’ll be fine. This is a perfect opportunity to get the most out of your swing, keeping airborne with combos and wall grapples while keeping out of the water.

3. The attacks aren’t too shabby. The zip kick is probably your best ally when it comes to taking down those big nasty droids or grabbing a soldier out of nowhere when you’re flying through the air. It really is a great move once you get the hang of it.

Now, that aside, let’s talk about some of the greatness that Bionic Commando beholds. The level design is staggering. Whether you’re maneuvering your way through a torn-apart city or swinging through the catacombs below, there’s something really appreciative about the effort Grin put into this game. This isn’t a quickie job like the company’s previous games, the painfully short Wanted: Weapons of Fate and the even shorter Terminator Salvation. No, this is a game to be savored, whether you’re swinging under freeway overpasses or kicking barrels through walls to reach new areas. The graphics look great. No, really, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better looking 3-D action/adventure game along the lines of Bionic Commando. Play it on a high-def TV and the details really come shining through.

Yes, the gameplay works. Despite your complaints for grapple mechanics and slight difficulty here and there, Bionic Commando is a really fun game to play. Besides, at least everything isn’t fucked up like it is in Codemasters’ Damnation. I’m still trying to figure out what happened there.
OK, the multiplayer’s not the greatest, but the addition of bionic equipment and specific rules make it worth trying at least once.

That said, I implore you to at least give the game a rent the next time you’re at a local Blockbuster or rental location and give it a shot. Either that or wait for Capcom to eventually drop the price to something a little more reasonable. It certainly deserves a look, and could pave the way for another contemporary remixes of Capcom titles. Besides, you don’t want to end up with something like Terminator Salvation instead, do you? (Sorry, it’s just that it really, really bugs me. Can’t believe how short it is.)