Game review: Bionic Commando

Published on Thursday 21 May 2009 17:43

PS3/XB360, £44.99

THE SEQUEL TO THE 1988 NES title of the same name, Bionic Commando is a slick action game and a fitting addition to a classic series. Original hero Nathan Spencer returns to rid the world of terrorist organisation Bio Reign. Following a nuclear blast, Ascension City lies in ruins and Nathan is released from military prison to top the terrorists before they can strike again.

You are dropped in at the deep end, as the harsh difficulty curve proves daunting. Initially, you are restricted to using firearms, letting you get to grips with the third-person aiming system. This works well, although you are left wanting a proper cover system during some of the more difficult sections.

Once Nathan reattaches his bionic arm, things ramp up considerably, as he uses it like a grappling hook to traverse the ruined city, swing between destroyed skyscrapers and along flooded streets. The sense of scale is epic and, while the swing dynamic is difficult to grasp at first, a little perseverance will pay off, and you will be pulling off impressive manoeuvres with ease.

However, the sense of scale you get travelling through the vast city is quashed somewhat as you are restricted in where you can go. Irradiated areas prevent you from proceeding and kill you in a few seconds. Regardless, this is a difficult but overly accomplished title, with slick graphical presentation, a wealth of challenges and multiplayer modes to be experienced.