Gameplay Impressions
What do we like?Some excellent map design really takes advantage of the impressive swing mechanic. Not only does the run-down Ascension City look visually spectacular but there are dozens of places to latch onto with your grappling hook. This opens up multiple routes to every destination so you can explore and enjoy some of the tremendous views, or tactically use the environment to take advantage of your enemies.
The swing mechanic could have been a disaster if Bionic Commando was ruled by camera angles, but by using the right thumbstick you have complete control over them. Therefore you don't suffer with the frustration of constantly misjudging jumps - it's all down to your own judgement, skill and timing. When you get that timing right and you're moving across the city swiftly chaining moves together, Bionic Commando's flowing gameplay is compelling.
The grappling hook sets the game apart from other shooters and Capcom has taken every opportunity to bring it into the gameplay. You can use it to pick up objects and throw them at enemies, pull down masonry on top of groups of baddies, or use the zip-kick to hook onto an enemy and then reel yourself in and kick him into submission. The transition between attacking enemies through using your grappling hook and weapon-based combat is seamless. You can change tactics instantly. One minute you'll be simply shooting a guy straight in the head and next be spinning around a lamp-post and pulling off the likes of a 'Death From Above' move, which sees you coming down at your enemy from a great height and pummeling hom into the ground. The beauty of having these two sets of combat moves is that you can adapt your tactics to suit your gameplay style and your current situation.
There's so much to do throughout the game. The main mission is enjoyable and you can choose to simply follow way-points and progress through the story quickly, but the wealth of side challenges, collectibles and achievements/trophies really encourage you to try out moves and attempt to make your way toward more trickier places in the environment. The fact that we enjoyed playing Bionic Commando outside of the main mission is real testament to the smooth swing mechanic and the well designed, visually impressive locations.
Click for larger imageWhat don't we like?
A lot of effort has been put into map design, graphics and the swing mechanic, as well as the powers of the Bionic arm - that's blatantly obvious from the outset. However, it means that there are moments where it feels like some other elements of the gameplay were neglected. Weapon combat, for instance, is never as exciting as leaping from the top of a skyscraper and trying to latch onto a piece of protruding pipe on the way down, or zip-kicking a unsuspecting grunt in the face. The lack of intensity in the fire-fights and the weakness of the standard weapon set make combat without the Bionic arm feel a bit lazy and dreary. There are some enjoyable boss battles but there's no real surprises in store. They follow the standard boss formula that we've seen for years, avoiding their attack and then honing in on their weak spot. It would have been nice to see something different and outstanding that we could tell you about, but despite threatening uniqueness on a few occasions with some great looking bosses, there's nothing to report that's really that impressive or stands out from the crowd.
The AI doesn't react terribly well either. In close quarter battles some grunts will have trouble finding you if you hide out of the way for a few moments or swing around for a bit. The worst example we saw of this was the Shield Biomechs who have a blind spot when you get right up close to them. It's not always an issue though, watch out for snipers who'll pick you off with pin-point accuracy from a distance no with problem at all. The A.I. generally feels inconsistent. Sometimes it's great and other times it's awful.
Final Thoughts
Capcom has done a fine job in resurrecting this classic title. The next-gen makeover is stunning and its crowing glory is the impeccably implemented swing mechanic. Gun combat is a bit ropey, but it's not a big concern once you get to grips with and start taking advantage of the grappling hook. From the moment you start sweeping and swinging around Ascension City you'll find it hard to stop. It's been nice to play a game that feels different to the other shooters currently clogging up our shelves.
Final Verdict - 8/10
