Tech-Gaming Technology, Gaming, and Culture
Remember a few years back when store shelves were covered in mediocre 3D “remakes” or “sequels” of classic 2D games? They sat there expectantly hoping, nay, praying someone would say, “I would bet my first born child this game is both awesome and canonical!” Sure those days never truly went away but surely they’ve lessened?
Have I sufficiently worried you yet? Are you in suspense? I doubt it. Surely by now you’ve heard from friends, loved-ones, possibly even small woodland creatures that Bionic Commando Rearmed does away with such shovelware mentality. Well, I may not be as cute as a woodland creature but I would like to be considered yet another trusted friend who wipes away those tears of worry and says “Yes, yes, they’ve done a wonderful job. It’s all going to be ok.” And, you know what? I get to do just that!
Just look at this love note…
“Oh Bionic Commando Rearmed, when I first met you we glanced at each other from across the internet. ‘I’ve been burned so many times before!’, I thought, ‘I mean, Pac-Man, how could he sell himself so many times. No, no, Pac-Man is a good guy. He just… I’m just so glad he cleaned up and made Pac-Man CE!’
Then you showed up at my digital door this evening and everything fell into place. I can’t get your grooving electronic remixes out of my head. I want to listen to them even when you’re not around! Your graphics, they gently massage my eyes with retro-inspired yet next-gen graphics and take away years of harsh, burnt-in, FPS-induced shades of brown and gray from the rods and cones of my retinas.
Your controls, this just feels so right. It’s like when we were kids yet better! Your difficulty, your new bosses, your enemy AI, you keep me on my toes! It’s not as easy to keep up with you as it once was but I like that. You know I like a challenge these days!
Speaking of challenges, you’ve got plenty of those in challenge mode and you even get along well with my friends in cooperative mode and multiplayer! Story? Your story is even more fun now, funny even! You’re so sweet, how you can laugh at the way you spoke as a child.
You’re the complete package, Bionic Commando Rearmed. We’ve matured. You’ve got so much more going for you now. I don’t even miss the old days because they’re still within you and I, just better!”
Saucy, eh?! I have to be honest. I haven’t gotten to try the coop or multiplayer yet because it’s not online. I’m not so keen on a lack of online support but it’s forgivable and even patchable? (Hint, hint, Capcom?!)
The version I downloaded is for PSN. Not only is the d-pad better on the PS3 controller than on the 360 but there’s remote play so I can play on my PSP. It works fairly well too! This is a good thing, especially since my TV just decided to bite the dust. Word is the PSN version has an extra challenge room as well, although I have yet to confirm this. Trophies are on the way too. For those of you who want the PC version, it will cost you $5 extra but you’ll get exclusive challenge rooms as downloadable content.
I have very few reasonable complaints. Bionic Commando Rearmed is pretty much everything I hoped it would be. What’s up with the sudden influx of quality remakes lately? I feel like I should stop moving. I might jinx it!
Final Grade: A
Good review, Tide!
I’ve been playing the demo; I’ll have to buy this when I get paid.
decent review, but DE>Tide
good review
Great review, tide.
Seems like you guys are going to run away together into the DLC sunset.
This game looks great. Review was well done also.
I enjoyed the demo even though it was quite short, loved the music though! Have to pick this up sometime.
My early vote for DD title of the year.
I’ll try the demo, tech-gaming. Never heard of the NES game.
Screenshots look kinda empty!
Cool review!!!!
Amusing review.
Nice review. I played the demo of this the other day, its pretty fun but I suck at it. haha.
I never played the original, but this looks like something I’d be interested in. It’s great to see 2D gaming kind of coming back. Another positive side of getting the PSN release you could have mentioned is that you don’t have to buy “points”, you can just buy the game for its exact price (from my experience anyways).
Good review though!
Good review. I’ll check out the demo the next time I jump on live.
SO much love lately, between this and Bangaio
Great review man. Like always you have great points on what’s good/bad. Played the demo and I agree with what you had to say.
Kickass game, bought it today.
Best DLC game ever? I think so.
Where’s my ghost and Goblins remake, capcom?
Those shots don’t do it justice at all.
Definitely try the original too. It’s a bit odd at first but you quickly realize how cool it really is.
Good point, thanks! Yeah, 2D gaming will never die. For one thing, it’s just so much easier to program and design for.
It’s difficult for sure, especially compared to the original.
Thanks, but are you aware it’s me and not DE? Or do you mean compared to my writing for other sites?
I believe it’s a sequel, not a remake, but have you tried Ultimate Ghosts ‘N Goblins?
I think it’s a toss up between this, Ikaruga and Portal. (Although, Portal kind of doesn’t count as a DLC game.)
Yes, blame me. It’s what Capcom is offering as ‘assets’.
I too would love a complete redo of that game. And Black Tiger (or Magic Sword), and Three Wonders recreations would also make me quite happy.
omg!!!…i totally agree with this review…this game retains all the glory of the nes classic….this is what remakes should be!!!
Yeah its really good
Great game. A great value at $10.00
Can’t wait to play this game. I like what they have done.
i will definitely want to get this. i played the demo and it was great. i was hoping to get to fight the boss.
Working on coverage reports for this title, this is the best review I’ve come across thus far. Excellent article, love the love-letter touch to it. Sure we’re getting great reviews for this title but all of them seem so dull. Thanks for making my work day much more better. Keep up the good work and we’ll keep on sending the goods.
-Gerald Hom
Capcom
Public Relations Intern
Thanks Gerald, it’s an honor to hear that from an actual Capcom employee! Thank you guys for doing such a service to the original Bionic Commando! Keep in touch, eh?