Nerd Mentality

Classic Plastic #04 - Bionic Commando

Posted August 27th 2005 by John Ondrey.

Those who've had the privilege of playing Bionic Commando have been starving for a sequel on current consoles since its release in 1988 – and for good reason. Capcom invented a new style of play not yet seen on the NES (and has hardly been mimicked since). Who needs a jump button when you can use your bionic arm to cling, swing, and fling yourself wherever you want? Throw in a thick storyline (for its time), an array of weaponry you can choose from, numerous power-ups, two different modes of play, excellent music, and a final boss whose heads explodes, and you've got a sure-fire classic on your hands.

As Bionic Commando, you are ordered to rescue a downed soldier named Super Joe, a lone combatant sent by The Federation to stop the Badds from executing Albatross, the stolen secret military project exacting havoc upon the world. The only thing preventing the Badds from accomplishing their evil undertaking is reviving an evil ruler with the key power and knowledge to do it...Master-D!

Did you know? In the original storyline found in the Japanese version titled Top Secret: Hitler's Revival, the Badds are the Nazis, and Master-D is Adolf Hitler. Swastikas can also be found in various places during the game.

OK, enough with the story. What makes Bionic Commando stand out is the ability of using your bionic arm. There was nothing cooler than catapulting yourself from high atop a building only to skillfully attach your trusty mechanical hand onto the pinnacle of a light poll. Aside from helping you secure out-of-reach areas, your arm could also nudge enemies away, deflect bullets (top-down mode), pick up power-ups, and more.

Bionic Commando was one of the first games to allow the gamer to choose their weapons and key items before starting a level. As you progress through the game, you'll eventually equip over five different types of guns, including a rocket launcher and a machinegun! You can also choose to equip different body armor to "shield" you from enemies and bullets. Also, selecting the correct communicator for each level was key to intercepting enemy intelligence in various enemy headquarters. These concepts were new and original for all NES players.

Bionic Commando was also original in that there was a second mode of play where combating enemies took place from an overhead perspective. Two modes of play was rarely seen on any NES game. During this type of play your bionic arm is used to deflect bullets as it revolves 360° around you. Sweet.

Capcom was famous for producing excellent music on the NES, and Bionic Commando helped this legacy. If the composition from the first mission doesn't get you pumped to kill bad guys then nothing will. Another track made you feel like James Bond as you secretly penetrated heavily guarded command centers. There are a number of fantastic tunes in the game, and I encourage all gamers to listen to them all.

If you were good enough to reach the end of the game then you found out that Master-D (Hitler) took charge of the Badd's evil plan. What a shock this was! And what a way for him to die! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

What a game! Those who've played Bionic Commandowill never forget it. For those who have not, get your butt in gear and find yourself a copy soldier! You won't regret it, and you'll finally realize why everyone is demanding an updated sequel to this classic!

This game is recommended for: Those who enjoy "shooter" and/or platform games. It's also recommended for those who've ever wanted to save the world as a badass soldier with sunglasses equipped with a bionic arm.

Sources:

The Bionic Commando Database

The Bionic Commando Headquarters

Video Game Music Archive

The Video Game Museum

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