Classic has returned, better than ever.
Story is pretty much the same as it was back in NES, but this time it's not year 198x, but 2029. A group of imperialists have developed a project called The Albatross. This project was put to practice by imperialist's leader Generalissmo Killt and the goal is no less than world domination. To stop this Federation (or FSA) sent a special commando named Super-Joe, but he has now gone missing. Now it's up to Spencer and his mechanical claw-like arm to drop behind enemy lines, find Joe and maybe put an end to imperialist's evil plans. There are no real cutscenes or voice acting to progress the story. Instead the plot moves forward by using still images and text. It works just fine and feels old, but I guess that was the original intention.
Story mode consists of 12 areas (or mission stages) and in a true 2D side scrolling fashion at the end of each area there's a boss fight. Pattern of gameplay is clear, but it also fits nicely to this nostalgic Live Arcade game.
Graphics are very nice and colorful 2D, with a great HD polish in them. Character models move in real manner and quite fluidly. Music and sound effects are a little too retro, since there is not many music or sound effects. This kind of sci-fi experience would have benefited a big and rich sound design.
Gameplay is mostly platforming by using your bionic claw and shooting enemies. Using the claw can get quite challenging since there's no way to jump normally, but at the same time it's nice that this claw has so much use in the actual gameplay: that is what makes Bionic Commando different from other games.
Boss fights are big, pattern-based and fun, but only if you know what you're doing. At times it's not clear what to do and you end up playing the whole stage over and over again after a game over screen just to get to that boss fight. Luckily the stages are not that tough once you've already beaten them one time.
There was no save option in the original game, but fortunately this time there is. This one simple feature makes Bionic Commando a lot easier to approach and enjoy than the original.
Aside from the main story there are extra swinging challenges to do and they are embedded in the game. When visiting different FSA bases (areas 13-19) you can enter to a simulation room and choose a challenge. This adds more value to the overall experience and it also forces you to practice more swinging, which has a tendency to make some parts of the game a little easier.
Rearmed also includes multiplayer, but only locally. 2 player co-op is where you move forward with your friend in story mode and with a little practice it can make the game easier. It has much potential and it would have been so much better to be able to play through Xbox Live, but for some reason it's not possible. 4 player mode is a straight forward arena battle like in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for example. It works just fine, but unless you have 3 other friends (who are also Bionic Commando fans) and 4 controllers you'll not play it for long.
When downloading Rearmed you also get an access to download super secret trailer for the upcoming 3D Bionic Commando and also a code, which you can use to unlock a special retro skin for that new game.
Bionic Commando Rearmed is a nice remake of the original classic and at the same a warm-up for that new Bionic Commando also developed by GRIN.