In 1988 Capcom unleashed a grappling hook in the form of Bionic Commando. Go-go Gadget Arm!
Players were tasked with rescuing fellow operative Super Joe from deep within the borders of enemy territory. The only way to get to Joe was to overcome moderate platforming using a grappling hook and blasting through unending swarms of enemy soldiers (who pays these guys to die?). Using the cutting-edge technology of an extendable metal arm, you could swing, ascend, and shoot your way through twenty levels.
The game is comprised of three segments: the overworld map, the side/vertical-scrolling levels, and the top-down action sequences. The overworld map had numbered sectors to which you could navigate using your helicopter. Once intersecting a sector or enemy vehicle, you were permitted to choose what weapon you wished to take into battle. A few of the levels allowed for a top-down presentation style like Commando (where Super Joe first appeared). Since you can’t scale buildings with your grappling hook in the top-down perspective, you can use it to deflect bullets and knock away enemies by spinning it around yourself.
You start the game with a short-range pistol. As you progressed through the levels you could accumulate other firearms and power-ups including: a three-way cannon, a bazooka, and a rapid-fire machine gun. Depending on your preference of play, you could opt for any of the weapons you had collected at the start of each level, but the bazooka offered the most firepower.
As you cut down opponents, some of them drop green pellets. By collecting enough of the pellets you could increase your health. While not a true leveling up, it is reminiscent of many RPG elements found in other action games.
To track down Joe, you needed to enter buildings, contact operatives on a codec-like communicator, and perform some light puzzle solving. The contacts rarely offered deep insights or character development, but the directions offered, helped you to ultimately track down your missing cohort and put a stop to the head of the evil empire.
The music in the game is pretty limited to a handful of tracks that play throughout the game. While used often, the military-themed tunes don’t become overly repetitive. All of the dialogue is delivered via text on the screen. No voice acting is present. Dialogue is accompanied by typewriter-sounds.
When compared to other NES games of the time, the graphics were impressive. Few games played with such detail. In some instances the screen would fill with enemies and a hail of gunfire without any noticeable slowdown.
Ultimately, Bionic Commando is a great buy for any platformer fan. The game offers modest replay value, if you want to visit every level in the game. The action, challenge, and experience are fitting for any person who has access to a NES. If you don’t have a working NES, this may just be the game to help you revisit the classics of yesteryear.