Bionic Commando Rearmed

[Andrew, Killer Bee]

It is raaaaad.

More on this later!

[SineSwiper]

Actually, I was kinda disappointed. First, the demo is way too short. You don't even get a boss fight out of it.

Second, the controls are really limiting. This may have been great in the original game, but today, I want to fucking jump. I also want to swing from a straight up position, and grapple forward when I'm in the air. Also, I want to FUCKING JUMP! It feels like you are really just trying to make up for the fact that you can't jump just to get around.

The music and graphics are good. (I like the throwback to the old skool music remix.) The dialogue is pretty funny. The hacking looks stupid. And god fucking dammit, when I point my stick in the diagonal stick, I want to fucking grapple diagonally! It's easier on the digital pad, but I've gotten so use to the analog stick.

Overall, it's a great remake of the original game, but not a great game in general. It would have faired better in the 80's, when you couldn't go to the left of the screen in Super Mario Bros. (It seems like this is the new Capcom, where they dumb down games and call it retro for profit's sake.)

[Kupek]

It is raaaaad.

Is this is an intentional pun?

Sine, I haven't played Rearmed, but I loved the NES game. The levels are designed around the fact that you can't jump. Allowing you to jump would break the game.

[SineSwiper]

Yeah, I loved the ATARI ST game. (It was a little different, but same limitations. I think it was closer to an arcade version.) However, playing something like that now is the same as playing SMB1 now: the limitations really annoy you because they've designed games better now. The jumping isn't really that important, but it would make the game feel like something that isn't from 1982.

Just try to play SMB1 and notice that you can't move when you jump. It's just a standard part of the gamespace now.

[Zeus]

Sine, the level design is based around the fact that you can't jump. It's called being "unique". Once you get used to it, it becomes second nature. But then again, you never did get used to the fact you couldn't jump in Ocarina either, did you/

There's a reason the original game is remembered so fondly, it was very well designed and is still fun today.

[SineSwiper]

Well, I had other complaints, too.

And I never played Ocarina either. I played Old Man and the Sea, but not that one.

[Zeus]

You never played Ocarina? Man, that's one of the best games ever on any system.

I've only played Rearmed demo, so I can't say too much about the remake. What I saw was basically just a 3D version of the original with the ability to grab barrels. And they did have quite a bit of fun with the communication/hacking and first "boss" with it being the demo version (when the "Pi Pi Pi" came up, I laughed :-). You can definitely tell these guys are fans of the original game. But if the rest of the game is like that, it'll be a complete rehash with the extra level at the end and some minor tweaks....and co-op and challenges. I liked the two challenges I got with the demo, they were great.

The direction is great news for someone like me who played the original to death, but there is always gonna be some drawbacks to sticking to 20+ year old gameplay mechanics because people are going to expect "innovations" to be included. I don't care much as long as the game's fun (then again, I am a MM fan). There's nothing wrong with putting on an old, comfortable pair of shoes, they don't have to be the newest Nikes.

[SineSwiper]

Yes, I played the original, but that was over 15 years ago. Again, I have to throw the SMB1 comparison in there. SMB1 is horrible now. Just try to play it for ten minutes.

[Kupek]

"Final Fantasy Tactics is a fun game, but what's with not being able to just run up and attack enemies whenever I want?"

[Zeus]

Yes, I played the original, but that was over 15 years ago. Again, I have to throw the SMB1 comparison in there. SMB1 is horrible now. Just try to play it for ten minutes.

SMB1 ain't horrible, not by any means. Sure it ain't nearly as complicated as some of the SNES platformers, but it's still fun.

In 10 minutes, I have it beat :-)

[Andrew, Killer Bee]

I never played the original, so not being able to jump is deeply weird. It would also be nice if there were a little more range in the directions that you can shoot your grappling hook. Only being able to angle it at right or 45 degree angles does feel appropriately 8 bit, but I think that's one area they could have updated the game without breaking it.

That said, like I said, it's awesome. (Just like SMB1 is still awesome. I don't know what you're on, Sine.)

[Andrew, Killer Bee]

Is this is an intentional pun?

Nah, it just seemed like the most appropriate adjective!

[Kupek]

Is this is an intentional pun?

Nah, it just seemed like the most appropriate adjective!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionic_Com ... Characters

[Andrew, Killer Bee]

I know that the dude's name is Rad! That's not going to stop me from deploying the most appropriate language available, though.

[SineSwiper]

"Final Fantasy Tactics is a fun game, but what's with not being able to just run up and attack enemies whenever I want?"

Wow, that's like the dumbest counterargument I've ever seen you type. Strategy RPGs and RTS are two entirely different things.

I know that the dude's name is Rad! That's not going to stop me from deploying the most appropriate language available, though.

Funny, I thought his name was Duke Nukem.

[Kupek]

Wow, that's like the dumbest counterargument I've ever seen you type. Strategy RPGs and RTS are two entirely different things.

Except I wasn't even thinking of an RTS. The point is that all games have rules, and some of those rules dictate gameplay. Breaking those rules breaks the game. Allowing players to act at will might be a legitimate gameplay choice, but it would break FFT.

You oddly stumbled onto my point, by the way.

[Kupek]

The latest Retronauts is about Bionic Commando, both the original and Rearmed: http://www.1up.com/do/minisite?cId=3156908

And I can't stop listening to the remixed soundtrack from Rearmed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPtHTroVWPM

[SineSwiper]

Regardless, I was bored and played the demo again. Got a bit better with the mechanics of the arm, and since I really didn't have much to do in the demo, I risked buying the thing. The lives system was rather frustrating until I beat a few of the bosses. I still think the lives system is outdated and unnecessary, but the added weapons at least make clearing out the enemies a bit easier.

And yes, the soundtrack is awesome. I need to figure out where I can get it.

[SineSwiper]

And I can't stop listening to the remixed soundtrack from Rearmed: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPtHTroVWPM

Yeah, kinda surprised how well done they pulled off a four-on-the-motherfucking-floor bass thumper like that. One of my favs and one of my favorite levels. Also:

I love arriving at an Area when all you can hear is the Bass of the music before actually entering into the actual part of the Area. It makes it sound like the Imperials are throwing a giant rave party in their bases haha.