Synopsis: The sequel to what I feel was one of the best downloadable titles is out, putting me back in the shoes of Nathan "Radd" Spencer in Bionic Commando Rearmed 2. That's right, the quirky platformer involving a grappling hook and no jump controls is back, but this time around you CAN jump. So what has changed since the first Rearmed was released? I am glad you asked as there are improved visual enhancements, weapons, and attachments for your bionic arm. It's now time to put Nathan against the evil General Sabio and see if he is once again triumphant or fizzles out like last year's disk based form of the series.
Praise: Nathan "RADD" Spencer, I mean come on, this man is an icon to the platforming genre, like Duke Nukem to the FPS. A character can't carry a game himself and the developers knew this, making the graphics and music a lot better from the first Rearmed. The graphics are some of the best I have seen on a downloadable title since Shadow Complex and the music has an electronic/dance feel with retro samples from the original NES title. The addition of the ability to jump is nice and greatly reduces the frustration of having to navigate through the level using just your arm to make it across gaps and up towers. Lastly, the attachments to your bionic arm help increase the replay value to go back and collect them all, while changing the gameplay throughout each stage.
Gripes: My first issue with this title, which didn't directly affect me but will get on the nerves of those without a dedicated online connection, mainly because you unable to play, even single player, without being connected to the PlayStation Network. The even better part is that you need an internet connection to play single player, but there is no online coop or multiplayer available in gameplay. Though it isn't a huge deal that there isn't online multiplayer but that was my main issue with the first title and I was hoping that it would be a feature seen in the sequel. The controls also seem to have taken a step backwards and whether using the bionic arm or the new leap ability, the physics are a bit off, making it feel like as if the missions were taking place on the moon.
Overall, this game feels like the Bionic Commando from long ago, even with the new jump ability. Though I do not feel that this game is better than the first, it is a strong platformer that is both fun and challenging. There is a great amount replay value as it is hard not to go back to replay levels and get new attachments for the glorified bionic arm and more weapons to boot. However, if you do not have or plan to get your PlayStation online, I would not recommend getting this title.
Mashbuttons.com gives Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 a 6 out of 10.
Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is available now for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
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