Bionic Commando (NES review)

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Released: 1988

Bionic Commando is an action-platformer that was later adapted for the Nintendo Game Boy in 1992.

+ Choosing your route through the map encourages exploration, as does the option to select weapons prior to each stage.

+ Your inability to jump gives each screen a cool puzzle-like element as you try to move ahead.

+ Linking together several grappling hook manoeuvres and reaching a hard-to-access platform is rewarding.

+ The finale in Stage 12 has astounding set-pieces and some remarkably gory graphical animations for an NES game!

- Overhead stages resemble Capcom's 1986 NES title Commando, but are too short-lived to leave any impression.

- The controls take a long time to become accustomed to, and the learning curve is steep from the get-go.

- Respawning enemies are a constant source of annoyance and it's not always clear what you need to do to advance.