Bionic Commando Rearmed 2

Overall, I didn't like this as much as the first game, but there's still plenty worth checking out when you get around to it. Rearmed 2 isn't a "must-play instantly" game by any means, but it still ranks above Spencer's awful console reboot.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is a solid jump'n'run-shooter with nice retro flair and sophisticated audio tracks. Core gamers will be attracted, so it's definitely worth giving it a try.

On the one hand, Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 is visually pleasing, with some nice remixes and a gameplay based on exploration rather than combat (just like the original Bionic Commando), nice boss fights and some funny dialogues. On the other hand the game is too linear and simple, the controls aren't accurate and the local co-op multiplayer is mediocre.

While Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is still a solid side-scrolling platformer and still when of the best such co-op games around, it seems confused as to what made the first game so popular to begin with. It seems happy to free of the shackles of being a remake, completely unaware that it may have lost its identity in the process.

Solid, but no longer unique. [Apr 2011, p.90]

A step back from the first game, lacking the retro appeal and suffering from what seems to be lazy level design and a paucity of textures. It's still fun to swing around, just not for the half-dozen hours it takes to slog through the whole experience.

Rearmed 2 is a more than correct sequel of a great series, a must-have for series followers and for videogame nostalgics, although it is not as surprising as the previous Rearmed title.

If you're hungry for an old-fashioned platformer, one with a tongue in its cheek and a spring in its step, you could do far worse.

A good and solid follow-up, Rearmed 2 adds the "new" ability of jumping and refreshes the swing mechanics of the original remake, but fails in the co-op mode and in other, little but annoying chunks of gameplay.

New Bionic Commando game is a more than acceptable title, but at the same time is a leap back from its first Rearmed iteration.

Fans of the Rearmed will find there's a lot to love about the follow up, despite a few shortcomings. Because it's ultimately not as impressive as the original, that doesn't mean Bionic Commando Rearmed 2's not worth checking out.

Capcom's beloved cyber-Tarzan is back for some more swinging action. If you liked the first one, you will undoubtedly like this as well as it includes both co-op and a bigger adventure, but unfortunetly also lacks the entertaining multiplayer sub-game from the original.

Die hard fans of the franchise will no doubt be pleased with it, but the lack of any real new gameplay elements means that, if you are new to the series, you may as well buy the first game.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is by no means a bad game, merely an okay one. Fatshark should have the opportunity to learn that what isn't broken doesn't need fixing.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is a missed chance for a great franchise to come back in the old school player's heart. Lame level design and control make this suitable just for the most hardocre fans.

The general lack of polish for such a high price tag is unforgivable. [Issue#203, p.98]

Forget the disappointing Bionic Commando reboot that stank up the PS3 back in 2009--this is a sequel to Bionic Commando: Rearmed, the tough-as-nails PSN delight that updated a Capcom classic with gorgeous high-definition visuals. [April 2011, p.75]

While Rearmed 2 may be misguided in trampling across its legacy in certain areas, it also makes successful winks to its heritage as well as – most importantly – providing a fun, robust experience.

The extras on the basic frame mostly serve to make it worse. [Spring 2011, p.114]

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is a good game, able to entertain. Unfortunately it can't hold a candle to its predecessor because of some lacks in the control system and a clumsy level design.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 controls well, but the game wrapped around those controls is only great in fits and starts.

It still looks and sounds amazing but this sabotages and dumbs down almost everything the original game got right.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is not a bad game, but it's a huge swing away from the first Rearmed, which was a masterpiece.

The final topper is how pulled-back and choppy the graphics are in comparison to the first Rearmed. The camera is farther out, making everything feel less substantial, and the overall fluidity is noticeably less smooth.

At its best, it's an inferior retread of some of the first game's finer moments, but at worst, it's dangerously forgettable. [Issue#107, p.112]

The changes and problems Rearmed 2 had during its development cycle are obvious in the final game. Some level design flaws, borings boss fights and an often problematic gameplay, will probably let down even the most loyal of the Bionic Commando franchise's fans.

Jumping damages the delicate balance of mechanics that makes the series so distinctive and pushes Rearmed 2 into the wider genre bracket of run-and-gun platforming. [Mar 2011, p.105]

Some of the new features just slow the pacing down and for a fast game like Bionic Commando, that's just fatal, while others are just serious issues that should have been ironed out before release.

Bionic Command: Rearmed 2 is definitely more frustrating than it is fun, and that never adds up to a winning formula.

I'm all for a good redo, remix, or reimagining, but only once. BCRA2 feels in the end much like straight to video sequel rental of a kick ass movie.

Unresponsive controls and confusing level design make Rad Spencer's latest adventure an exercise in frustration.