Bionic Commando Rearmed 2

In many respects, it's exactly what I would expect from a follow-up: more of the same with minor enhancements. At the same time, it is just more of the same with some enhancements, but Fatshark seemed to be aiming to make the best damn sequel they could...just without rocking the boat too much.

I'd say the reason to play it is that it's a solid, if unremarkable, platformer that can be a slightly fun means by which to pass the time. There's zero story and the bulk of the challenge has been removed, thereby reducing Bionic Commando ReArmed 2 to just another side scrolling shooter with some jumping elements.

With its lush visuals and outstanding soundtrack, recommending Capcom's newest downloadable game is a no-brainer!

Even though the game lacks in some areas compared to the first, it compensates by improving in others. So be like Rad Spencer and take that leap for the first time, BC Rearmed 2 is a worthy addition to your game library.

Rearmed 2 seemed like a dream game in theory because of how well-crafted Rearmed was, but it doesn't live up to that in execution.

On one hand, it's easy to say that Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 runs the basics for a sequel, not really pushing forward enough to make the formula excel. On the other, it could've been a lot worse, as it's a fun platforming romp while it lasts.

Fans of the series will still find plenty to like here, but just be aware that this second helping isn't going to taste quite as fresh as the first.

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.

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 sidescrolling 2D arcade shooter, and unlike its predecessor, you can jump this time around! There's plenty of action, challenging bossfights, and while Bionic Commando: Rearmed 2 might not win any awards for being arcade game of the year, it's well worth the price.

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.

The campaign is enjoyable for about three-fourths of the campaign and dives into the ground for the last several levels that kills the fun you were probably having for most of the ten hours it takes to complete.

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.

If the genre is to your liking or if you want more of what the first Rearmed offered, then this is an easy $15 investment. Just don't walk in expecting anything more than what you had back in 2008.

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.

Even local co-op doesn't add much fun, and Rearmed 2 costs 50% more than its predecessor to boot. [April 2011, p.81]

Capcom deserves all the praise in the world for bringing back the folks behind Rearmed. It's just too bad their attempt to win back Bionic Commando lovers after the devastating (in more ways than one) 3D experiment fell short.

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.

Gains legs but loses charm. [Apr 2011, p.108]

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.

If it had been 800MSP then it would've been worth it, but at 1200 it's probably a bit much, even for fans of the franchise. If money isn't an issue for you, and you're desperate for some more bionic arm-swinging action, then it's a probably a worthwhile purchase. If not though, it might be best to give it a miss, or at least wait for the next XBLA sale.

Rearmed 2 is far from a bad game and it can be a decent value at $15, but it never really excels past the standard set by its predecessor.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 isn't the best series installment, but it's far from a disaster.

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

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

BCR2 is still based on an awesome premise, so even a downgraded follow-up is pretty OK.

Falls awkwardly between two stools; neither retro enough for the purists, nor accessible enough by contemporary standards, it's a disappointing backwards step from its flawed but fascinating forebear.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 simply doesn't live up to its predecessor. Side by side, Rearmed looks more like the sequel, packed with bigger, better iterations of the concepts in Rearmed 2.

Although Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 plays it safe with vanilla additions and the ability to jump for casual gamers, the one thing it has going for it is an excellent presentation.

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.

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.

Fat Shark have managed to shoot themselves in the foot by simplifying a formula that worked rather well. Rearmed 2 does enough to remind players as to why the series is often remembered fondly, but quickly blurs the image by stuttering over its best features.

Whether you're a Bionic Commando fan from Rearmed territory or an old school NES junkie, Rearmed 2 isn't going to be the game you'll end up wishing it was.