Bionic Commando: Elite Forces Retrospective: How this game redefined platformers

Bionic Commando Elite Forces Retrospective: A Look Back at the Classic Game

Bionic Commando Elite Forces is an action-adventure video game that was released in 1992 for the Game Boy handheld console. The game is a sequel to the original Bionic Commando game that was released in 1987. In Bionic Commando Elite Forces, players take on the role of a bionic soldier named Nathan "Rad" Spencer as he battles through a series of levels filled with enemies and obstacles.

The game was well-received by critics and fans alike for its challenging gameplay, unique mechanics, and engaging storyline. Bionic Commando Elite Forces was also notable for being one of the few Game Boy games to feature a battery-backed save system, which allowed players to save their progress and return to the game later.

In this retrospective, we will take a look back at Bionic Commando Elite Forces and explore what made it such a beloved game among fans of the series and the Game Boy console. We will delve into the game's mechanics, level design, and story, and examine how they all came together to create a memorable gaming experience. So, let's grab our bionic arm and get ready to swing into action!

Gameplay

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a platformer game that was released for Game Boy Color in 2000. The game features both male and female commando characters, who must rescue Karinia from the Avars, an evil empire. The gameplay involves swinging around using the bionic arm to climb and attack enemies.

The game has a variety of weapons, including assault rifles, rocket launchers, pulse cannons, and particle guns. The controls are easy to learn, and the game offers a walkthrough to help players navigate through the levels.

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces includes a total of 16 levels, with bosses located throughout the game. There are also secret areas, such as Secret Area 16 and Secret Area 17, that players can discover by exploring the levels.

The game takes place in both a jungle and a city, with different enemies and challenges in each environment. The final boss is Arturus, the leader of the Avars.

Overall, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is an action-packed platformer game with challenging gameplay and a fun plot. It is a great addition to the Bionic Commando series and a must-play for fans of the genre.

Graphics & Sound

The graphics of Bionic Commando Elite Forces are impressive, especially considering the game's release in 1999. The game features detailed sprites and backgrounds, with a variety of environments ranging from lush jungles to desolate wastelands. The game also features a unique art style that sets it apart from other games of the time.

The sound design in Bionic Commando Elite Forces is also noteworthy. The game features a variety of sound effects that add to the immersion of the game. The sound effects for the bionic arm, in particular, are satisfying and add to the feeling of power that comes with swinging around the levels.

The music in Bionic Commando Elite Forces is also well done. The game features a variety of tracks that fit the different environments and situations in the game. The music is catchy and memorable, and it adds to the overall experience of the game.

Overall, the graphics and sound design in Bionic Commando Elite Forces are impressive and add to the overall experience of the game. The game's unique art style and satisfying sound effects make it a joy to play.

Why It's Still Unique

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a game that still stands out today due to its unique gameplay mechanics. The game is a platformer that features a male or female commando who uses a bionic arm to swing and attack enemies. The bionic arm is the main feature of the game, and it allows the player to swing from platform to platform and attack enemies from a distance. The bionic arm can also be used to grab items and drop down to lower levels.

One of the unique aspects of the game is the ability to play as either a male or female commando. This was a rare feature in video games at the time and added a new level of diversity to the game. The game also features a variety of weapons, including an assault rifle, rocket launcher, pulse cannon, and particle gun. Each weapon has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the player must choose the right weapon for each situation.

The game is set in the fictional country of Karinia, and the player must rescue the country from the evil Avar Empire. The game features a variety of levels, including a jungle and a city, and the player must battle bosses at the end of each level. The game also features secret areas that can be accessed by finding hidden passages.

The gameplay in Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is challenging, but also rewarding. The controls are tight, and the game is well-designed. The graphics and sound are also top-notch, and the game has aged well over the years. The game was well-received by critics when it was released and is still highly regarded by fans of the platformer genre.

Overall, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a unique and enjoyable platformer that is still worth playing today. The game's bionic arm mechanic, diverse weapons, and challenging gameplay make it stand out from other platformers of the time.

Why You Should Play It Today

If you're a fan of classic platformers, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is definitely worth checking out. Originally released for the Game Boy Color in 1999, this game still holds up surprisingly well today.

One of the standout features of Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is the ability to play as either a male or female commando. This was a relatively rare feature for games of this era, and it's great to see that kind of inclusivity present in a classic title like this.

The game's mechanics are centered around the bionic arm, which allows you to swing around levels and attack enemies in unique ways. It's a satisfying mechanic that still feels fresh even after all these years.

The game's level design is also top-notch, with a good mix of platforming challenges and shoot-'em-up action. There are plenty of secrets to discover, too, including the elusive Secret Area 16 and Secret Area 17.

The bosses are also a highlight of the game, with each one presenting a unique challenge that requires you to use all of your skills and weapons to defeat.

Overall, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a great addition to any platformer fan's collection. It's a fun, challenging, and rewarding game that still holds up well today.