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Bionic Commando
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Violent action with complicated Spider-Man-like mechanics.
Why We Rated This 
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Bionic Commando was written by Brett Molina
Parents need to know this is a violent action game based on the 80s-era Nintendo Entertainment System game of the same name. Lead character Nathan Spencer uses a variety of weapons to kill enemies, including shotguns, machine guns, and grenade launchers. Human enemies often spew blood after death and decapitation is shown. Nathan can also toss cars or debris at foes. There is a lot of profanity in the game which is playable online.
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- Families can talk about how this game compares to the original one on the NES. What makes this version better or worse than its predecessor?
More on Bionic Commando
What’s the Story?
More than 20 years later, BIONIC COMMANDO marks its return to video game relevance with a fresh look but an adventure that swings between fun and frustration. Players control Nathan "R.A.D" Spencer, a former government hero arrested for crimes he didn't commit. On the day of his execution, an explosion rocks Ascension City, and Nathan is freed in exchange for helping the government get rid of the terrorists.
Nathan uses a standard arsenal consisting of handguns, shotguns, and grenade launchers. But his secret weapon is the bionic arm fused to his body. It serves as Nathan's primary mode of transport. Players grip objects such as highway signs or buildings to swing, and must release at the proper time for the maximum speed and distance. Nathan can string swings together like Spider-Man and quickly navigate the various environments. He can also use his arm to pummel enemies, toss cars and debris at groups of foes, or grab an enemy and zip toward them to deliver a powerful kick. When players complete the single-player campaign, they can dive into a multiplayer mode that includes straightforward game types such as Deathmatch and Capture the Flag.
CloseIs It Any Good?
Swings are perhaps the trickiest moves to execute in Bionic Commando and require some practice to master the timing. The arm is more entertaining when it comes to combat. Nathan has a variety of methods with which to attack foes, from using firearms to hurling cars and giant rock slabs. Nothing is more satisfying than taking out five enemies at once with a car toss.
However, the campaign overall is both brief and boring. The missions only consist of two goals: attack enemies and move to the next location. Developer don't take full advantage of the swinging abilities, which could have been used in challenges such as chasing an enemy or racing away from a location. Attacks are easy to learn, making it very easy to wipe out foes. When players do die, checkpoints are set pretty far apart, forcing players to replay sections often. The campaign is also pretty short, finished in roughly 5 to 6 hours. It's unfortunate to witness an extraordinary hero immersed in such a bland adventure.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 5/19/2009, price $59.99, online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language)
ESRB rating: M (for Violence, Blood and Gore, Strong Language)
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 blast off
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
ok for older teens
love it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
- I rate this title off for age 15 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Failure that had so much potential
This game had so much potential! I first played thinking "this game's going to be awesome!" but after about 30 min of playing i was done. It says the f and s word about 8-10 times each and is pretty dang violent. Also, the swing mechanic is VERY difficult and the weapons are over-sized and stupid. So overall, don't even rent, just skip this game altogether.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents feel the site is safe |
| 50% | of parents say kids find it easy to play |
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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