- Release Date: January 24, 2000
- Genre: Shooter
- Style: Platform Shooter
- Similar Games: Bionic Commando (Game Boy), Contra: The Alien Wars (Game Boy), Bionic Commando (Nintendo Entertainment System), Gunstar Heroes (Sega Genesis), Contra (Nintendo Entertainment System), Bionic Commando (Arcade), Contra: Hard Corps (Sega Genesis), Gunstar Heroes (Sega Game Gear), Contra (Game Boy), Bionic Commando (Commodore 64/128)
Game Description
Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is the follow-up to Capcom's Bionic Commando, which appeared on theRecent intelligence reports have revealed disturbing activity from within the Avar Empire, whose scientists have been working on something called the "Albatross Project." It also is apparent the peaceful world of Kartinia is about to be invaded.
Players have the option of controlling either Bionic Commando. While both the male and female operative have the same abilities, each carries two distinct weapons and explores slightly different paths during the game. Regardless of which character is selected, the object is the same: advance through 22 levels set across deserts, forests, and futuristic cities using an arsenal of weaponry, including assault rifles, rocket launchers, and flamethrowers, to defeat the enemy.
To plan an attack strategy, players must first consult an overhead map featuring a series of numbered squares on a grid. After selecting a path, players will automatically be taken to a side-scrolling level in the tradition of the NES game. New features in this 16-Meg cartridge include a first-person mode, allowing players to take out targets from a distance, as well as multiple top-down stages and an assortment of power-ups to help agents in their quest to destroy the Albatross Project. Progress during the adventure can be saved to one of three files.
~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Roots & Influences
Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a sequel of sorts to Bionic Commando, Capcom's 1987 game for the~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a decent sequel and a nice attempt by a new video game company. While interesting and challenging, it proves to be uneven and may even remind you of Contra, but only in a longing sort of way. While this game boasts many modes and innovations, it falls short.Let's start with the first-person mode that only occurs when you pass a tower. All you get to do is snipe three bad guys. That's it, nothing more. As for the different paths, the male and female commandos are mostly the same, facing the same end boss on the level no matter whom you choose. As you venture through the level, all the enemies you face are too easy to kill. Only the end bosses, who are much stronger than your character, can be grueling. Most bosses have a trick you'll need to figure out, otherwise you die, quickly and often. There is a password feature and yes, you do need it. The unfortunate thing is it brings you to the beginning of the level. Therefore, if you made it to the boss and lost all your lives, you end up at the start and have to go through it all again. Another problem is that the many weapons it boasts are hard to find. Not only that, but if you die, you lose the weapon and have to find it again. You'd better hope that you beat the boss and get a password so
you can have it next time. Speaking of weapons, each character has the same gun. It says they have unique weapons, but, the uniqueness comes only in the style of bullet they fire. If you hold down the fire button, you release a huge, different looking blast.
However, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces isn't all bad. The character's claw is very cool. After you master it, it can get you out of some really tight jams as well as get you into areas you can't simply walk to. You also get some cool items after each level. If you find your counterpart, he or she will give you an item you will need for the next level. Sometimes it's a key card to get you into certain areas or heal you. Just use them wisely, because you'll never know when you'll need some extra life points. Another plus is the graphics. Characters have very life-like movements and run very smoothly. Even though the first-person mode is very short, it's nice to snipe someone every once in a while.
Overall, this game suffers a bit too much to be solid fun. The claw, while cool, is only for transportation so you can't attack with it . . . ever. On top of that, while you have a claw, you don't have the ability to jump. This is a huge problem because the claw just doesn't deploy fast enough for you to get out of the tight spots jumping would, making Bionic Commando: Elite Forces a nice attempt that went horribly wrong. While not quite a lousy game, it's as close as you want to come.
~ Jason White, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
As much fun as getting pins and needles in your leg.~ Jason White, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
While colors are basic browns and reds, the main characters have fluid movements.~ Jason White, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
Horrible enough to make you turn the volume off in about ten minutes.~ Jason White, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
With no secret levels or weapons, there is none.~ Jason White, All Game Guide
Review: Documentation
Explains what you need to know to play.~ Jason White, All Game Guide
