Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces delivers a refreshing twist on traditional platforming by centering its action around the player’s extendable bionic arm. From the very first level, you’ll appreciate how this mechanic arm can be used to swing across chasms, pull yourself up ledges, or snatch enemies out of the air. Movement feels fluid and inventive—your success hinges not only on timing your jumps but also on mastering the grapple-and-release rhythm that gives the game its unique pace.

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The level design encourages creative use of your bionic arm in ways both subtle and spectacular. Early stages teach you the basics of grappling hooks and straightforward enemy takedowns, but as you progress, you’ll encounter more complex environments—crumbling platforms, vertical shafts guarded by automated turrets, and tight corridors where every swing counts. The game also peppers in additional weapons like machine guns and grenades, along with temporary power-ups, giving you a diverse toolbox to tackle varied challenges.

An intriguing feature is the choice between playing as a male or female commando at the outset. While this selection is largely cosmetic, it does add replay value and personal flair to your mission. Whether you’re clearing out Avar soldiers in outdoor installations or infiltrating heavily fortified bunkers, the controls remain consistently responsive. If there’s any critique, it’s that precision can feel unforgiving on occasion—missing a well-timed swing by a hair can send you plummeting. Yet overcoming these challenges only heightens the thrill of nailing that perfect swing and blasting forward.

Boss encounters break up the standard platforming routine with bigger, more imposing foes that require you to combine shooting tactics with agile bionic maneuvers. These battles feel like climactic tests of all the skills you’ve picked up—dodging heavy attacks, finding the right window to grapple, and unleashing a barrage of firepower at critical moments. Overall, the gameplay loop stays engaging from start to finish, rewarding practice and experimentation with the bionic arm’s full potential.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Color hardware, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces stands out with crisp sprites and a vibrant palette that brings the world of Karinia to life. Each level sports a distinct color scheme—lush greens for forested outposts, cold grays for industrial corridors, and fiery reds in magma-filled caverns—helping you immediately recognize your surroundings. Enemy sprites are detailed and animate smoothly, making it easy to read their attack patterns and react accordingly.

Backgrounds are layered with subtle parallax effects, giving a sense of depth uncommon for handheld titles of its era. Scenery elements like swaying pipes or flickering control panels reinforce the game’s industrial-military aesthetic. Even in moments of high action—multiple enemies on screen, explosive effects, and swinging animations—the frame rate remains stable, ensuring your bionic arm never lags behind your input.

Character and boss designs are memorable, with each Avar commander sporting unique visual cues, whether it’s heavier armor plating or specialized weapon attachments. The protagonist’s bionic arm itself is detailed in pixel art, its coils of metal and hydraulic joints popping against the background. Cutscenes utilize simple but effective character portraits and dialogue boxes to advance the narrative without breaking immersion.

Despite hardware limitations, the game uses color contrast and clear iconography for pickups and hazards, so you rarely struggle to identify important objects or determine safe drop zones. Overall, Elite Forces proves that smart art direction and solid execution can make a handheld platformer feel both polished and vibrant.

Story

Set against the backdrop of an impending invasion, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces opens with the Avar empire closing in on the peaceful nation of Karinia. You are a handpicked member of the Bionic Corps’ Elite Forces, tasked with infiltrating heavily guarded enemy installations. Your mission objectives are clear: sabotage Avar plans, recover intelligence, and ultimately rescue your comrade Commander Joe, who was captured during a daring reconnaissance operation.

The narrative unfolds through mission briefings and in-game dialogue, offering just enough context to keep you invested without overshadowing the gameplay. Each stage you complete brings you a step closer to unravelling the Avar empire’s grand scheme. Secondary objectives—such as finding hidden data disks or rescuing stranded allies—add layers of storytelling by revealing snippets of the Avar war machine’s capabilities and the sacrifices made by your fellow commanders.

Characterization is minimalistic but effective. You learn about your own commando’s determination and the loyalty binding the Elite Forces team together. While cutscenes are brief, they punctuate key moments—like the revelation of Commander Joe’s location or a surprise betrayal—keeping tension high. The stakes feel genuine, as the loss of Karinia’s capitol looms if you fail.

In true action-espionage fashion, the final chapters escalate quickly, culminating in a showdown that tests both your mastery of the bionic arm and your resolve. Though the plot doesn’t rewrite genre conventions, it delivers a straightforward, adrenaline-fueled romp that complements the platforming action rather than distracts from it.

Overall Experience

Bionic Commando: Elite Forces shines as a handheld action-platformer thanks to its innovative bionic arm mechanic, tight controls, and level design that rewards exploration and skill. The sense of empowerment you get from chaining grapples, swings, and attacks makes every encounter feel dynamic. While the occasional clumsy swing can cost you a life, the game’s learning curve is fair—each setback teaches a lesson, and mastering the arm’s nuances offers a genuine feeling of progression.

The visual and audio presentation combine to create an immersive atmosphere, whether you’re sneaking through shadowy corridors or facing down a massive mechanical boss. Despite hardware constraints, the graphics are colorful and the animations are smooth, while the soundtrack—though simple—provides motivating beats that match the on-screen action.

Story-wise, Elite Forces keeps things lean but impactful. You understand the urgency of your mission, care about rescuing Commander Joe, and get enough narrative milestones to stay engaged. The choice of gender at the start gives the game a small but welcome personal touch, encouraging at least one replay to experience the adventure through a different lens.

For fans of classic platformers and action titles, Bionic Commando: Elite Forces is a standout on the Game Boy Color. Its blend of exploration, combat, and unique traversal mechanics offers hours of satisfying gameplay. Whether you’re rediscovering it as a retro gem or trying it for the first time, this game remains a testament to how inventive design can elevate a handheld experience.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10