In recent years, 2D side scrolling games, specifically platformers, have gone through a revival thanks to DLC and the iPhone. Games like Mega Man 10, Spelunker HD and - of course - Super Meat Boy proved that life still exists outside of a three-dimensional world. They also showed us that a game does not need to tote the banner of life-like graphics to deliver a fun and entertaining gaming experience.

In tandem with the throwback 2D platformer renaissance, Capcom and Developer Fat Shark decided it was time to bring back one of the prized platforming heroes of old - Rad Spencer aka the Bionic Commando. There's something special in playing as Rad, and it's not just because he's a playable character in Marvel vs. Capcom 3. Rad held the title of being one of the only platforming heroes to never learn how to jump. It was a shame really: all those high platforms and not an ounce of "hops." However, the phrase Rad Spencer Can't Jump made him a hero to gamers. Instead of jumping, Rad used his Bionic Arm to reach just about every platform under the sun.

Capcom and Fat Shark's latest Bionic Commando title, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, whisks Rad into the new era of gaming on PSN and XBLA. In this era, Rad CAN jump. Unfortunately, Rad can't really control how he jumps. It's a little sad really; Rad finally learns how to jump, only to be crippled by stuttering controls. That's not the only downfall to Rad's rebirth. Lackluster AI and level design work together to make Rad's return a vain attempt at nostalgia. On the plus side, boss battles bring back the old school sense of pattern fighting against monstrous behemoths.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 takes place a few years after Rad Spencer saved the world from the Imperials. The classic revamped 8-bit music bed immediately gets long time gamers in the mood for some 2D platforming. The story, told through pages of text, makes sarcastic comments against Rad's Bionics. Basically, his bionics had kinks but they still got the job done. Maybe, that was a self-fulfilling prophecy in the works. After you learn about the cruel General Sabio on Papagaya Island, your adventure begins.

The topology map is done well, showing you red chart of all the geographic locations you'll have to fight through to beat the game. Immediately, you'll get a sense of how long this game can be. Which would be a good thing, if the controls didn't muddle things up. But, we'll get back to that very soon.

The 2D boards are beautiful to play through, especially when you start getting deep into the jungle levels. Although the gameplay is in 2D, there is a real sense of depth to each board. Far off into the distance, a completely different battle may be raging on, complete with explosions. When you fight enemies, they often roll forward into the water below. Exploding canisters also shed debris along the Z-axis.

Gameplay centers on you bionic arm. It shoots straight up and at a 45-degree angle. You need it to grab overhead platforms and swing to another platform that would be otherwise unreachable. The swinging motion always feels choppy. Having the ability to jump doesn't help much either. If you try to jump and then use your bionic arm, you will always experience a delay. The response time is really appalling. There are some puzzles that require you to slide against a wall and then shoot your bionic arm out to the opposite wall. However, the delay will always work against you. You won't be able to jump and throw out your bionic arm at the same time. There is just no fluidity. You will encounter this problem numerous times when you try to trigger overhead levers.

However, the real problem with platforming in Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is the lack of view control. You are not able to adjust the camera to look ahead or below where you're standing. Unfortunately, this will result in several deaths. You may think you are free to fall down to the platform below you, only to find yourself in the ocean. It would be nice if you could use the D-Pad to just look around you and have a better sense of the environment you are playing in.

You can use your bionic arm to dodge bullets and to grab canisters to be used as a weapon. It can also be used to grab boxes at the opposite side of a low passage so that you can grapple and slide through.

Gamers start off with a basic handgun and then eventually get more powerful weapons like the rocket launcher. The rockets can be used to destroy certain roadblocks when an exploding canister is not around. You can defeat most enemies just with the use of your regular gun. There is not much intelligence in the enemy AI. So, you can get away with doing rushing into danger almost every time. Boss battles, however, actually do require some thought. It's a joy to figure out the boss character's weakness, and then exploit it.

As you progress, unlocked items will give you a chance to go to previously completed levels to reach objects and rooms that were blocked before. It's a very Metroid sense of design, minus the fun.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 won't win any prizes in the platforming genre. This game did not receive the TLC necessary to do justice to Rad's legacy.

Final Score: C-