Hardcore gamers rejoice for Bionic Commando Rearmedis finally here! What's more, it's good. Definitely not for the faint of heart though, so take heed. We also get Fable II Pub Games, which are ... pub games. While they may look simple on the outside, make no mistake because they are very addictive. The only problem: no online multiplayer. That actually applies to Bionic Commando as well, though it does have offline co-op and versus multiplayer. Overall, we've got two solid games this week, and one of them is free if you pre-order Fable II. Check out the latest episode of XBLA in Brief to see if either one is worth your hard-earned MS Points.
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I like the pub games. Most reviewers are looking at them as a standalone XBLA game when really you have to realize a) everyone's getting it for free and b) it's a Fable II tie in.
I do have to say there are some massive exploits people have found and they're making millions. Personally I think it not only ruins the fun of the pub games but it'll probably ruin the fun of Fable II as well.
Great reviews!! Bionic Commando Rearmed is definitely a no brainer. The demo was excellent. Did you mention the co-op multiplayer and the 4 player multiplayer? That puts it WAY over the top in addition to the other aspects of the game. As a side note, the humor in the demo was really funny too. The headquarters computer part and even the boss text had a lot of humor.
The main thing I didn't like about Bionic Commando Rearmed is that it felt like an old game. I was expecting them to smooth out the gameplay and controls alongside the graphics.
Of course it felt old, BC is old. Capcom and Grin have breathed new life into the series and given it a face lift for the current gen. They also modernized the game by adding more swing mechanics and up to date dialogue, which made me "rofl" several times.
Another good XBLA in Brief. Only thing is you kind of explained the keystone pub game wrong. You said there are 4 "keystones" and removing any 2 causes you to lose. That incorrect. There are 2 base stones and 2 keystones. The keystones are the top two (like in a real arch or bridge or whatever) if you remove just ONE of the base stones the game ends OR if BOTH keystones get removed the game ends. Which ever comes first. Just wanted to clarify :-p.
You know richard, you should use revver for these video's. The reason point being is that these videos get lots of views and are most likely embedded on other websites, which revver will pay you for such things. Every time you make a new video revver will pay you, sounds good to me. Here's the link. http://www.revver.com/
As others I also love XBLA in Brief and although I usually try out the games anyways they are always helpful. This one in particular was freaking helpful as my thumb had become so sore of pressing the "B" button while playing the second challenge room in BCR. I finally know how to do it right- THANKS!!! I had a pretty good idea, but I just keep messing up.
I NEVER played any bionic commando before but after that sweet demo I bought it in like 2 seconds! =) also have geom wars 2 with leftover points and waiting for CC in the coming weeks! might have to go to target and buy another card tommorow to buy galaga legions!
I preordered fable II yesterday at Game Crazy and they had no clue what I was talking about when I asked about the free Pub Games with the preorder. So not everyone's getting them for free....
{ Aug 14th 2008 at 1:00PM } 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Neuromancer @ Aug 14th 2008 1:08PM
I like the pub games. Most reviewers are looking at them as a standalone XBLA game when really you have to realize a) everyone's getting it for free and b) it's a Fable II tie in.
I do have to say there are some massive exploits people have found and they're making millions. Personally I think it not only ruins the fun of the pub games but it'll probably ruin the fun of Fable II as well.
Macroy @ Aug 14th 2008 1:22PM
Not everybody's getting them for free, just people who preorder Fable 2.
Neuromancer @ Aug 14th 2008 2:48PM
Macroy who in their right mind would pay for something they could get for free?
MrMuggs @ Aug 14th 2008 1:43PM
Great reviews!! Bionic Commando Rearmed is definitely a no brainer. The demo was excellent. Did you mention the co-op multiplayer and the 4 player multiplayer? That puts it WAY over the top in addition to the other aspects of the game. As a side note, the humor in the demo was really funny too. The headquarters computer part and even the boss text had a lot of humor.
joey @ Aug 14th 2008 1:44PM
Must hold on to my points for Castle Crashers...
Aren't the pub games also included in the retail version of Fable II?
Big Wizz @ Aug 14th 2008 1:54PM
2nd +1 for BC: Rearmed.
Demo is very awesome!
ryan @ Aug 14th 2008 1:59PM
so the PSN version gets a exclusive challenge room, the PC version gets extra content, then what's the XBLA version offer?
DJcube @ Aug 14th 2008 2:04PM
The main thing I didn't like about Bionic Commando Rearmed is that it felt like an old game. I was expecting them to smooth out the gameplay and controls alongside the graphics.
rkrone @ Aug 14th 2008 3:06PM
Of course it felt old, BC is old. Capcom and Grin have breathed new life into the series and given it a face lift for the current gen. They also modernized the game by adding more swing mechanics and up to date dialogue, which made me "rofl" several times.
Ben! @ Aug 14th 2008 3:41PM
To be honest, the dialogue was pretty groan-worthy for me. It's the same *wink wink* self-referential humor that a lot of video games use. It's tired.
Paul @ Aug 14th 2008 2:10PM
please keep up the good work in xbla in brief. this is one of my favorite things to see on this site every week!
Richard Mitchell @ Aug 14th 2008 2:24PM
Thanks, Paul.
I really appreciate it.
ZEBRA NINER @ Aug 14th 2008 3:31PM
Agreed. I also really like this feature. :)
spamsphen @ Aug 14th 2008 4:38PM
Another good XBLA in Brief. Only thing is you kind of explained the keystone pub game wrong. You said there are 4 "keystones" and removing any 2 causes you to lose. That incorrect. There are 2 base stones and 2 keystones. The keystones are the top two (like in a real arch or bridge or whatever) if you remove just ONE of the base stones the game ends OR if BOTH keystones get removed the game ends. Which ever comes first. Just wanted to clarify :-p.
Richard Mitchell @ Aug 14th 2008 6:02PM
I TOLD you it was confusing.
:)
spamsphen @ Aug 15th 2008 5:37PM
lol yeah, i feel ya.
Deagle @ Aug 14th 2008 10:53PM
You know richard, you should use revver for these video's. The reason point being is that these videos get lots of views and are most likely embedded on other websites, which revver will pay you for such things. Every time you make a new video revver will pay you, sounds good to me. Here's the link.
http://www.revver.com/
Flakundenga @ Aug 15th 2008 3:50AM
As others I also love XBLA in Brief and although I usually try out the games anyways they are always helpful. This one in particular was freaking helpful as my thumb had become so sore of pressing the "B" button while playing the second challenge room in BCR. I finally know how to do it right- THANKS!!! I had a pretty good idea, but I just keep messing up.
RockerAnimeFreak @ Aug 15th 2008 4:08AM
I NEVER played any bionic commando before but after that sweet demo I bought it in like 2 seconds! =) also have geom wars 2 with leftover points and waiting for CC in the coming weeks! might have to go to target and buy another card tommorow to buy galaga legions!
Tom @ Aug 15th 2008 11:25AM
I preordered fable II yesterday at Game Crazy and they had no clue what I was talking about when I asked about the free Pub Games with the preorder. So not everyone's getting them for free....