You assume the role of a commando with a super-extendable bionic arm. Your task is to free your ally Commando Joe, who is trapped in an enemy prison. With the bionic arm, players swing from place to place, stun bad guys, and even grapple walls and ceilings. As the game progresses, you'll earn new weapons and armor. Unlike most side-scrolling action games, your commando (playable as a male or female) cannot jump from platform to platform. This twist brings a refreshing bit of strategy to the generally fast-paced action.

Commando boasts some of the best graphics the Game Boy Color has ever seen. All of the characters are smoothly animated and, considering the tiny size of the screen, the levels are very detailed. Whether you're a fan of the original 1980s Bionic Commando games from the arcade and the original Nintendo Entertainment System, or want to experience one of the best titles on the Game Boy Color, this is a portable gaming classic. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• A refreshing take on the crowded side-scrolling action game genre
• Easy to pick up and play for good, long gaming sessions

• Controls do not allow your character to jump
• Irritating music and scratchy-sounding voices