Preamble: This isn't a review. It doesn't contain critical analysis, just the subjective opinions of one person. The intent is to remember the games I've come across in my life and share the nostalgia, nothing more
Bio Menace
Developer: Jim Norwood and Apogee
Platform: PC
Release Year: 1993
Stephen's Rating: 6/10
Bio Menace is a 2D scrolling platform game built using the Commander Keen game engine.
Basic Plot
You play the role of CIA agent Snake Logan who crash lands in Metro City while investigating a mutant invasion. The story doesn't get any deeper than this - you pretty much wade through each level fighting enemies, avoiding traps, and collecting key items and powerups.
That's got to be the boss... I wonder if he moves or if the game engine couldn't handle a sprite that big moving?
Gameplay
The game plays out pretty much as a standard platform game. You start off with a normal gun with normal bullets but the powerups found in each level can alter your gun to become much more powerful. To get past each level you normally need to acquire a keycard.
Now THAT'S what I call a scary looking mutant.
Positives
I remember enjoying this game a lot. It didn't pretend to be anything other than a platform game where you shoot mutants, and it had a more polished art style than games such as Crystal Caves or Secret Agent.
I'm pretty sure Snake has a mullet.
Negatives
The story was dire and pretty cliche. This game didn't really add anything to the industry, it was just cashing in on an existing engine.