Bio Menace

Game review

Bio Menace, a DOS game from 1993, embodies the quintessence of classic action platformers with its blend of a familiar storyline and enthralling gameplay. The game sets the stage with a well-trodden narrative: the world is under threat from a mad scientist, Dr. Mangle, who plans to conquer Earth using giant mutants. To counter this menace, the CIA dispatches their top agent, Snake Logan, on a reconnaissance mission over Metro City. However, things take a dramatic turn when Snake's plane is shot down, leaving him stranded in the mutant-infested city.

The game consists of three episodes, each with twelve levels. In the first two (Dr. Mangle's Lab and Secret Lab), the task is to destroy the doctor's laboratories and the doctor himself. But just before his death, he reveals that he did everything on the orders of someone named Master Cain, who threatened to kill him if he did not do so. So, in the third episode, it is necessary to get to the evil mastermind himself and defeat him. All three episodes use the engine from id Software's Commander Keen games, and you can tell at first glance. The game has the same menu system, point indicators, splash screen and help. But the difference is that Snake has eight health units, so if he is not at the minimum, he is not killed immediately when he touches the monster.

As players take on the role of Snake Logan, they find themselves navigating through Metro City's dangerous streets, battling hordes of mutants to save the planet. While the storyline of Bio Menace might not break new ground in terms of originality, it more than makes up for it with sheer entertainment value. The game is packed with action, providing an enjoyable and engaging experience for players who appreciate the charm of classic action games.

Bio Menace as shareware does not belong to the top three games, but in its field of shooter/platformer it offers enough fun and a certain challenge for long winter evenings.