We weren’t sure exactly what to expect when we sat down for a long session with Bionic Commando’s 10-player multiplayer mode. How would the grappling hook factor in? Would it be a weapon or just a method of transportation? And most importantly, would it be any fun?

Though we’re a bit disappointed that you can’t actually stab your virtual foes in the face with your robotic arm, Doc Ock–style, the claw does seem to elevate what would otherwise be a generic gun-battling deathmatch experience into something more memorable. We played round after round on a map called “Vertigo” — a small-ish skyscraper level where battles erupted on both ground areas and along building rooftops. Prime weapons such as a grenade launcher, shotgun, and sniper rifle are scattered about the area, and the two spawning points for body armor proved to be critical.

It’ll likely take you a few rounds to get accustomed to the grappling arm. We were frustrated at our seeming inability to tally any frags in the early going, but once we figured out that the hook is not only helpful for escaping bad situations when your enemy gets the drop on you, but also can reach out and snare weapons and power-ups, our luck began to change for the better. The most fun, though, came by way of the arm’s “zip kick” ability. Fire your hook directly at a foe, then double-tap the A button to reel them in toward you and plant both feet in their chest, sending them careening off the edge of the level! Sweet! Too bad it penalizes your victim with a suicide instead of awarding you a kill. Maybe Grin will change that prior to release.

We also hope they adjust the respawn locations, which all too often seemed to start you out exactly where you don’t want to be. But those are minor complaints that Grin has ample time to tweak, and in the meantime, the developer already has a swingin’ good time on their hands.