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Bionic Commando returns

Capcom franchise swings back into action with new adventure set for release on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

Bionic Commando

Capcom's original swinger returns.

Released in 1988, the original Bionic Commando introduced a novel grappling-hook mechanic into a stagnating side-scrolling 2D platformer genre. While the Capcom-developed game was highly regarded (and even named as one of GameSpot's Greatest Games of All Time), the franchise has been dormant outside of a 1992 Game Boy version and a 1999 Game Boy Color pseudo-sequel.

That's about to change, as Capcom has revealed to GameSpot that it is developing a new Bionic Commando game for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. Simply called Bionic Commando, the new game will bring back the original game's hook (pun intended), with players able to use the main character's bionic grappling arm not only to navigate levels but to take out enemies at close range, rappel down sheer surfaces, or toss objects (like cars) at enemies.

Don't try this at home.

Don't try this at home.

Where the original Bionic Commando followed players on a mission to rescue a fellow agent named Super Joe, the new game's storyline appears to carry a more cynical edge. After serving his country honorably in conflict with the Imperials, technologically enhanced agent Nathan Spencer is framed for a number of crimes by his superiors and sentenced for execution. Fate intervenes, as an experimental terrorist weapon is detonated in Ascension City on the day Spencer is to be executed. With the city in ruins and Spencer uniquely equipped to handle the many skyscrapers, monorails, and suspended roadways, the government reluctantly turns to its imprisoned bionic commando for help.

Naturally, the grappling hook makes its return.

Naturally, the grappling hook makes its return.

To help the game live up to its pedigree, Capcom has made development of the game an international affair. An American producer, a Japanese creative advisor, and Stockholm, Sweden-based studio GRIN will be collaborating on the project. GRIN's most recent projects have included the PC conversions of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter and its sequel.

For more on Bionic Commando, check out GameSpot's continuing coverage throughout the week.

367 Comments

  • galzalan2008

    Posted Jan 19, 2009 11:58 am GMT

    It`s a great game.When is it comming out?

  • Cryogene13

    Posted Dec 8, 2008 6:28 am GMT

    when is it comming out

  • pztico24

    Posted Jul 2, 2008 7:33 am GMT

    What a moron! Ofcourse we need games that have Science Fiction or fantasy stories. Like Sparky243 said. If they only made games that were real, we'd be playing NFL or NBA games.
    NO Halo is not real, what a freaking dumbass.

  • sparky243

    Posted Feb 24, 2008 8:13 am GMT

    wilko_monkey, it's call a freakin video game! Yeah, we are suppose to "believe" that this badass can swing a metal arm around like a nut-job, like you said. Oh, like we're suppose to believe Halo could happen, or DOOM, or any game for that fact. If you only bought games that could happen or are "realitistic" then you would be sadly low on games... bottom line is, shut up until you play the game... then after that... just don't say anything... just give it a poor rating and move on.

  • ajoratiraj

    Posted Oct 26, 2007 6:08 am GMT

    Mmmmm, brilliant move Capcom. For those of you who think this a stupid idea for a game, or a Spiderman rip-off, etc...go study some real gaming history. Bionic Commando was THE original swinging mechanic. An amazing game. In fact, the music in the trailer made me wet my pants a bit...time to go change, and blow the dust from my cartridge...

  • matt_dangelo

    Posted Oct 22, 2007 12:49 pm GMT

    great this game looks sweet!

  • JohnnyNeat

    Posted Oct 22, 2007 12:01 pm GMT

    thenephariouson, what? Gears was all the overhyped rave for its concept and for being the first real game for the 360, but it's far from fantastic with all its glitches internally in the half assed programming and the externally in its users, who frequent that games online service. Sorry but that's one thing I can't stay silent about, Gears being Fantastic or a good example of a game when functionality is that poor and or if its brought up. Nothing personal. But seriously, Call of Duty 4 for a GOOD example while in beta form worked better than Gears hands down. Says alot, to me and others at least. This game here, Bionic Commando, looks like straight up fun by a company that has proven itself more so than many in making hot games that play and look good.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 22, 2007 11:03 am GMT

    wilko_monkey

    I Tottaly agree!

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 21, 2007 9:59 am GMT

    yep!

  • ssj4_2004

    Posted Oct 20, 2007 10:08 am GMT

    thenephariouson, NAMCO ran out of ideas? You sure about that? :-/

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 20, 2007 7:01 am GMT

    Gears of War didnt recieve half as much hype as Halo, the only reason it recieved so much exposure was that it was simply the 360's first real game. Even now it still looks and plays fantastic. BC just looks like Namco have run out of ideas, looked through thier back catalogue whilst watching Spiderman and thought, mmmmmm that would be a good idea. What about something fresh & original instead! (Lost Planet has already been done).

  • JimBurber

    Posted Oct 20, 2007 6:46 am GMT

    Hyped up just like gears of war? Or did you forget that was hyped up too?

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 20, 2007 5:27 am GMT

    dont see what all the fuss is about, obviously a kiddy game, very Spiderman-esque, however im sure that just like Halo this will be hyped up so much that dumbasses will get it for this reason.

  • wilko_monkey

    Posted Oct 19, 2007 11:16 am GMT

    The gameplay just looks like a Spiderman rip-off, only faster and more stupid...Plus the logic for the remake is completely backwards...

    ["because the original wasn’t a success any where other than America, we decided to re-release it for next gen..."] 0.o WTF m8!

    maybe it wasn’t a success other than in America because its just a rubbish/stupid franchise, meaning a remake will probably just follow the same pattern (ie it will also be rubbish/stupid )

    On a more sarcastic note, if a human had a giant metal arm attached to his normal human body, it would snap off due to the immense weight, and we're supposed to believe this guy can swing around like a nut job and yank on buses while the arm remains firmly attached...okay

  • Devvy01

    Posted Oct 19, 2007 6:48 am GMT

    bring it on!

  • kratos_karmakar

    Posted Oct 19, 2007 3:08 am GMT

    @ryo strife 24. dude i thought gamers like us were dead. never heard of river city ransom but double dragon and battle toads is 1 of the greatest games ever. the new age of gamers oblivious to these names like shinobi 3 and so on know nothing of gaming watsoever constantly rambling bout gears of war and such when it all started with games like battle toads.

  • ryo_strife24

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 11:07 pm GMT

    FINALLY! Hopefully this game will spark devs to bring back other classics. Such as River City Ransom, Double Dragon, and BattleToads.

  • thedeadraptor

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 8:38 pm GMT

    All right! this game is like one of my dreams!

  • bikemba

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 11:47 am GMT

    I just finished watching the trailor. It was sick. I love this bad babay. That was so sweet. Capcom is doing some great things these past two years because everything is crossplatform as well. Just a sick looking game. I enjoyed how he was swinging in the video. And that mechanical boss in the end of the trailor was sick.....Yeahhhhhhhhh......

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 11:07 am GMT

    Yaaaaawwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

  • majin_vegeta300

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 8:07 am GMT

    Is it just me or is GS waaaaaaaaay to excited about this game?

  • Sacula

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 1:55 am GMT

    Ok, I take it back. SF4 is coming!!!

  • gozyaj

    Posted Oct 18, 2007 1:02 am GMT

    WOW. Awesome... teke that spidey boy!!!! Weeeeeeeeh

  • Wanderer5

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 9:06 pm GMT

    Look fun. I probably keep a eye on this game.

  • glennwinton

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 8:34 pm GMT

    is it just me or does the story sound a bit like the movie "Escape From NY"?

  • GeigerdolylWodd

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 7:18 pm GMT

    '"DaLegendKilla92 They didn't mention in the article that this idea originated on the NES. However, this isn't coming out on a Nintendo system *sigh...I still have the original Bionic Commando.."'

    Actually? I suspect that much like Willow, the Arcade game came first. Man I wish they would port the Arcade game version of Willow to home consoles the NES version sucked.

  • Latinbro1

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 3:38 pm GMT

    I'm glad they are remaking this game but i feel the same way i did back when MGS was released on the PS1, indifferent. Hopefully, this remake will make me crave more like MGS did.

  • remirez69

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 3:25 pm GMT

    Doesn't anybody remember the original? It was awesome!

  • soliduseddd

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 3:25 pm GMT

    theres a trailer for this on gametrailers .com IN GAME CHECK IT OUT

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 2:47 pm GMT

    this will suck some serious a$$ lol

  • X-RS

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 2:35 pm GMT

    dr dre "hell yeah!"

  • NDegree

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 2:33 pm GMT

    Everybody watch the first world exclusive trailer of Bionic Commando. Here is the link http://www.gametrailers.com/player/26558.html

  • hotdork70minus1

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 12:02 pm GMT

    Like I said. They already did this remake with Lost Planet and by the way it was a great game. No need for another one minus mechs and snow.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 11:19 am GMT

    Assasins Creed = YEP, Dark Sector = YEP, COD4 = YEP, Orange Box = YEP, UT2008 = YEP, Biabolical Commando = lol......think not!!

  • DaLegendKilla92

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 10:56 am GMT

    They didn't mention in the article that this idea originated on the NES. However, this isn't coming out on a Nintendo system *sigh...I still have the original Bionic Commando..

  • thenephariouson posted Oct 17, 2007 10:52 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 10:52 am GMT (hide)

    Keep this game on PS3 with all its other sh$te games please!!

  • Nostradennis

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 10:51 am GMT

    Looks like a fun game!

  • Sacula

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 10:40 am GMT

    No they haven't announced SF4. If they did it would be on the news section on most gaming sites out there.

  • Sacula

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 10:36 am GMT

    No they haven't announced SF4. IF they did it would be on the news section on most gaming sites out there.

  • hotdork70minus1

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 8:47 am GMT

    This is already called Lost Planet.

  • ChancreScolex

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 8:24 am GMT

    They just announced Streetfighter IV too, the king has returned.

  • Zacek1000

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 7:50 am GMT

    Let's hope this will be a great game, and like socialninjitsu said, to be a TRUE 3-D version of the game, like Zelda and Mario.

  • teknicz

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 7:30 am GMT

    This is great news, I've always wondered why they didn't pick this idea up sooner and update it, it would work on so many levels.

    Here's to hoping it'll be every bit as good as the classic! It was one of my favorite NES games.

  • socialninjitsu

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 4:14 am GMT

    Wow! This always stood out as an incredibly unique and fun classic, and the old game was always hard for me to forget.

    What matters isn't originality, but unique QUALITY levels and attention. MANY of the best games benefit from sequels with the exact same traditional mechanics because their quality is signature to an immersive (and immortally fun) idea the company had. You could keep rehashing it with a new storyline and because it's high quality and immersive.

    Look at the mega man series and how many fans it kept, with the same basic structure forever, and only fresh items and story. That said though, you'd still have to be under a rock for the past 10 years to think porting this game into 3D isn't an original idea. (Or never have played games in the past 10 years, or never have experienced this game on NES and hence don't have a leg to stand on.)

    My only hope is that it actually feels like a 3D version of the original game. That was my major disappointment with Ninja Gaiden, although it was still very high quality. I felt using the series created a responsibility to make it play at least in the same universe. I still enjoyed it, but I will like this game even more if it meets the implied promise of feeling like the source material who's name it is using. I yearn to play what feels like a 3D version of the universe of an old school NES classic. So far, it looks like it's going in that direction, which is exciting. I hope it keeps in that direction.

    With that one basic requirement of owning up to the series universe and playing style, this looks like its set to be one of the best and freshest games to come out in a long time.

  • CrushedGroove

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 1:15 am GMT

    Could be fun. I'll definitely give it a shot.

  • Sumotaii

    Posted Oct 17, 2007 12:06 am GMT

    How many times does it have to be said. Capcom lost rights to Marvel years ago. So called gamers do you even know your gaming history?

  • kenerhai

    Posted Oct 16, 2007 11:59 pm GMT

    so whats the deal? is this Capcoms big "mind-blowing" announcement? I hope not, I'm still hoping for Street Fighter 4, Marvel vs Capcom 3, or a next gen Mega Man that dosn't have an X or Battle Network in the title. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see a new Bionic Commando, and the original was great, but can I at least get MvsC 2 on XBLA?

  • FabulousGamer90

    Posted Oct 16, 2007 11:50 pm GMT

    Looks good fun! I never played the original.

  • ppau08223

    Posted Oct 16, 2007 11:32 pm GMT

    i wonder if this game will live upto the 3rd conversion?

  • axia_777

    Posted Oct 16, 2007 11:26 pm GMT

    So supa old skool!!!!! Man I remember before this game was even on the NES and was only in the arcades. I used to dump so many quarters in that machine!!! It is so awesome that they are bringing back with so much enthusiasm. I can not wait to see how this one turns out.

    ""MIKE PATTON IS VOICING SPENCER!!!"

    Are you !@#$%^& me? That's awesome! The Thorax is going to have quite a video game resume soon. Way to go, Mike!"

    You guys are joking, right? If that is true than the "Kool" factor of this game just went up about 1000%!!

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