The official Bionic Commando(s) thread.

[diskoboy]

First is Capcom's new fully 3-D remake, then you have Bionic Commando: Master D Revival Plan (Hitler's Revival, in Japan) - a 2.5-D remake of the original, coming to PSN and XBLA.

I hope it's a remake of the NES version,and not the arcade version. The NES version is definitely superior

http://ps3.ign.com/articles/845/845819p1.html

EDIT - The game now has proper title - Bionic Commando: Rearmed

[Graham Mitchell]

That's exciting. If it was like the NES game I wouldn't hesitate to get it. The arcade game is actually kind of shitty. Good idea, but it just doesn't work. NES game on the other hand is brilliant.

But, the history with XBLA is that we get the arcade versions of things regardless of how superior other versions may have been (Contra in particular).

[RASTAN]

I'd honestly rather have that 2.5Dish Bionic Commando on the DS and PSP over the XBLA or PS3 Networks, but I'm guessing I'm in the minority on this one? I'm also guessing I'm probably the only person on Earth who prefered the Arcade version of Top Secret: Bionic Commando over the NES version as well. Don't get me wrong, the NES version no doubt had more depth to it, but I still like the more "hit the ground running" play mechanics of the arcade. Funny thing is, almost everyone I've ever run into prefers the NES version over the Arcade. Same with the Contra series, everyone goes on and on over the NES games, but for whatever reasons don't like the arcade. I was always the other way around. None the less, the fact a 2.5D sequel of TS/Bionic Commando is coming out at all is "good news". I've seen movies of the 3-D sequel and I for one am not impressed. But then I'm a cynical 2-D retro gamer, so what do I know.
LOL

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I'd honestly rather have that 2.5Dish Bionic Commando on the DS and PSP over the XBLA or PS3 Networks, but I'm guessing I'm in the minority on this one? I'm also guessing I'm probably the only person on Earth who preferred the Arcade version of Top Secret: Bionic Commando over the NES version as well. Don't get me wrong, the NES version no doubt had more depth to it, but I still like the more "hit the ground running" play mechanics of the arcade. Funny thing is, almost everyone I've ever run into prefers the NES version over the Arcade. Same with the Contra series, everyone goes on and on over the NES games, but for whatever reasons don't like the arcade. I was always the other way around. None the less, the fact a 2.5D sequel of TS/Bionic Commando is coming out at all is "good news". I've seen movies of the 3-D sequel and I for one am not impressed. But then I'm a cynical 2-D retro gamer, so what do I know.
LOL

(Since this thread was posted first, mods can feel free to lock mine. I swear I searched, but the engine doesn't like me or my computer.)

Rastan, you are absolutely not alone.

I wholly prefer the arcade version to the NES version.

I DO enjoy the NES version, and I think that FAR more people were exposed to it during the height of the NES's dominance, however, the arcade version is not only the genesis of the series, but IMO is one of Capcom's best arcade 2D action platformers.

Everything from the swarming on-screen enemies (it had a lot going on on-screen for it's time) to the tight control to the fantastic soundtrack (which can get stuck in my head for days at a time after playing) is much more enjoyable than the NES game, which at times can be pretty bereft of enemies, and a teensy bit lacking in the collision detection department.

Though, the remake does look to improve on the NES formula in spades.

[Putney]

That's exciting. If it was like the NES game I wouldn't hesitate to get it. The arcade game is actually kind of shitty. Good idea, but it just doesn't work. NES game on the other hand is brilliant.

But, the history with XBLA is that we get the arcade versions of things regardless of how superior other versions may have been (Contra in particular).

Looks like your wish (as well as mine) is coming true: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/846/846125p1.html

Beyond awesome. Consider my $5 or $10 spent.

[Chuplayer]

I also prefer the arcade version.

The Game Boy Color version is nice, though.

[diskoboy]

Oh, hell yes! It is a remake of the NES version.

And with a co-op mode, and some improvements made. I don't care if they charge 1200 points for the game - definite buy.

[heybtbm]

Oh, hell yes! It is a remake of the NES version.

And with a co-op mode, and some improvements made. I don't care if they charge 1200 points for the game - definite buy.

IGN has the trailer. They're even using the same music as the NES. Incredible.

[geneshifter]

Holy Crap! That trailer was amazing!

[Lothars]

As soon as I saw this, I got really excited for this game

It looks really good

[Graham Mitchell]

Looks like your wish (as well as mine) is coming true: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/846/846125p1.html

Beyond awesome. Consider my $5 or $10 spent.

Wow. This is beautiful. For the first time in recent memory they're going to make what appears to be a QUALITY reissue of a game with a ton of substance. This is great.

The only time I've seen a remake actually eclipse the original is Metroid Zero Mission, which, imho, may be the best Metroid there is. Some of the Sega Ages games are great, but most of them weren't very deep games to begin with. I saw videos of the Phantasy Star 1 and 2 remakes. They really appear to underperform when compared to most Playstation2 titles which makes them seem cheap and rushed--unlike the originals which stand out from other titles on their given platforms. But this looks very well-done, and we already know the gameplay is gonna be phenomenal.

Sold.

[GrandAmChandler]

Beyond awesome. Consider my $5 or $10 spent.

Come'on Lets be brutally honest, it's going to cost AT LEAST $10.....

-GAC-

[XYXZYZ]

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/846/846125/bionic-commando-2d-20080117063610340.jpg

That's it, I'm getting a 360. I'm running out of reasons not to own one.

[kaedesdisciple]

The Game Boy Color version is nice, though.

Sure it is, when it works. I would have loved to finish that game were it not for the buggy, crash-inducing code.

I got the NES music running in my head already. I gotta set aside some points for this one. SAVE SUPER JOE!!!!

[rbudrick]

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/846/846125/bionic-commando-2d-20080117063610340.jpg

That's it, I'm getting a 360. I'm running out of reasons not to own one.

I hear ya, man! Wish I had a HD tv too, though....I'm gonna be missing o much of the experience w/o one.

-Rob

[Simply Dave]

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/846/846125/bionic-commando-2d-20080117063610340.jpg

That's it, I'm getting a 360. I'm running out of reasons not to own one.

Ditto here.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

As the days go by, this is quickly becoming one of my most anticipated titles of 2008!

And I'm pretty sure I'd rather play through the next-gen B.C. with the "Rad Spencer" skin (which is unlocked by beating this version) than the goofy looking dreadlocked' character design that they've come up with.

[heybtbm]

Bionic Commando: Rearmed will be out August 13th (XBLA) and August 14th (PSN).

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6195077.html

Someone needs to re-title this thread (cough, Diskoboy, cough).

[Graham Mitchell]

So, I just got a PS3, and I could get either the PS3 or 360 version. I know if I get the 360 version there will probably always be people around to play the co-op game, but I'm not sure if I'll have the same experience with the PS3 version given PSN's inferiority to X-box Live.

What do you guys recommend? This is the first time I've even had this issue...

[G-Boobie]

So, I just got a PS3, and I could get either the PS3 or 360 version. I know if I get the 360 version there will probably always be people around to play the co-op game, but I'm not sure if I'll have the same experience with the PS3 version given PSN's inferiority to X-box Live.

What do you guys recommend? This is the first time I've even had this issue...

Do you have a PSP? Apparently you can play Bionic Commando on yer PSP via remote play. That's one reason.

... OK. That's really the only reason.

[heybtbm]

Do you have a PSP? Apparently you can play Bionic Commando on yer PSP via remote play. That's one reason.

... OK. That's really the only reason.

Before anyone gets all excited...I have to add that Remote Play is terrible for currently existing games. There are so many issues getting this to work, not to mention how crappy the final result is. Compromised control scheme, laggy, blurry resolution, and requires you to leave your PS3 on...no thanks.

[diskoboy]

Someone needs to re-title this thread (cough, Diskoboy, cough).

Done, and done.

It's now the official Bionic Commando(s) thread - for both Rearmed, and the new full 3-D version.

I'm actually excited about both games. Bionic Commando has always been one of my all time faves.

[Graham Mitchell]

Do you have a PSP? Apparently you can play Bionic Commando on yer PSP via remote play. That's one reason.

... OK. That's really the only reason.

Actually, yeah, my fiancee' just got me one today for my birthday...

but it sounds like getting it to run may suck the poop. We'll see, then. Thanks for the heads up!

[Sudo]

I can't wait for both games, Rearmed especially. Only a few weeks away! :)

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Just a few days away!

Dated August 12 for the US (on PSN anyway, probably earlier for XBLA)

$10

and confirmed to work via Remote Play! (Which I disagree on the overall quality of. Generally speaking, you're right - it's laggy if you set the screen resolution to high, but for the few games that were built with remote play in mind - PixelJunk Monsters and Texas Hold'em Poker, the lag is microscopic. There's a chance that BC might suck on it, but I'm not going to judge it till I try it...

... and the setup process for remote play isn't hard ... it's practically AUTOMATIC if you have a PSN account on PS3 and PC ... you literally just plug your PSP into your PS3, set it up for remote play and hit a button or two.)

[skaar]

I have been waiting for this game since the trailer hit. I will actually stay up to wait for it to hit XBLA - what time of day do they get released? :D

[diskoboy]

I have been waiting for this game since the trailer hit. I will actually stay up to wait for it to hit XBLA - what time of day do they get released? :D

usually 12:01am Pacific time.

[diskoboy]

IGN gave it a 9.4

Fucking awesome.

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/897/897976p1.html

[Simply Dave]

IGN gave it a 9.4

Fucking awesome.

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/897/897976p1.html

Game looks way awesome.

Other companies should take note that this is how you properly update a classic game.

[Graham Mitchell]

Game looks way awesome.

Other companies should take note that this is how you properly update a classic game.

I agree. We were just talking about the disappointing aspects of the Dracula X remake.

I get paid on Friday, so I can't get the game until then (totally broke!) But I'm sure everybody else participating in this thread is gonna be happy when they come from home work today (if they have a 360, that is!)

[heybtbm]

I've been reading how gimpy the 360 controller is for this game...and held off on purchasing the full version (on a game I've been eagerly waiting for, for a year now). Even the IGN review mentions how unresponsive the 360 D-pad is at times. Well, I tried the 360 demo today and completely agree. The 360's D-pad is terrible for this game. Fortunately, you can use the left thumb stick instead...but who the hell wants to use an analog stick for a 2-D game (similar to SotN gimped 360 control).

I'm still unsure if the PS3 version will be the better choice or not. They both have achievements (PS3 will have trophies in a few weeks), so my old 360/PS3 "tie-breaker" isn't an issue for this game. I think I'll wait for the PS3 demo before I drop my $10.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

While I technically have nothing "against" 360 versions of cross-platform releases, these days I usually wait for the PS3 version for several reasons.

1.) The ability to make a direct cash purchase for the title. I'm not forced to buy MORE MS points than I need, leaving me with small amounts of points I'm tempted to waste on junk like themes and gamerpics.

2.) Limited HDD space. My 20 Gig 360 HDD is maxed out, so cross platform games go to my much larger 60 Gig PS3 HDD. I save the 360 space for console exclusives.

3.) If I wait for the PS3 release, I get a chance to see potential bug/control issues on both platforms (like the alleged unresponsive D-Pad issue) and see which one gets the better rating.

Though, be it 360 or PS3, I can't wait to D/L this on SOMETHING!

[FrakAttack]

I'm getting really frakking tired of microscopic text in current gen games. Even in hi-def, much of the menu and dialog text is just too small to read from across the living room.

[diskoboy]

My only complaint about this game is the barrel throwing. Aiming the damn things are a total pain in the arse.


But damn, this game is fun!!! :)

[FrakAttack]

Spent some more time with Rearmed this morning and, tiny text aside, this is really a great remake. I had forgotten how unforgiving BC is at times, but the save feature makes your failure more bearable and the unlockable challenges are a really nice bonus.

Definitely a bargain at 800 points.

[Kitsune Sniper]

Dammit Valve, you just had to mess things up, didn't you?

http://www.pressthebuttons.com/2008/08/last-minute-del.html

*cries*

Edit:
And to top things off, the game uses SecuROM - something tells me we're going to be stuck with the same scenario as BioShock...

Screw it. Capcom doesn't want my money? Then that's fine with me.

[heybtbm]

The PSN version is available today. I downloaded the demo, confirmed the 2-D superiority of the PS3 controller, then purchased the full version.

I love the 360 controller for everything game genre except 2-D...so this falls into a tiny minority of games I'll buy for the PS3 over the 360. I love that Dualshock D-pad. Also, for those who care...the BC:Re-Armed "Trophies" are identical to the 360 achievements.

[exit]

I picked this game up off the PSN today and while I wasn't a very big fan of Bionic Commando back in the day (I couldn't grasp the no jumping concept at all), I'm really enjoying Rearmed so far. This is exactly the game I've been looking for and it's nice to see Capcom going this far to please their consumers.

The game is as unforgiving as ever and while the controls are improved over the original, they can still seem clunky at times, but the clunkiness kind off adds to the feel of the game. The only problem I've had so far is the game freezing when I checked the scoreboards, which hopefully was only a one time problem.

I have to say with Siren, Eden and now Rearmed, the PSN sure has been getting a lot of my money lately. The past few weeks have been very good, hopefully they can keep this up.

Edit: I also must add that the re-mixed music kicks all kinds of ass, Capcom really uped themselves this time.

[Sudo]

Bought the 360 version yesterday, and it's fantastic. Easily the best $10 I've spent in recent memory.


I picked this game up off the PSN today and while I wasn't a very big fan of Bionic Commando back in the day (I couldn't grasp the no jumping concept at all), I'm really enjoying Rearmed so far. This is exactly the game I've been looking for and it's nice to see Capcom going this far to please their consumers.

The game is as unforgiving as ever and while the controls are improved over the original, they can still seem clunky at times, but the clunkiness kind off adds to the feel of the game. The only problem I've had so far is the game freezing when I checked the scoreboards, which hopefully was only a one time problem.

I have to say with Siren, Eden and now Rearmed, the PSN sure has been getting a lot of my money lately. The past few weeks have been very good, hopefully they can keep this up.

Edit: I also must add that the re-mixed music kicks all kinds of ass, Capcom really uped themselves this time.

Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty is being released on PSN next week, which I know I'll be downloading immediately.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I had planned some more play-time with Metal Gear Solid 4 last night (I really need to finish that game) ... and wound up getting sucked into this amazing re-make.

This may be the single best re-make/re-imagining of a game of that (or any) era. The amount of polish is stunning and the little details like the computer hacking and the rag-doll physics scream "this dev team really really cared about this project".

I only wish the multiplayer modes were online. :(

[CosmicMonkey]

So does anyone know when this is coming to the European/UK PSN? I was sat there all excited ready to download this, but it's not there.

[Half Japanese]

Grabbed the demo and despite the fact that I picked up at 1600 MS points card at Target tonight, I may hold out and see how the ps3 version controls. I died over twenty times on the first challenge level because I couldn't get used to the damn 360 d-pad (and as mentioned above, using an analog joystick on a 2D game is for suckers). Then again, I fully admit to sucking, so there's always that possibility.

[Sudo]

Grabbed the demo and despite the fact that I picked up at 1600 MS points card at Target tonight, I may hold out and see how the ps3 version controls. I died over twenty times on the first challenge level because I couldn't get used to the damn 360 d-pad (and as mentioned above, using an analog joystick on a 2D game is for suckers). Then again, I fully admit to sucking, so there's always that possibility.

There's no real reason not to use the analog stick. It's not like you need to aim diagonally or anything.

[jcalder8]

I thought this was 1200 points and I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy it, then I decided to buy it anyway and found that it was only 800. More than worth it in my books.

Getting 5 stars in some of the challenges are really hard.

[Captain Wrong]

Normally I'm one of the biggest d-pad advocates, but I thought the demo controls wonderfully with the stick. May have to give it another try, but I didn't think anything was lacking with the analog.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The only drawback to using the analog that I've found (on the PS3) is that you'll have a tendency to "detach" your bionic arm mid-swing more than with the D-Pad.

Fortunately the Dual Shock 3 has a kick-ass D-Pad.

[exit]

Well at least one thing can be said, even if the new Bionic Commando game sucks horribly, at least we know that GRIN can re-make a game. Hopefully this will mean more classic Capcom re-makes in the future, since there are plenty that deserve it.

[diskoboy]

When playing BC:RE, I'm substituting the 360's controller for my Hori DOA4 sick.

I swear to god, it's the closest thing to playing with an NES advantage, there is. It controls beautifully. Too bad no turbo or slowdown ;)

If you have one, or the other Hori 360 arcade controller, for the love of God, use it! It's a far cry better than the standard controllers.

[Graham Mitchell]

Picked it up tonight. Now I REALLY have too many great games to play!

Not much to add that hasn't been said already, but I did notice this:

The levels are all really close in design to the original. However, despite the fact that I can probably breeze through the entire NES game in 1.5 hours, each level in the remake takes me a fairly large amount of time...at least 30 minutes. It took me an hour to get through the 1st area (mostly because I farted around in the sim room). It's just interesting that they've added so much stuff to the original template that it extends the play time so significantly.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Played it on PSP via internet Remote Play today.

Sadly, that microsecond delay really hurts in a game that requires you to do things based on precise timing.

Oh well, Grin gets serious points for including the feature, but until Sony can squeeze just one more ounce of speed out of the general connection, it's not really worth the effort of playing it on the go like that.

[Sudo]

I finished the game yesterday, and am only missing 3 achievements (beat the game on super hard, hack all terminals on hard mode and complete all challenge rooms). I'm currently attempting to beat all the challenges, and I'm about halfway through. Some of them are a real pain in the ass, but I'm loving it.

[BHvrd]

Game looks way awesome.

Other companies should take note that this is how you properly update a classic game.

QFT!!

It's unbelievable to me that it has taken a remake of a classic game to incorporate a screen that splits when two people seperate. A feature that has been long overdue in games like this and many others.

The challenge rooms, the stat tracking, four difficulties, multiplayer deathmatch/floor/standing, and last but not least I can save a single player campaign and a co-op campaign WITHOUT HAVING TO ERASE THE OTHER.......about goddamn time man, I can't believe they haven't put in such a simple option in other games.

This game has it ALL! Could game of the year be a downloadable game? I say hell yes and this one is it!

[heybtbm]

The "Best XBLA / PSN game ever" talk is not hyperbole...it's the simple truth. I'm amazed this is only priced at $10. There's just so much packed into the game, I'm constantly amazed.

I love everything about this game. The attention to the smallest of details, the obvious "love" of the source material, the art direction (including the badass cutscene still artwork and the occasional 8-bit throwbacks), the awesomely updated music, or the cheesy story/dialog that never takes itself too seriously.

[carlcarlson]

It's games like this that make me confused when people say they don't want to see a Chrono Trigger remake (for example). I downloaded the demo last night and this game is insane. Talk about breathing new life into an old favorite. Here's hoping this marks the beginning of more updates.

[Graham Mitchell]

It's games like this that make me confused when people say they don't want to see a Chrono Trigger remake (for example).

Because this is probably the only GOOD remake we've seen since Super Mario Allstars.

[skaar]

If you have one, or the other Hori 360 arcade controller, for the love of God, use it! It's a far cry better than the standard controllers.
I wish I could, bro. No X-arcade support yet!! I miss my NES Advantage... that was all I used!

[Nesmaster]

I played the demo on PSN and even though brutally short, I could see playing it once I get a better handle on the controls (I never played the past entries for more than a few minutes). My only issue is that I want it on the PSN and not XBLA, so I'll have to wait until I get myself a credit card or when those PSN money card things eventually come out (if they even do.. I haven't been keeping up on that matter).

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

I played the demo on PSN and even though brutally short, I could see playing it once I get a better handle on the controls (I never played the past entries for more than a few minutes). My only issue is that I want it on the PSN and not XBLA, so I'll have to wait until I get myself a credit card or when those PSN money card things eventually come out (if they even do.. I haven't been keeping up on that matter).

Visa/Mastercard gift cards work fine on PSN (or for any online purchases), all you need to do is call the 800number on the back of the gift card and assign it a "billing addres" for online purchases that require that info (like PSN), and you can buy those at any local supermarket.

[BHvrd]

Anybody else notice the Hardhat on the poster in the construction area?

Can you say...Megaman: Rearmed....hehe, oh man this could be the start of me loving console games again.

*goes back to playing BC:R*

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Anybody else notice the Hardhat on the poster in the construction area?

Can you say...Megaman: Rearmed....hehe, oh man this could be the start of me loving console games again.

*goes back to playing BC:R*

If I'm not mistaken, there's also another 8-bit style graphic painted on the side of a building on another level straight from the NES version of Bionic Commando.

It's a blue circular thing on a chain.

[exit]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm having a bitch of a time getting past the second part of Albatross. I must have spent an hour and countless lives trying to get past those damn platforms last night, a game hasn't put me through that in years. I love it.

[Sudo]

They were hard for me as well, at first. Once you realize that when one closes, the one right next to it flips up you'll find it easier. When you fall, there's always one below you that's open so that helps as well. If all else fails, stock up on extra lives from the FSA stages (one in each) and the top-down encounters. You can go into the last level with over ten lives easily.

[heybtbm]

If I'm not mistaken, there's also another 8-bit style graphic painted on the side of a building on another level straight from the NES version of Bionic Commando.

It's a blue circular thing on a chain.

Yeah, I saw that too. In the original game the ball releases and rolls towards you. You have to swing over it or it smashes you back into spikes (or something like that). When I saw it in this game, I swung to avoid it...only to find out it was just decoration.

[exit]

I finally beat the game about a half hour ago and it was pretty damn satisfying when I did. I had one hell of a time getting past those platforms, but it got easier once I got the path down, but then I had a slight problem with the helicopter.

I'll probably go back and unlock the hidden stuff for the 3D Bionic Command, them scattering stuff around for it in BCR is pretty damn cool and really shows that they went all out for both games.

[contra4life]

Anyone play the PC version yet?, kinda sucks it's 15 bucks, but hell, it's still WORLDS better than most 60 dollar games out there right now, so i am not complaining...

[Hwj_Chim]

there is a pc version. YES I can play it!