Bionic Commando swings, but doesn't jump, back into action

by Nick Doerr { Oct 15th 2007 at 10:00PM }

You might remember the muscular, grapplin' hook armed badass from the old NES game of the same name, but Bionic Commando is finally making a return to consoles with a new PS3 and 360 version, as part of Capcom's big series of explosive announcements. Instead of searching for "Super Joe" and destroying Hitler with a rocket launcher, you'll play a more recognizable role with a deceptively familiar premise. You are Nathan Spencer, framed for a number of crimes by your superiors after doggedly fighting for their cause in a conflict against the Imperials. On your day of execution, the city is obliterated and your superiors reluctantly turn to you for help, because as luck would have it, that bionic grappling hook arm of yours is exactly what they need.

The game will sport mechanics similar to those found in the critically panned Dawn of Mana, that is, you use your grappling hook like the whip in the aforementioned game, grabbing onto things, swinging them around, or whatever, in addition to propelling yourself across levels. The project itself is being touted as an international affair, sporting the minds of a Japanese creative advisor, American producer, and the Swedish studio GRIN will all be involved. We look forward to more information to the return of this classic franchise, but if this wasn't Capcom's big announcement, what will be?

Tags: bionic-commando, capcom

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Kattleox @ Oct 15th 2007 10:06PM

This makes me want haze. I've fought against too many imperials in my time; I want to be one.

kyred @ Oct 15th 2007 10:21PM

meh...

marcandrer @ Oct 15th 2007 10:24PM

doesn't jump ??! OMG this game is so lame !

phattie @ Oct 15th 2007 10:26PM

First Heavenly Sword.. now this.. why are they taking away our ability to jump?

Parker @ Oct 15th 2007 10:26PM

Ok, so how long until Capcom cancels the PS3 version?

Ithilis @ Oct 15th 2007 10:31PM

I would have rather had Dead Rising 2.

ekbigpimping @ Oct 15th 2007 10:35PM

Just cancel the ps3 version already Capcom you know you want too. Its ok cause I'm getting Call of Duty 4 and Haze anyway so I'm good

ndoerr @ Oct 15th 2007 10:43PM

Guys, guys, guys, seriously. The "doesn't jump" is in reference to the original game, where the main character only uses the grappling hook to climb upwards, etc.

I'm sure there's jumping in this game. At least, there's been no denial of it.

Autopsy15 @ Oct 15th 2007 10:52PM

Why the hell do people care so much about jumping? Jumping is only needed if the game calls for it. If you have no need to jump...then don't!

john @ Oct 15th 2007 11:48PM

Is THIS the big announcement?! You've Got to be F-n' kiddin' me. "Commando" harr harr harr

My prediction is becoming even closer to the reality; Capcom is abandoning Playstation altogether to focus on Xbox and WII. In a company which money surpasses everything, this shouldn't be surprising.

I’m still very much hoping for their bankruptcy.

Deviation @ Oct 15th 2007 11:10PM

I just can't get excited about this for some reason. It just seems like Capcom could be spending their money and development time and so many more interesting titles.

MagnumX @ Oct 15th 2007 11:22PM

For some reason it reminds me of a spider man game.

Luke @ Oct 15th 2007 11:32PM

I don't care, go to H*** capcom, say hello for dante for me.

RazielDune @ Oct 15th 2007 11:50PM

i give 3 months before launch for them to go OH ITS 360 ONLY SUCK IT SONY

RazielDune @ Oct 15th 2007 11:52PM

PS: I seriously hope thats not the big announcment.

Overgauss @ Oct 16th 2007 1:51AM

Feh.

Kxpuc @ Oct 16th 2007 12:45AM

i'd rather have MH3, 4, 5, and 12

upz @ Oct 16th 2007 1:28AM

Wow... The fact that I got the "can't jump" joke must be a testament to how old I'm getting. At least I know Mr. Doerr is aging with me.

dancingtosirens @ Oct 16th 2007 1:35AM

For reals. Why are people getting upset about the fact that you can't jump?
It's bionic commando. I would expect no jumping.
Unless you've never played the original, in which case I could understand your confusion.

Either way. Surprised, and a little excited to see how this comes out.

sicklesdawg @ Oct 16th 2007 2:17AM

gtfa capcom.

robbyrob @ Oct 16th 2007 4:06AM

i would have loved for them to include a jump feature on Heavenly Sword!!

http://www.spymac.com/details/?2283721

Don @ Oct 16th 2007 4:53AM

Why are there so many Nathans in the gaming world?

Ken @ Oct 16th 2007 10:45AM

@13: My thoughts exactly.

I am not a huge fan of Capcom lately and this was the announcement that was supposed to get me off the fence? If someone could pass me some bread, I could make a nice "Meh" sandwich.

sammy @ Oct 16th 2007 12:23PM

Surely the announcement is still on countdown hence this is unlikely to be it!

Solace @ Oct 16th 2007 12:46PM

told you this was coming....

Larz @ Oct 16th 2007 1:38PM

Bionic Commando was one of the best games of all time (the NES version, not the arcade one). So I'd love to see their new take on it.

The ability to jump in games makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside, even though it's often pointless. Jumping was invented for platformers, and developers tend to shove some platforming in games just because you can jump, which people seem to hate, so what's with the complaints?

And remember Back to the Future for NES? You could jump but it did absolutely nothing, it wouldn't avoid baddies, you couldn't make it over obstacles, nothing.

Dahk @ Oct 16th 2007 2:26PM

"22. Why are there so many Nathans in the gaming world? "

My thoughts exactly. But its kinda cool =P (simply because I have that name lol).

Nathan Hale, Nathan Drake, and now Nathan Spencer. Jeeeez. lol.