Bionic Commando

It’s been 20 years since Capcom first unleashed the swingy, shooty theatrics of Bionic Commando in arcades (though most probably remember the game from the original Nintendo). To celebrate this anniversary, they’ve decided to remake it, next-gen–style. And things are looking rather new.

For starters, the game is now in full 3D—think of Activision’s Spider-Man games or even the grappling hook in Capcom’s own Lost Planet as a starting point. Capcom is putting much emphasis on the differences, however: unlike Spidey, hero Nathan Spencer’s bionic arm will attach only to objects that actually exist in the environment…no swinging from arbitrary points in the sky. And in action, the physics and (albeit stylized) realism of the swing mechanic are far more convincing. The arm is also super-strong, meaning it’s able to rip pieces of buildings, girders, and pretty much anything in sight from their bearings. And then throw them. At high speeds. At bad guys.

Also significant is the fact that this is very much a worldwide production. BC is being developed by the Swedish studio Grin (known for their contributions to Ubisoft’s next-gen Ghost Recon games) and led by an American producer in Japan (a first for the publisher), while Capcom Japan’s design team does much of the high-level concept and development. Oh, and Faith No More frontman Mike Patton (last heard in the Darkness game) will be voicing the protagonist.

Though successful in the States, the original BC wasn’t much of a hit in Japan. Judging by this remake’s high production values, though, Capcom is clearly betting Euros to yen that this spiritual successor will be an international swinger. We eagerly await the bionic results.