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What is Bionic Commando Rearmed?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bionic_Commando_Rearmed

Bionic Commando Rearmed is an update / homage to the classic 8-bit NES game. Originally scheduled for release in May, 2008, the game has been delayed until July, 2008. Developed by GRIN in cooperation with Capcom, the game will feature updated graphics, new areas, additional features and online leaderboards. Capcom has revealed that former Capcom employees who worked on the original NES version will serve as consultants for the new release. In keeping with the American release of the original Bionic Commando, the references to the Nazi party which were prevalent in the original Japanese title will not be featured in Rearmed. Instead, the inadvertent humor resulting from the censorship will be accentuated by purposefully over-the-top voice-acting.

Release Date and Price:

http://www.bioniccommando.com/en/blog_entries/view/330

Xbox Live Arcade

Worldwide on August 13th

800 Microsoft Points

PlayStation Network

Japan – August 13th (￥1,200)

North America – August 14 (US$9.99)

Europe – August 15 (GBP 6.99 / EUR 9.99)

PC

Worldwide – August 14 ($14.99)

Available on Steam, Direct 2 Drive, Gamer’s Gate, with more to be confirmed!

Special Feature: Expanded PSN Features

Welcome to the first installment of our weekly Bionic Commando: Rearmed column. The folks here at the PlayStation.Blog have been kind enough to give us some space to strut our Bionic stuff. Don’t worry, I promise there will not be an excess of swinger jokes.

To kick off this edition, we’d like to mention some of the “PSN specific” content that you can expect for Rearmed. There will be Dualshock 3 support, because we all know that games that vibrate are better and besides… there really is no reason not to implement a feature that has become the industry standard. Also, Rearmed is one of the only PSN games to feature Remote Play support. This one wasn’t as easy to add and, matter of fact, there is one point where we had to “creatively” reprogram the controls to give players the illusion of using 2 sticks (you’ll know when you see it). The classic 2D side-scrolling graphics really fit with the PSP and just make the PSN version all the more cooler.

Of course there is one more VERY cool surprise for those of you who purchase the PSN version… but that is another story for another time.

Is there going to be trophy support?

It was too late into development to add trophy support at this time, however, Ben assures me that we’ll have this feature for BCR in the near future!

Special Feature: Bionic Commando Rearmed Music Jukebox

http://www.bioniccommando.com/music_player.php?loc=us

Special Feature: Mutliplayer Details

http://arstechnica.com/journals/thu...ormation-unveiled-for-bionic-commando-rearmed

Game modes like Deathmatch and Last Man Standing are going to make an appearance, but the trademarked Bionic Arm is going to shake things up; it will allow players to grab items from a distance and deflect enemy fire. There will also be a multiplayer mode where weapons don't do any damage; instead, the grappling hook feature of the arm is used to keep players suspended and weapons will merely push them around. The end goal of the mode is to knock other players to the floor.

Special Feature: Co-Op Deatils

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/878/878238p1.html

Bionic Commando Rearmed Co-op Hands-On
Does adding a second player make it twice as hard or half as easy?
by Hilary Goldstein

June 3, 2008 - Let's get the bad news out of the way -- Bionic Commando Rearmed is an offline only game. That means you won't be enjoying four-player skirmishes online, nor will you be able to team up with a buddy across the world for cooperative play. Boo hoo, wipe your tears and let's get on to the good stuff. BC Rearmed's co-op mode is fantastic. Even though it means you have to be in close physical contact with your friend to play it.

Two-player co-op enables gamers to team up through the entire Rearmed story. Nothing changes at the core -- it's the same content, just with two people swinging about with bionic arms. Even though the essence of the game doesn't change, there are several wrinkles to playing co-op.

Just because you are playing with a friend doesn't mean BC Rearmed is going to be any easier than the original. You share lives with your friend, so you get no advantage by having a second Commando on screen except that you now have some extra gunfire helping you out.

The AI also changes in co-op. You'll want to use flanking tactics to catch enemies by surprise. Have one friend charge from the front while the other sneaks in from behind to catch a bad guy from his backside. We witnessed boss AI change as well, just for co-op.


One of the early robot bosses has two weak areas -- one on top of its round shell and one on the bottom. In co-op (and only in co-op), the boss slides its armor to shield itself from whichever part of itself is about to come under attack. The only way to defeat this boss is if the two players coordinate their attacks. Both need to be at the ready to toss barrels at the exposed area with one aiming high and the other ready to aim low. As soon as the first player attacks, the boss shifts its armor to protect itself. The second player has perhaps two seconds to react and strike the exposed area. If both players attack randomly, the boss will always be able to defend itself.

The interesting thing is that if one player dies and there are no lives left, then the AI switches back to its single-player routine. It no longer can shift its armor to protect itself. We expect that there will be numerous scenarios such as this throughout Bionic Commando, making cooperative play a slightly difference experience than single-player.

Those concerned that players will be limited by each others' locations on screen need not worry. If the two players become separated enough that both can't fit on the screen, the game goes to a vertical split screen until the two rejoin. This can actually help with finishing times, as one player can progress towards the exit of a level while the other goes after any 1ups off the beaten path.

The lack of online support is a big disappointment, but Bionic Commando Rearmed still makes for a great couch co-op experience. Rearmed looks fantastic, plays better than the original and adapts to the introduction of a second character.

Special Feature: Challenge Rooms

http://www.absolute-playstation.com...-bionic-commando-rearmed-challenge-rooms.html

So far we have been reporting on the main game of Bionic Commando: Rearmed, coming this May on PlayStation 3's PlayStation Store, XBox Live 360's Marketplace and the PC. Just revealed yesterday at GDC 08, however, is a new mode of play- Challenge Rooms.

These can best be compared to the VR missions in the original Metal Gear Solid. The object? Reach the finish line ASAP using nothing more than the bionic arm and you own smarts. Not only will you be going for your own personal best time but there will also be a world online ranking system in place for you to see how you compare to everyone else.

Special Feature: Bionic Commando Soundtrack


Original game:
NES Version - Get the album art from the official Bionic Commando site

Rearmed - Get the album art from the official Bionic Commando site

Special Feature: Bionic Commando Rearmed Ringtone

http://www.mediafire.com/?aj3zdmzls1f

Special Feature: PC Details:

PC Specs:

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/51818

Minimum Specs:

Microsoft® Windows® XP (Service Pack 2)/Microsoft® Windows® Vista
Intel Pentium 4 2 Ghz/AMD XP 2200+
512 MB RAM
650 MB free hard drive space
128 MB DirectX® 9c compatible card/ nVIDIA® GeForce 6600 GT/or ATI equivalent
DirectX® 9 compatible sound card
Internet connection
Keyboard, Mouse.

Recommended Specs:

Microsoft® Windows® XP (Service Pack 2)/Microsoft® Windows® Vista
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
1 GB RAM
2 GB free hard drive space
256 MB DirectX® 9c compatible card/ nVIDIA® GeForce 7900/ ATI Radeon® X1850 or better
DirectX® 9 compatible sound card
Internet connection
Xbox 360 Controller for Windows

Previews:

IGN XBOX 360

http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/142/14228706.html

1UP.com

http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3167515

TeamXbox
http://games.teamxbox.com/xbox-360/1924/Bionic-Commando-Rearmed/

GameZone
http://ps3.gamezone.com/gzreviews/p34483.htm

UGO.com
http://gamesblog.ugo.com/index.php/gamesblog/more/bionic_commando_rearmed_hands_on_preview/

WorthPlaying
http://www.worthplaying.com/article.php?sid=53953

Video:

Gametrailers.com

http://www.gametrailers.com/game/6083.html

IGN PS3

http://media.ps3.ign.com/media/142/14228707/vids_1.html

Gamespot

http://www.gamespot.com/xbox360/action/bioniccommandore/media.html

Screenshots:

Achievements:

http://www.360sync.com/2008/08/06/bionic-commando-rearmed-achievements

Meet with annihilation
Kill all foot soldiers and enemy trucks on a Meet With Enemy sequence.
20

The Emperor’s New Clothes
Obtain the Shin Guards, the Bulletproof Vest and the Helmet.
20

Private Arsenal
Obtain every weapon and weapon upgrade.
20

Faster Than a Speeding Bullet
Block 100 projectiles using the claw.
20

One Dozen Yashichis
Collect all twelve hidden Yashichis - one from each of Area 01 - 12.
20

Clean as a whistle
Clear Area 02 without touching a slime blob.
20

Pacifist Pride
Clear any of Area 1 - 12 without firing your gun.
20

Cat burglar
Get to the boss of Area 05 within one minute and thirty seconds.
20

A Real Challenge
Acquire at least one star in each of the Challenge Rooms 1 - 56.
20

H4><0rz
Hack through all the hacking games on Hard.
10

Intel Collector
Acquire all database logs.
5

Elite Commando
Clear the game on Super Hard.
5

Trophies/Medals: Pending

Reviews:

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

9.4, Outstanding

Eurogamer Review

http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=212207

8/10

1UP.com

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3169338

A, Almost Flawless

 

[Keyser Soze]

BI-ON-IC.... BI-ON-IC.... BI-ON-IC

 

[taku]

This thread has EPIC written all over it.

 

[Supposed]

Why does this game have 3D levels? Hype has just dropped hugely.

 

[pswii60]

I loved, LOVED the original. The C64 version, that is. I also like the look of the new retail game.

But this... I dunno. The look of it just doesn't do it for me. Will wait for the demo, obviously.

 

[CrunchinJelly]

Why does this game have 3D levels? Hype has just dropped hugely.

because the NES version did, I think.

 

[EviLore]

Why does this game have 3D levels? Hype has just dropped hugely.

:facepalm

 

[Azure Dream]

Why does this game have 3D levels? Hype has just dropped hugely.

Run into a truck in the NES game and tell me what you see.

 

[Steppenwolf]

Perfect thread to post this picture:

Why does this game have 3D levels? Hype has just dropped hugely.

Do you mean the top-down levels? They actualy were in the NES version too!

 

[Shard]

This thread has EPIC written all over it.

Either this one or the Geo Wars 2 Thread.

 

[atomico]

will this be $10 or $20 on PSN?

 

[A_Rival]

Good to see ol' Cliffy B gettin' into the BC hype!

That arm is just TOO NICE.

-A

 

[Shard]

will this be $10 or $20 on PSN?

10 USD.

 

[McBradders]

It begins... finally.

Thanks to no online on Geo 2, I will be skipping it, but this more than makes up for it.

 

[MightyKAC]

Though I loath the thought of giving Capcom any of my money, the price is good and the game itself sings to my inner retrogamer.

 

[rhino4evr]

did we find out what the PSN special feature was yet?

 

[Shard]

did we find out what the PSN special feature was yet?

Not yet nor have the PC Special Features been detailed.

 

[Kydd BlaZe]

Oh, I'm very much looking forward to this. This (along w/ Duke Nukem 3D) are my most anticipated XBLA titles. I don't think i've ever been this hyped for an XBLA title before.

EDIT: Damn, August 13th? =(

 

[Z_Y]

Though I loath the thought of giving Capcom any of my money, the price is good and the game itself sings to my inner retrogamer.

???

Capcom has been the dev of the gen for me.

 

[Guled]

will there be coop (offline and online)?

 

[Psychotext]

Not sure about this... though I'll certainly give the demo a try.

 

[Rlan]

Official Thread Ringtone:

http://www.mediafire.com/?aj3zdmzls1f

 

[Kydd BlaZe]

Capcom has been the dev of the gen for me.

Pretty much

 

[Shard]

will there be coop (offline and online)?

Special Feature: Co-Op Deatils

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/878/878238p1.html

Bionic Commando Rearmed Co-op Hands-On
Does adding a second player make it twice as hard or half as easy?
by Hilary Goldstein

June 3, 2008 - Let's get the bad news out of the way -- Bionic Commando Rearmed is an offline only game. That means you won't be enjoying four-player skirmishes online, nor will you be able to team up with a buddy across the world for cooperative play. Boo hoo, wipe your tears and let's get on to the good stuff. BC Rearmed's co-op mode is fantastic. Even though it means you have to be in close physical contact with your friend to play it.

Two-player co-op enables gamers to team up through the entire Rearmed story. Nothing changes at the core -- it's the same content, just with two people swinging about with bionic arms. Even though the essence of the game doesn't change, there are several wrinkles to playing co-op.

Just because you are playing with a friend doesn't mean BC Rearmed is going to be any easier than the original. You share lives with your friend, so you get no advantage by having a second Commando on screen except that you now have some extra gunfire helping you out.

The AI also changes in co-op. You'll want to use flanking tactics to catch enemies by surprise. Have one friend charge from the front while the other sneaks in from behind to catch a bad guy from his backside. We witnessed boss AI change as well, just for co-op.


One of the early robot bosses has two weak areas -- one on top of its round shell and one on the bottom. In co-op (and only in co-op), the boss slides its armor to shield itself from whichever part of itself is about to come under attack. The only way to defeat this boss is if the two players coordinate their attacks. Both need to be at the ready to toss barrels at the exposed area with one aiming high and the other ready to aim low. As soon as the first player attacks, the boss shifts its armor to protect itself. The second player has perhaps two seconds to react and strike the exposed area. If both players attack randomly, the boss will always be able to defend itself.

The interesting thing is that if one player dies and there are no lives left, then the AI switches back to its single-player routine. It no longer can shift its armor to protect itself. We expect that there will be numerous scenarios such as this throughout Bionic Commando, making cooperative play a slightly difference experience than single-player.

Those concerned that players will be limited by each others' locations on screen need not worry. If the two players become separated enough that both can't fit on the screen, the game goes to a vertical split screen until the two rejoin. This can actually help with finishing times, as one player can progress towards the exit of a level while the other goes after any 1ups off the beaten path.

The lack of online support is a big disappointment, but Bionic Commando Rearmed still makes for a great couch co-op experience. Rearmed looks fantastic, plays better than the original and adapts to the introduction of a second character.

 

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

Im buying this and the next-gen version just so capcom lets grin do this sort of thing with more old games.
The only quistion is 360 or ps3.

 

[RobertM]

This and Eden feels like heaven.

 

[Guled]

no online, not even the multiplayer stuff, that blows. I would have 15 or 20 if it just had online

 

[BrainZEROX]

The lack of online is so disappointing... (
I'll still buy the game but the hype is falling flat.

 

[MightyKAC]

???

Capcom has been the dev of the gen for me.

Oh don't get me wrong. I love the games. They are some of the best this gen.

I just HATE the company. But then again I'm a PS3 fan(nothing against the 360)
so there you go... anyway I KNOW the games gonna rock. I just wish it got here sooner.

 

[MightyKAC]

Im buying this and the next-gen version just so capcom lets grin do this sort of thing with more old games.
The only quistion is 360 or ps3.

Agreed. But for me the Jury's still out on the next gen 3D BC.

 

[Rlan]

Oh don't get me wrong. I love the games. They are some of the best this gen.

I just HATE the company. But then again I'm a PS3 fan(nothing against MS or the 360)
so there you go... anyway I KNOW the games gonna rock. I just wish it got here sooner.

What does that matter? All their DLC stuff has been on both! They're the only people throwing PS3 a bone in this situation!

and "Wah Wah" to those just NOW, after they've been saying it from the very announcement of the game, that it is NOT online. Geez.

 

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

Agreed. But for me the Jury's still out on the next gen 3D BC.

Seeing the main character look like a toy the forest did knock a lot of confidence but im still hanging in there.

 

[devildog820]

Nostalgia + GAF + Remake = Awesomesauce sexton

Seeing as the original game is still fun, this one should be awesome.

 

[jarosh]

goty 2008

 

[Z_Y]

Oh don't get me wrong. I love the games. They are some of the best this gen.

I just HATE the company. But then again I'm a PS3 fan(nothing against the 360)
so there you go... anyway I KNOW the games gonna rock. I just wish it got here sooner.

If you love the games....why would you hate the company? Are you one of those guys that signed the online petition against DMC4 going multi-plat?

 

[SolidSnakex]

did we find out what the PSN special feature was yet?

It should be in one of their PSblog updates. They've still got that to announce along with the Street Fighter announcement.

 

[MightyKAC]

What does that matter? All their DLC stuff has been on both! They're the only people throwing PS3 a bone in this situation!

and "Wah Wah" to those just NOW, after they've been saying it from the very announcement of the game, that it is NOT online. Geez.

DLC content is not the issue. I'm not gonna derail this thread by getting into it.
The myraid of issues that PS3 fans have with capcom's decisions has been beaten to death in other threads before.

As for the next-gen BC I'm really hoping the transition to 3d is a smooth one.
Anyone know Grin's track record?

 

[DancingJesus]

Finally!, excellent thread. Glad to see we finally got a release date.

 

[MightyKAC]

If you love the games....why would you hate the company? Are you one of those guys that signed the online petition against DMC4 going multi-plat?

Naw, I have no issues at all with companies making money. It just sucks how little love Capcom's showed the PS3 in relation to the other Next gen entries in the past. But as it relates to this game, I really dig how much this looks to be a "for gamers by gamers" type labor of love that I think this gen could use a lot more of. And I'll prolly end up buying it for no other reason but to support the devs and thier vision.

And if the Next gen one plays good I'll be all about it too.

 

[Owensboro]

Release Date and Price:
XBLA: August 13, 800 Points
PSN: August 14, 10 USD
PC: TBA, 20 USD

Whoah, am I reading that right? Why in the heck is the PC version so much more expensive? Is it going to have more bells and whistles or something?

Edit: Also, I'm super pumped for this game. I broke out my old NES cartridge and starting playing again, only to realize my skills have dimished over the years. I couldn't get past area 6 last night, and all because I forgot that pressing down and pressing left/right when swinging change your release trajectory. I'm totaly going back and teaching Master-D a lesson tonight.

 

[Shard]

Whoah, am I reading that right? Why in the heck is the PC version so much more expensive? Is it going to have more bells and whistles or something?

Well, that is the story according to GRIN and Capcom, though what those bells and whistles are, nobody knows, honestly, one can not help but feel that the PC Version is being a little mistreated here. Also, 20$ is standard pricing for PC Download stuff.

 

[DancingJesus]

Now to figure out what's coming out in the August 6th spot.. dun dun dun

 

[Kydd BlaZe]

Oh shit...

That IGN article just killed the game for me. No online MP, or co-op...wtf??? =(

No longer an insta-buy for me now.

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Oh shit...

That IGN article just killed the game for me. No online MP, or co-op...wtf??? =(

No longer an insta-buy for me now.

Oh wow, and I was looking froward to this for this exact reason. GG exiting thread.

 

[taku]

Guys/Girls. TEN BUCKS. Do you really not have any friends that can visit and play this game with you?

 

[Jonnyram]

Now to figure out what's coming out in the August 6th spot.. dun dun dun

Galaga?

 

[Kandrick]

No online MP ?

What the fuck.

 

[Kydd BlaZe]

Guys/Girls. TEN BUCKS. Do you really not have any friends that can visit and play this game with you?

Actually no...I don't. It's one of the reason I love online play so much. None of my friends play games that often, and if they do...it's always Madden or NBA 2K. They wouldn't be interested in something like Bionic Commando.

 

[Psychotext]

Guys/Girls. TEN BUCKS. Do you really not have any friends that can visit and play this game with you?

Nope.

SP will have to be phenomenal to interest me now. Either than or it's going to have to interest my missus (which I doubt).

 

[Kandrick]

Guys/Girls. TEN BUCKS. Do you really not have any friends that can visit and play this game with you?

Im getting old, most of my IRL friends gave up on gaming already, except 1 or 2 "real" gamers, and while i still play with them sometimes, its kinda rare because of work and kids etc, usually on some week ends only.

So yeah, online multiplayer is a HUGE deal to me. I like coming home from work, and just pop in a game, and do 1hour of MP of any game and have fun.