Bionic Commando Rearmed
Enhanced remake of the 1988 NES Bionic Commando.
Bionic Commando Rearmed is a 2008 enhanced remake of the 1988 NES game *Bionic Commando*. It was developed by Grin, published by Capcom, and released in August 2008 for Windows, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live Arcade. A BlackBerry port, handled by Beeline Interactive, followed on April 23, 2009. The remake acts as a prequel to the 2009 game *Bionic Commando*.
The story follows Nathan "Rad" Spencer, a commando whose bionic left arm can extend to grab objects, swing, or serve as a weapon. He is sent to destroy the Albatross project, a weapon being built by the Badds. The plot largely mirrors the NES version, omitting Nazi references from the original Japanese release, though the final boss resembles Adolf Hitler and is called "The Leader." The game pits the Federation against the Empire. After Imperial forces seize documents on the unfinished Albatross project, Generalissimo Killt decides to complete it. The Federation sends hero Super Joe to infiltrate, but he is captured. Spencer is then deployed to rescue Joe and finish the mission. Spencer fights through Imperial territory, defeats leaders, and eventually rescues Joe from the bionic soldier Gottfried Groeder. Together, they destroy the Albatross after Spencer defeats The Leader, escaping as the weapon explodes.
Gameplay centers on using Spencer's bionic arm to grapple, swing, and climb. Players must chain grappling actions to cross gaps or avoid hazards like electrified floors. Weapons and items are earned by defeating bosses; some, like flares, are required to access new areas. Levels are selected from an overworld map, where the player controls a helicopter between zones. Enemy convoys can intercept the helicopter, forcing a top-down fight to destroy an anti-air truck. Enhancements over the NES original include a health bar instead of a limited health pool, health restored from enemy drops, and bonus points for defeating enemies without taking damage. Spencer can grab and throw oil barrels or use them as shields. Weapons can be switched instantly, and boss battles now require unique uses of the arm and weapons—for example, latching onto a screw to expose armor. The final boss is a full level. Hacking enemy communications involves a 3D puzzle. New Challenge rooms test traversal speed. Force feedback is used for the arm and weapons.
The campaign supports local two-player co-op. Enemy AI adjusts for t
- Developer
- Grin
- Publisher
- Capcom
- Release Date
- August 2008
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade
- Genre
- Action platformer
- Engine
- Grin's Diesel engine
- Composer
- Simon Viklund
Lore & Background
Bionic Commando Rearmed follows Nathan 'Rad' Spencer, a commando with a bionic left arm that can extend and be used as a weapon or to swing from objects. Spencer is sent to destroy a weapon known as the Albatross project under construction by the Badds. The plot borrows largely from the NES version, with references to the Nazi party removed in keeping with the North American release, though the final boss resembles Adolf Hitler and is referred to as 'The Leader'. The game centers on warring factions the Federation and the Empire, with Spencer rescuing Super Joe and ultimately destroying the Albatross.
Reader's Guide
Bionic Commando Rearmed was well-received by critics, who praised its updated gameplay, graphics, and faithfulness to the original, with some calling it one of the best downloadable games available on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The game was developed using Grin's Diesel engine and features in-game art by Shinkiro. Music was composed by Simon Viklund and consists largely of remixed versions of the original music; the soundtrack was released on May 27, 2008 by Sumthing Else Music Works. A sequel, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, was released in February 2011. The remake's significance lies in its preservation of the original gameplay while adding enhancements such as a health bar, instant weapon switching, redesigned boss battles, and cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes. It also serves as a narrative prelude to the 2009 Bionic Commando game.
Did You Know?
- The game's final boss resembles Adolf Hitler and is referred to as 'The Leader'.
- The soundtrack was released on May 27, 2008 by Sumthing Else Music Works.
- The BlackBerry version was developed and published by Beeline Interactive and released on April 23, 2009.
- The game features Challenge rooms that involve using the bionic arm to traverse a course as quickly as possible.
More in Video game remakes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record