Classic Capcom franchise returns this May

Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, confirmed that the highly anticipated Bionic Commando will be released on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) this May across Europe with a PC version available in the following months.

Reloaded for the latest generation of hardware, Bionic Commando sees the return of the ultimate fusion of man and machine who became a firm favourite with gamers around the world some 20 years ago with the release of the 8-bit original on the NES. Bionic Commando features Nathan Spencer (voiced by former lead singer of Faith No More, Mike Patton), as a government operative who, after distinguishing himself in a fierce conflict against the Imperials, is betrayed and falsely imprisoned by the very people he unquestioningly served.

Five years later, on the day he is due to be executed for his supposed crimes, an experimental weapon detonates in Ascension City, unleashing an immensely powerful earthquake coupled with a radiation shockwave that leaves the city in ruins, wiping out its populace. Military intelligence suggests that a large terrorist search force has moved in and occupied Ascension City, but as yet their motives remain unclear. With the terrain in ruins and the terrorists in control of Ascension City’s air defences the FSA has only one option open to them – the reactivation of Nathan Spencer.

Both the Bionic Arm and swing mechanic that made the original so unique make a welcome return. They have been upgraded to deliver a range of devastating attacks and allow Spencer to quickly traverse the game’s diverse environments. Players can harness the power of the arm in a variety of ways to take out enemies – launch huge boulders or cars; send them flying with a close-quarters uppercut; use enemies as a shield or whip them into the air transforming them into a human kite.

Bionic Commando is being developed in partnership with Swedish developer Grin, and provides a further example of Capcom’s strategy to work with the best developer talent, whilst maintaining the unique elements of creativity and approach to game design for which Capcom is renowned.

For further information and materials please visit www.bioniccommando.com

Capcom Brings New Life to 8-Bit Classic with Modern Makeover

Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Bionic Commando Rearmed™, a makeover of the classic 8-bit game originally released 20 years ago. Bionic Commando Rearmed will be available for digital download from Xbox LIVE® Arcade, PLAYSTATION®Network and PC this spring. This announcement follows the news that Capcom will be releasing an all new next-generation sequel to Bionic Commando® on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment’s PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system and PC platforms.

Bionic Commando Rearmed sees a return of the intense 2D side scrolling, shooting and grappling action from the much-loved 1988 Bionic Commando on the original 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System™. Bionic Commando Rearmed brings the amazing gameplay up to date with stunning new visuals, new weapons, online rankings, a reworked musical score and the addition of a 2-player co-op mode. The title will also provide cross-game interoperability, as completing parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed will unlock new content and provide secret insight into characters and plot of the brand new Bionic Commando sequel coming later in 2008.

“The release of Bionic Commando Rearmed allows us to deliver to fans of the original game a remake they have been clamoring for, while also introducing the series to a whole new audience,” commented Ben Judd, Producer of both the Bionic Commando projects. “And with GRIN taking care of development, we can ensure that there is real consistency across both the Bionic Commando titles.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will contain the following features

• Classic Bionic Commando gameplay focused around the use of the bionic grappling arm 
• 2-player co-op mode
• Total modern visual revamp, including dynamic shadows, particle effects and environmental damage
• Reworking of musical score
• Cross-game interoperability – complete specific parts of Bionic Commando Rearmed to unlock new content and hints for the Bionic Commando sequel
• In-game art designed by one of Capcom’s most talented artists, Toshiaki Mori

 
To find out more visit the official website at www.bioniccommando.com