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XBLA Reminder: Bionic Commando and Pub Games
Just in case you forgot, this Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday we'll be seeing the release of both Capcom's Bionic Commando: Rearmed and the three gambling Fable 2 Pub Games. Available for 800 Microsoft points, Bionic Commando: Rearmed is a remake of the 80's classic 2D side-scroller Bionic Commando, but now with updated graphics, Live multiplayer support, co-op play and fifty different swinging levels. Rearmed will also sports cross-game unlocks, where achievements earned in Rearmed will unlock goodies in the retail version of Bionic Commando. The other XBLA treat we're receiving this week are the three Fable 2 Pub Games that can be obtained for free as part of the Fable 2 pre-order promotion or can be purchased separately for 800 MS points. Comprised of Keystone, Fortune's Tower and Spinner Box, these gambling games will let you earn gold that can be used in Fable 2. Happy gaming! %Gallery-14199% %Gallery-27142%
Bionic Commando Rearmed swings in next week; launching later on Euro PSN, $5 more on PC
Capcom has officially announced its release dates and pricing for Bionic Commando Rearmed and, except for two tiny issues, everything looks pretty good for next week's launch. Turns out the PC version, available August 14, will cost $15, which is $5 more than on Xbox 360 and PS3, for no apparent reason [update: apparently, "$14.99 represents an appropriate price for the platform," Capcom says -- full statement on Shacknews]. The other thing is that the European PSN has no release date scheduled at this time.PS3 owners in Japan, along with Xbox 360 owners worldwide, will be able to purchase BCR for $10 on August 13, US PS3 owners need to wait until the PSN updates the following day. We'll let you know when a European PSN release date is given.[Via Big Download, PS3 Fanboy]
Bionic Commando Rearmed's divergent finale
***Spoiler Alert -- Final Warning*** The original Bionic Commando ended with a battle against The Albatross warship and then Master-D. IGN tells us that Rearmed's ending is going to be a little different. The Albatross is now its own level, and apparently the longest level in the game, with challenging rooms that will require shutting down a security system to battle Master-D. Don't worry BC fans, we've been told before the original ending is still "historically accurate." Bionic Commando Rearmed will be available on August 13 -- be sure to check out videos of the new Albatross level after the break. %Gallery-14181%
Hands-on: Bionic Commando
Click for high-resolution image. Disclaimer: This preview is based on the Xbox 360 version of the game. Developers have told us the PS3 version will be identical to the Xbox 360 version. Within moments of picking up the controller, this thought will ring immediately in your mind: this isn't Spider-man. Capcom's upcoming Bionic Commando may have you swinging from place to place, but the effect is completely different from Activision's Spider-man games. Unlike those movie franchise titles, this title demands real skill out of players -- so much so, in fact, that it was difficult for us to come to grip with the game's unique controls (sorry for the pun). Don't expect to simply hold a trigger and jump around from place to place. You must actually aim where your bionic arm will extend to. You'll have an extra reticule on-screen which shows what you can and cannot attach to. What surprised us the most was how short the bionic arm actually is: don't expect to jump over large canyons in a single swing. %Gallery-9695%
E308: Joystiq Rearmed
When (and we're talking hypotheticals) you're in a Capcom meeting room and there just happens to be a gigantic replica Bionic Commando arm lying about (with working claw), what else is there to do but put it on and crush Yoon's head? Jem Alexander had to face that tough choice in real life, and he kept a cool enough head to make the smart move. Apparently, Bionic Commando producer (and voice of Phoenix Wright!) Ben Judd constructed this arm in his spare time ... when not working on Bionic Commando. It's amazing work (even if it doesn't shoot a grappling hook). %Gallery-24249%
Joystiq gets swinging with Bionic Commando
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Hands_on_with_Bionic_Commando'; Joystiq managed to get some serious play time with Capcom's upcoming remake of Bionic Commando (cleverly titled Bionic Commando). We're sure there are important details we should be discussing, but let's get one thing straight. The swinging is fun. According to Joystiq, it's damned fun. There really isn't much more you need to know about the game, but we still suggest you read Joystiq's full impressions of the game. You run along. We're going to sit here and bask in the relief for a while.
See first Bionic Commando multiplayer video
We didn't learn much about Bionic Commando's multiplayer modes at last week's Captivate 08 event, aside from the fact that you can expect deathmatches, capture the flag and some other modes that more specifically take advantage of the game's verticality. Also, there's extensive stat tracking through something called "The Swingers' Club."In fact, pretty much everything we know can be encapsulated in this trailer, which actually makes swing-filled deathmatches look kind of fun, even though it sounds like a total clusteryuck. What say you?
New Bionic Commando trailer shows off multiplayer gameplay
This new Bionic Commando trailer, shown at Capcom's Captivate 08 event, shows some of the game's multiplayer gameplay, It also reminds us of a mixture of Halo (what with the brightly colored armor) and Grand Theft Auto IV. An intriguingly bizarre combination, we're sure you agree. Joystiq got some hands on time with the title at the event and seem quite hyped. Once you're done watching this video, be sure to check out their impressions to see exactly what they thought.
Joystiq hands-on: Bionic Commando (Xbox 360)
click to enlarge var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Hands_on_with_Bionic_Commando'; Tell you what: Let's just pretend you all know that this is an updated version of the classic Bionic Commando, the latest salvo in Capcom's continuing effort to reach out to the North American audience. Let's just skip all of that and skip to what you want to hear: Let's talk about swinging.It's the first thing we were introduced to in our time with the game, so it feels right to get it out of the way first. So how is it? Fun. Really, really fun. There's a great sense of speed and it makes wandering through the desolate and dynamic Ascension City a real joy.But that glowing praise comes with a caveat: It's also not easy. In fact, we didn't feel like we really "got it" until about 20 minutes in. Some of the difficulty is derived from the amount of control you have. You have to know what you're swinging from, unlike in the Spider-Man series (the closest swinging competitor) where your webs will automatically find the nearest surface. No, you have to aim your arm. But once you get it, it's really satisfying.%Gallery-24249%
Bionic Commando Rearmed not reporting for May, delayed
So apparently Bionic Commando Rearmed won't be making it in time for its previously announced May release. As patched in to us via the official website's Communicator, the team working on the game has "run into a few problems in the closing stages." Despite this, the game is done. There are just a few things that need to be corrected before it's good to go. When exactly will the game be ready for deployment? We don't know, but we're assuming it won't be too long.[Via Joystiq]
Bionic Commando Rearmed gets delayed
We hope you're sitting own. The anticipated XBLA title, Bionic Commando Rearmed, has been delayed from its original May release. According to a classified communique found on the Bionic Commando blog, the game is complete but still requires some bug fixing, certification process before it's ready for release. No word on a new release for the title, which still plans to hit the Xbox 360, PC and PS3 simultaneously. Our friends at Joystiq has spared you the hassle of having to click through the entire retro text message found on the site which you can find after the break. [via Joystiq]
Rumor: Bionic Commando Rearmed this Wednesday
Last week didn't see any kind of XBLA release due to the massive popularity of GTA IV, but now that that particular sales storm has passed, what is the next release for the Live Arcade? Common sense might say that it'd be Happy Tree Friends: False Alarm, given that it was pushed back into May. And that still might be possible as XBLA games can release in pairs. However the Australian site PALGN has Bionic Commando Rearmed set for a 05/07/2008 release, so if they're right we might be seeing that one sooner than we thought we would have. We certainly haven't heard anything else about this week's XBLA release ....
Bionic Commando Rearmed multiplayer video blowout
Fresh from Japan for visual consumption, GameVideos got hold of some Bionic Commando Rearmed multiplayer vids. We've placed the main multiplayer trailer above, with five other videos after the break. The M-rated title is still scheduled to release in May on XBLA and PSN for $10; the PC version may have a different price and features. No word yet when Capcom plans to release the totally obvious product tie-in of a real-world mechanized grappling arm at retail. %Gallery-14181%
Bionic Commando Rearmed grapples with M-rating
Bionic Commando Rearmed's website unleashed a pre-emptive strike, announcing the game received a Mature rating from the ESRB. The ESRB has not yet listed the game on its own site. Having had some hands-on time with the game ourselves, the only reason we could come up with the title receiving the M-rating was due to the final scene. *SPOILER ALERT* The site states in one of its "communications" that the M-rating means players will see the "historically accurate" scene where Hitler's Master D's head pops like a can of Pringles -- but now in glorious HD. The communication jokes it'll be the "best five seconds of [its] entire life." %Gallery-14181%
Bionic Commando Rearmed rated M, guess why
The official Bionic Commando website has revealed that Bionic Commando Rearmed -- that's the XBLA version -- has received an M rating from the ESRB. The rating was announced via a nifty communicator dialogue reminiscent of the original game (you can see a capture of it above). So, why would a game with no blood and extremely tame violence get an M rating? If you've ever played the original and completed it, we'll give you three guesses. Yes, the reason is that Bionic Commando Rearmed features a recreation of the climactic scene from the original game. You know the one. If by chance you don't know the one, you can find a video after the break (it occurs at 0:10). Be warned, it's spoilerific. And sploderific.
Bionic Command Rearmed nears completion
Simon Viklund, creative director at GRIN -- the studio behind both Bionic Commando Rearmed and the upcoming next-gen remake -- has announced on the team's blog that Bionic Commando Rearmed is "approaching completion." According to Viklund, the game will enter the approval process (which presumably includes Microsoft certification) "within weeks." The project is currently undergoing the final steps of development, with GRIN adding the last layer of polish and making sure the game performs properly. No other details are given regarding the game, though Viklund does note that GRIN has a "passion for the old gaming heritage" and that the team is already considering future projects centered around older games. Dare we hope for an HD remake of Mega Man? Ghouls and Ghosts perhaps?
Ghost Recon's smoking file teases us
One of our eagle-eyed readers tipped us off to an interesting development on the official Ghost Recon site. Users are treated to a large smoking file flash overlay when the site is loaded up. It appears that some information still marks the burning folder but as it stands the entire thing is a mystery. With the recent release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2, the ownership agreement with Tom Clancy and the continued domination of Activision's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on Xbox Live (proving gamers want more than just Halo 3) is it possible this new smoking file could contain a gun? A gun called Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 3? [Thanks, Jbarnum]
Bionic Commando Rearmed pricing, platforms, specs revealed
Some cold hard details about the gorgeous 2D-style Bionic Commando Rearmed are finally coming our way, courtesy of the official site. The title is scheduled for release in May on Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network for $10 USD, and will also release on PC for an undetermined price. According to the official site, the XBLA version of Rearmed will retail for 800 MSP, while the PSN version will sell for $10 USD. The price-point of the PC version has not yet been determined, as it may include additional content not available in the other versions. No matter the price, the PC version will be sold over several digital distribution outlets, and will require either Windows XP or Vista, and at least 512 MB RAM, and 650 MB hard drive space. More minimum and recommended specs can be found after the break. %Gallery-14181%
New Bionic Commando Rearmed screenshots, character art
We can't tell you enough how beautiful Capcom's Bionic Commando remake is ... so we'll just show you instead! Enjoy these new screenshots and concept art from the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade / PlayStation Network game. Bionic Commando Rearmed reports for duty (and download) in May.
Europe to get GRAW2 Legacy Edition in April
Yesterday, Ubisoft announced that a newly new and jam packed edition of Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 would be hitting European territories this April called the GRAW2 Legacy Edition. This new Legacy Edition will feature all of the previously released GRAW2 downloadable content adding an additional 32 multiplayer maps, new game modes and new weapons to the classic (see: older) GRAW2 experience. Ubi didn't mention anything about pricing for the Legacy Edition, so one should expect it to fall in line with pricing for new releases. That said, is there really a point to releasing this Legacy Edition seeing that most of the die hard military shooter fanboys already moved on from GRAW2 to the oh so popular CoD4? Just saying ...
