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GRAW 2 co-op pack numero dos hits LIVE, doesn't [Update]
Update: The GRAW 2 Co-Op Collection 2 downloadable content is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for 400MS Points weighing in at 976MB. Original Story: Time for your confusing story of the day kids. Today, Ubisoft's London office sent out a media alert letting the press know that the second anticipated GRAW 2 Co-op Collection pack has been released onto Xbox LIVE for 400 MS Points. The only thing is, it hasn't. Scouring Xbox Live Markeplace, at the time of this article, there is no sign of any downloadable co-op pack for the Tom Clancy-based hit -- other than the original co-op collection package. Loyal X3F Army soldiers will remember this isn't the first time Ubisoft's UK office jumped the gun on a GRAW 2 announcement. It looks like the release was premature, but it does answer some of the questions we had regarding the latest DLC for the critically acclaimed title. After releasing the first co-op collection for the hefty asking price of 800MS Points, Ubisoft throws out the latest expansion installment for half-price but doesn't skimp on the content. Adding five co-op missions that continue the story of the original DLC, 9 adversarial maps -- 7 remade from other games in the series and 2 new creations, and 8 brand new achievements to pad your gamerscore. We're waiting anxiously in the wings for Ubisoft to remind us that the shooter-war isn't just a two pony race. As soon as we learn the content has hit LIVE we'll let you know.
GRAW2 Co-op Collection 2 gets fully revealed
The achievements didn't lie, because today TeamXbox exclusively revealed yet another piece of GRAW2 downloadable content called Co-op Collection 2. Just like the Co-op Collection before it, this second set of DLC will feature five new missions (Bridges, Stronghold, Depot, Riverbed and Ghost Town), nine new adversarial maps (Bridges, Stronghold, Depot, Riverbed, Ghost Town, Roadblock, Island, Treatment Plant and Mining Camp) as well as eight additional achievements worth 125 Gamerscore. TeamXbox posted a pretty solid video preview of the Co-op Collection 2 which also tells us that the DLC can be downloaded right now off the XBLM. But after doing a quick XBLM look, no Co-op Collection 2 could be found. So, we'll just say release date and pricing are "pending".
New GRAW2 achievements means more DLC
For those of you who are still supporting the Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter then you'll be glad to know that a set of eight new achievements totaling an additional 125 Gamerscore have been added to GRAW2. Funny thing about that is can't unlock them yet. The list of eight new achievements come straight from the bowels of Xbox.com and correspond to various GRAW2 co-op mission completions as well as killing tasks on any "GRAW 2: CC map". But know that these achievements are not the same ones released with last year's GRAW2 Co-Op Collection DLC, these are freshly new and totally unannounced co-op missions. So, that means only one thing to us: more DLC. We expect these new achievements to correspond to another round of paid (or free) GRAW2 DLC that will be making its way to the XBLM soon'ish. You are on alert. [Thanks, Brad]
Design a level for Bionic Commando - Rearmed
Creating a game with XNA might be a great fit for the mathematically inclined but for those of us that know the closest we'd like to get to Pi is an eating contest, Capcom has a solution in the form of a contest. Gamers worldwide and over the age of 18 are being invited to design a challenge level for the upcoming XBLA, PSN and PC release of the NES remake, Bionic Commando: Rearmed. Leave your programing skills at the door, Capcom wants all submissions in the form of an image and the top prize will get both the level inserted into the game as well as your name added to the credits. Multiple entries are allowed and will be accepted until 11:59 Pacific standard time on March 12, 2008. We'll also throw in a shiny nickel for anyone who designs their winning entry as an homage to X3F. Hit the read link for complete deets on the competition. %Gallery-14199%
Size restrictions hurting Bionic Commando Rearmed XBLA release
Capcom can't catch a break with their XBLA line-up as yet another release seems to be suffering from the current 150MB size restriction. In an interview with 1UP, Bionic Commando Rearmed producer Ben Judd outlined issues the development team is having with getting the NES remake to fit onto the acceptable Microsoft limit. What does this mean for the XBLA version? Well, PS3 and PC versions of the upcoming remake may will have higher-resolution textures than their XBLA counterpart. When asked about the situation Microsoft seemed surprised by Capcom's trouble, "We raised our limit to 150 megs, which seems pretty darn great," said Microsoft's corporate VP of Xbox Live John Schappert. "I don't think it has limited our games in any way. Look at Rez HD. Look at Poker Smash. Look at Undertow. These are very, very, very good games." Schappert, however, remains optimistic that a solution is possible. "If we need to help them program their stuff, we have people on [XNA General Manager] Chris Satchell's team that fly around and help our dev teams out when they need it," Schappert explained. "[Capcom] knows someone's number at Xbox Live. I'm certainly willing to help them out." At it's core (pun!) the XBLA size limit issue is centered around the Arcade SKU which does not include the removable hard drive. The size limit, originally 50MB, was standardized in order to respect Xbox 360 owners who only have storage via a memory unit. We wonder though, since memory units range up to 512MB why isn't this limit increasing to facilitate heavily anticipated XBLA titles? Update: Clarified the statement from Ben Judd. Judd told 1UP that the XBLA version will in fact have lower-res textures than the PS3/PC versions. [via 1UP]
GDC08: Arms-on with Bionic Commando Rearmed
The clue is right there in the title really. Bionic Commando Rearmed is Bionic Commando, only a little different. For those out there who liked the original, your purchase decision is (and should be) made already. Those who have never played the game should really take up Rearmed's opportunity to do so. That's really all anyone needs to know, but it hardly makes for interesting hands-on impressions, so perhaps some more details are in order. First, it's definitely worth noting that the game looks great, especially for a downloadable title. Character animations are solid. Particle effects follow every bullet, shotgun blast, and grenade explosion. Individual shells eject from weapons as they're fired. All in all, it's very slick. %Gallery-14181%
GDC08: Bionic Commando has achievements and a story
While it's obvious the 360 version of Capcom's upcoming title Bionic Commando, revived from its classic NES game of the same name, will have achievements, the PS3 will have them too. Right now they're being referred to as "a similar trophy system", which we're sure is just going to get called "accomplishments" officially sooner or later. These will appear when you go through some mini-challenges, like defeating a certain number of a certain kind of enemy or performing certain moves back to back with your bionic arm of destruction. The story is getting a little hype by Capcom, too, saying there is a message behind the plot. The notion is that it will "explore the idea of man versus machine and comment on the frailty of the lead character when robbed of the power of the bionic arm." Yes, we all can identify with human fragility because we don't have a robotic arm that lets us swing around a city. It bothers us every single day.
GDC08: Bionic Commando Rearmed aims for May
Capcom is targeting May for a simultaneous release of Bionic Commando Rearmed on XBLA, PSN and PC, according to videogaming247. A company representative allegedly cited the date during a meeting with 247 in an off-site hotel suite. We'll confirm later today when Joystiq collides with Capcom. [Update: Confirmed!] Gallery: Bionic Commando Rearmed
Bionic Commando goes Alpha
Oh Bionic Commando, you're the series everyone wanted to see return and now we're all a little skeptical. We think you could be great, but we'd like to play you to find out for sure. Well, according to project producer Dan Thronström we can play you! We just need to be hired by Capcom between now and the time you release. On Thronström's IGN developer blog he writes that Bionic Commando is now internally playable in Alpha form. Trying to quiet fears that the series has shifted too heavily from its source material Thronström writes, "I can promise all the fans out there that they won't be disappointed with the result," later adding, "I am personally impressed with how much fun the game is to play now." We have confidence in a team that works on something with this much passion. Also, it helps that even if it doesn't meet our expectations Bionic Commando Rearmed looks 12-kinds of awesome.
Video: GRAW 2 co-op DLC
Hey, kids! Still playing that Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 game? Do you feel like you need something new? Maybe you saw the fancy, newfangled Co-op Collection content pack that was released yesterday, and maybe you found yourself wondering if it was worth 800 MS Points. You thought to yourself, "that's a lot of scratch," perhaps. Well, as usual, we're here to help. Ubisoft released a little teaser video that shows off all the levels available in the new content pack. The co-op campaign is comprised of 5 missions from previous Ghost Recon titles (3 from Ghost Recon, 2 from Ghost Recon: Island Thunder). The pack also includes four new adversarial maps, two of which are remakes of old favorites (Castle and Prison). Check out the video and see if it's worth opening your wallet.
X3F interviews Bionic Commando Rearmed producer
Can't get enough of Bionic Commando Rearmed, the 2D remake coming to PSN, XBLA, and PC? Head on over to Xbox 360 Fanboy and read their interview with Ben Judd, Capcom Japan's producer in charge of the Bionic Commando brand, to get the skinny on the production, their plans for the franchise, and the rationale for cutting out online co-op. %Gallery-14181%
X3F interview: Bionic Commando Rearmed's Ben Judd
Following the announcement of Bionic Commando Rearmed for Xbox Live Arcade, we jumped -- or should we say swung -- at the opportunity to pry more information out of Capcom. Thus, we cornered Ben Judd, Capcom Japan's Producer in charge of the Bionic Commando brand (must have been an easy job for the last 20 years or so) and shot him some questions. We cover a range of topics from the difficulties of making an old game relevant again to the unfortunate business that is offline only co-op. Find the interview after the jump. %Gallery-14199%
Grapple some Bionic Commando Rearmed screens
The announcement of Bionic Commando Rearmed for Xbox Live Arcade served as the most intriguing bit of news this week for many gamers. As such, we're happy to bring you a set of new screenshots from the game. You may peruse them in the gallery below. Sure, we'd like some more details on the game -- like when we can get our sweaty little meat hooks on it -- but we'll have to settle for the moment. We've also embedded a non-IGN version of the announcement trailer after the break. %Gallery-14199%
Screenshots: Bionic Commando Rearmed
After just a few short hours of exclusivity over at IGN, Capcom has unshackled the screenshots of Bionic Commando Rearmed upon a clamoring internet. Check 'em out in the gallery below, or enjoy the trailer in something besides IGN's awful player after the break. %Gallery-14181%
Bionic Commando Rearmed for XBLA and PSN is a looker
You've gotta hand it to the folks at Capcom, they've done gone and gotten us excited about Bionic Commando again. No, not the big-budget remake featuring Nathan (née Radd) Spencer (we're still not sold on that one), we're talking about the 2D remake bound for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network, revealed today by IGN to be Bionic Commando Rearmed. Just tossing an HD upgrade of the game onto either service wouldn't have piqued our interest quite the same way this reimagining has. Terrorists in this Bionic Commando? Nope, Hitler Master D and the Badds are back. Fancy three-dee graphics? Well, yes, but with that same old 2D gameplay you remember. Check out the video after the break to watch Radd do his swing-thing in motion.
Video: Bionic Commando Rearmed for XBLA (hint: it's awesome)
Okay, we're just going to come right out and say it: the Bionic Commando remake for Xbox Live Arcade looks more fun than the upcoming retail remake. That's our opinion, and we're sticking to it (until proven otherwise anyway). Entitled Bionic Commando Rearmed, it's based off of the NES classic and features scads (scads, we say!) of upgrades. First and foremost are the splendid 3D graphics complete with buttery smooth animation. Throw in new weapons (including grenades), new bionic arm abilities, and two player co-op and Capcom has basically created our single greatest childhood dream (yes, we were lonely children). Oh, but wait, there's more. It looks like Rearmed will unlock a new player skin for the retail Bionic Commando. The good news: you can drop the dreadlocks. The bad news: the original Bionic Commando didn't exactly have a great coif either. Hit the "read" link for a preview over at IGN. [Thanks, Tony]
Bionic Commando swing mechanics explained
GameTrailers has posted a three part developer walkthrough of Bionic Commando, giving would be commandos a better idea of what to expect from the game. Perhaps the largest revelation is that Bionic Commando will feature skill based swing mechanics. In other words, you can't simply hold down the swing button and expect your mighty commando to do the aiming for you. Nope, a special reticle for the bionic arm has to be aimed at whatever handily protruding piece of scenery you wish to grapple. The devs feel that the manual aimingsystem is ultimately more satisfying, though they admit that there is some leeway in how accurate players have to be. Looking decidedly less satisfying at this point is the combat. The demonstrators showed off one weapon (a pretty boring pistol) and some of the ways players can use the claw in combat. Sure, launching your foe in the air and filling him with bullets is great, but its tactical value is a bit suspect, especially considering your completely open to attacks from other enemies as you do so. That said, it's an early build and Capcom promises more weapons and more varied environments to keep things interesting. Let's hope so. Check out the remaining two videos after the break.
CES video presentation of Bionic Commando
Everything old is new again. Capcom's revival of the NES classic Bionic Commando caught many by surprise. How is development going? Well, that's what this presentation from the Consumer Electronics Show is all about. Strangely, after watching this video, the thing we're most excited about are the menus. Yes, that's some sexy GUI there. The rest of the video can be seen after the cut.
Bionic Commando community site is go
Seems like community sites are all the rage these days, and Bionic Commando didn't want to be left out of the party. The Bionic Commando community site is now live and features everything we've come to expect from such things. There's a developer blog, podcast, news, and downloadable goodies like the wallpaper you see above. Strangely absent is a link to any kind of forum. Still, it's got plenty of information for Bionic Commando fans to digest. Hit the "read" link to check it out.
Bionic Commando and his multi-purpose claw
We loved the original Bionic Commando. For the time, the claw and swinging dynamics were incredibly innovative. Nowadays, swinging has been done to death, and has arguably been perfected by Spider-Man 2 (it's backwards compatible, try it out). Honestly, in the original, all you could do with the claw was swing, grab power-ups, and mildly annoy enemies. So, what does the new Bionic Commando bring to the table? Take a gander at the video embedded above and find out. The new bionic arm can be used to hurl just about anything at enemies, though we're quite partial to random chunks of concrete. If you'd like to get more personal, you can always choke an enemy soldier as you casually blast some other baddies with your stupid normal arm. Or, you can pull something loose from above, letting it fall on hapless villains below. That's all well and good, but we can't help but feel that Capcom has overlooked a prime gameplay opportunity: long range tickling. [Via Joystiq]
