GamesRadar - Bionic Commando Rearmed - Xbox Live Arcade

Summer Of Arcade Massive Success (News)

Sep 26, 2008

Kotaku reports: So Microsoft's Xbox 360 Summer of Arcade promotion has come and gone, a five-week blitz of the best that Xbox Live Arcade has to offer, all part of a commitment made by the company at E3 to shift their focus more towards quality rather than quantity. According to a media alert issued today by Microsoft, the push was a massive success, with a 58% increase in Xbox Live members purchasing games over the course of the month, shattering the monthly revenue high for XBLA by 67%.

Out of the games released, Castle Crashers is being heralded as a stand-out title for all of XBLA, while Braid wound up as the highest-rating XBLA title of all time, with Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 and Bionic Commando: Rearmed also making the top 10. That leaves poor Galaga Legions. There there, little retro redux. We still love you...just not as much. Hit the jump for the full text of the press alert!

10 reasons why having a real bionic arm would be the best thing ever (Feature)

Sep 18, 2008

Enjoy 10 barely serviceable pictures illustrating why we think a real Bionic Arm would be the Best Thing Ever ...

Bionic Commando devs called 'arseholes' by rivals (News)

Sep 17, 2008

Bionic Commando Rearmed has set the "gold standard" for downloadable games, the game's producer has claimed.

Capcom's Ben Judd, producer on the Bionic Commando series, told VideoGamer.com that the Xbox LIVE, PSN and PC remix of the classic NES game has led to developers calling Capcom "arseholes" because of the high quality and cheap price of the game.

He said: "We've actually got phone calls from other developers saying 'you arseholes, now because you've made a game at such high quality and priced it at $10, now that's the gold standard. If we try and put out a game for $15 people are going to say, well what about Bionic Commando Rearmed? What if we put out a game that's just meta emulated, they're going say we're being greedy'. Because we've raised the bar to that level now we've got other developers on their toes, where they should be. There's a lot of potential there, but right now people are being too damn lazy. They're not paying the respect to the old classic games that they should."

Bionic Commando producer: 'Bioshock was easy as hell' (News)

Sep 17, 2008

In an interview with VideoGamer.com, Ben Judd said that gamers now only want to die "once or twice" in games.

When we asked the Capcom producer if he reckons games are too easy on gamers these days, Judd replied: "Yes, I do. I think that if you look at one of the highest praised games of last year, BioShock, BioShock was easy as Hell, I don't care what anybody says. That's what people want. They want to play through it. They want to die once or twice. It's like an interactive movie, sort of. Gamers have lost their will to continually drill down on something."

TalkRadar 16 (Feature)

Aug 29, 2008

Say hello to our brand-new TalkRadar template! Now each and every podcast has its own page, making it searchable and comment-able for our everlovin’ fanbase. This week we welcome Scott Butterworth from PlayStation: The Official Magazine, discuss dudes who look like chicks and answer more questions from the listeners. ...

Bionic Commando Rearmed contest (Feature)

Aug 28, 2008

All gamers in need of a tough-as-balls challenge absolutely have to check out Bionic Commando Rearmed. It’s a badass recreation of a classic NES title, sure, but stands tall today as one of the best games we’ve played all summer. Part of the fun stems from the 56 challenge rooms that put your arm-swinging skills to the ultimate test – oh wait, make that 57 rooms. ...

Ben Judd Responds to Bionic Commando Text Issues (News)

Aug 26, 2008

Capcom's Ben Judd, Producer of the new Bionic Commando games, responds to some concerns regarding smaller text in the recent Bionic Commando Rearmed and how this might affect the next-gen sequel.

Bionic Commando Rearmed tops 110,000 downloads (News)

Aug 23, 2008

Bionic Commando series producer Ben Judd, in a posting at the official Bionic Commando blog today, revealed that Rearmed has topped the 110,000 mark in worldwide sales since its release last week. He describes this as a relative success.

BC Rearmed: Secret Challenge Room Codes (News)

Aug 22, 2008

Gearoid Reidy writes: "Waaaaay back in the day, we ran a little competition over at our Capcom-Unity site to allow people just like you to design a Challenge Room for Rearmed. Now the game is virtually in your hands, you have a chance to sample to work of one of our most dedicated fans for yourself!

The winner was Aaron Sedillo, whose Challenge Room design got just the right balance between "possible" and "wow, these wireless controllers really go far when you throw them, huh?".

To access the hidden Challenge Room, just enter the following code at the title screen, where the BCR logo is shown, before the intro starts again. You can use the D-pad or the analogue stick for the directions, and they'll work on the PC version too, provided you have a controller."

Even more room codes after the jump.

Major Nelson in Bionic Commando: Rearmed (News)

Aug 18, 2008

In a podcast interview this week, Capcom revealed that they have included Xbox Live's Major Nelson in the Xbox 360 version of Bionic Commando: Rearmed. He can be found in one of the Challenge Stages. Gamers who get to the stage will be able to view an 8-bit version of Major as well as a special message from him. The image below is not of Major Nelson. It's some other important historical figure.

Capcom Still Has "Ace Up Its Sleeve" For Bionic Commando (News)

Aug 16, 2008

Kotaku writes: "And not any ace, says Bionic Commando producer Ben Judd in his ear wax shirt, but a "fucking ace". At a small event for the launch of Bionic Commando: Rearmed, Judd said that the downloadable title was doing way better than it had been targeted. "There were people at Capcom who told me not to make this game," Judd said. While BC:R is doing well, Judd says that it won't do nearly as well as the upcoming 3D version, which has apparently gotten a recent control tweak to make the game less frustrating."

Xbox Live Marketplace Update: Wednesday 13th August 2008 (News)

Aug 13, 2008

Console Monster writes: "Today's Xbox Live Marketplace Update is jam-packed full of content. Here is the update for Wednesday 13th August 2008:

Name: Bionic Commando: Rearmed
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions

Name: Fable II Pub Games
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions except Portugal

Name: Battlefield Bad Company - Conquest Mode Trailer
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox Live Regions..."

Bionic Commando Rearmed – Xbox Live Arcade (Review)

Aug 13, 2008

Capcom is in real danger of shooting itself in the foot here. As well as its big-budget re-imagining of Bionic Commando, it is also releasing Bionic Commando Rearmed as a cheaply-priced download. ...

Bionic Commando Rearmed - Xbox Live Arcade (Screenshots)

Aug 12, 2008

Bionic Commando Rearmed gets more content on PC - Gamers will get free DLC (News)

Aug 12, 2008

Videogamer writes: "Capcom has gone some way to calm PC gamers angered by recent news which confirmed Bionic Commando Rearmed will be $5 more expensive on PC.

Yes, PC gamers will be asked to cough-up more money up front, but free PC-specific downloadable content will be offered.

"I can give you a song and dance about PC digital content being more expensive as a general rule... but nobody wants to hear that crap. I can say this: for the PC version we are planning on uploading some additional PC-only challenge rooms via a free patch so you will get more bang for your buck," Bionic Commando Rearmed producer Ben Judd explained."

10 games that need the Mega Man 9 treatment (Feature)

Aug 12, 2008

Pardon our geekboners, but holy f**k Mega Man 9! Instead of dragging our boyhood hero through any more tired Star Forces or Battle Networks, those understanding folks at Capcom are giving us the Mega Man game we’ve always wanted.

What took ya so long? And more importantly, why haven’t other games turned to their pixilated roots when MM9 is making it look so damned easy? Tecmo Bowl is about to rise ...

Bionic Commando Rearmed - Making of (Video)

Aug 11, 2008

'Bionic Commando' Gets PhysX Support (News)

Aug 11, 2008

Worthplaying Reports:

"Capcom is extremely excited to work with GRIN to bring the world-class franchise of Bionic Commando into the 21st century," said Ben Judd, producer of Bionic Commando at Capcom. "Capcom has also always been strong partners with NVIDIA and with Bionic Commando we are taking things to a new level by adding GPU-accelerated PhysX to increase the title's realism."

"Physics is changing the industry. We evaluated all of the commercial physics systems out there for gaming, and the choice was easy," said Bo Andersson, CEO at GRIN Entertainment. "NVIDIA PhysX runs faster than other solutions and it works across PCs and consoles, which is important to us because Bionic Commando will ship on all major platforms. We believe PhysX will help make the game seem even more lifelike and immersive."

Bionic Commando Rearmed Release/Pricing Confirmed (News)

Aug 7, 2008

Gearoid Reidy of bioniccommando.com writes: "Finally! It gives us great pleasure to officially announce that Bionic Commando Rearmed will launch worldwide from next week. Here are those all-important dates and prices: "

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Achievements (News)

Aug 6, 2008

Good morning all, we got the achievements for the upcoming XBLA release - Bionic Commando: Rearmed. You can earn 12 achievements for 200 points.

The game features some achievements like obtain every weapon and weapon upgrade, another Geometry War pacifism like achievement where you can't shoot for the first 12 levels, and clearing the game on hard for a measly 5 points. The full list embedded below!

SDCC 08: Bionic Commando Panel Report (News)

Aug 4, 2008

Capcom Producer Ben Judd led a panel of folks who were each somehow involved with Bionic Commando and/or Bionic Commando Rearmed this evening at the San Diego Comic-Con. During the gathering, the crew showcased the trailer from E3 and went through the things that they wanted to keep in the Bionic Commando remake (cheesy dialogue, control mechanics, and the music) and what they wanted to dump (namely, the unforgiving gameplay that demanded perfection).

Xbox Live Arcade Summer Release Calendar Announced (News)

Jul 28, 2008

Wondering when Castle Crashers, Bionic Commando Braid and Galaga Legions are hitting Xbox Live? Wonder no longer.

Bionic Commando Rearmed set for August 13th on XBLA (News)

Jul 28, 2008

DarkZero: It seems Bionic Commando Rearmed has finally got a date, and should hit XBLA on August 13th. The news comes direct from Xbox Japan as they've let slip the date on the games splash page on their official site. As of yet it has not been confirmed if the game will hit US and Europe on the same day, but it is very likely to happen as most big games are usually released on the same day worldwide.

Bionic Commando Rearmed delayed (News)

Jul 25, 2008

DarkZero: Famitsu have reported that Bionic Commando Rearmed, a game which was expected to drop on 360, PS3, and PC very soon has being hit with a delay. No solid reason was given for the delay, but due to the games mature rating some believe it could be running into problems getting certified to be made available for download. This however has not been confirmed by any of the parties involved.

Castle Crashers, Galaga Legions, more on XBLA in 4-6 weeks (News)

Jul 19, 2008

During our guided demo of Microsoft's upcoming stable of XBLA games, Microsoft's Scott Austin informed us that all the games on display would be available in the next four to six weeks on Xbox Live Arcade. All of 'em. If you've been reading the impressions on Joystiq, you'll know that this a reason to be excited.

Bionic Commando Rearmed's PS3-Only Features (Remote Play Is Go) (News)

Jul 10, 2008

Bionic Commando Rearmed might be coming to both Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network, but that's not to say both versions are identical. Capcom's Ben Judd has teased that they have a "VERY cool surprise for those of you who purchase the PSN version". So not cool, then, but VERY cool. Guess that'll be revealed next week. Something revealed today, however, is the fact the game will also support Remote Play via your PSP, which really, is as VERY cool a surprise as we need.

Captivate 08 blow-out (News)

Jun 5, 2008

In case you missed what transpired during their various presentations, the guys at the Capcom US blog have provided a handy blow-out with videos, screenshots and articles on every title mentioned.

What a dog eating a melon has to do with Bionic Commando Rearmed's 'M' rating (News)

Jun 4, 2008

Destructoid writes: "Ask producer Ben Judd what two things Bionic Commando fans think made the game great, and the first will be the game's swing mechanic. The second, as he puts it, "will no doubt be a certain dictator's head exploding."
"We had to give them the money shot," Judd tells me of the Xbox LIVE Arcade/PlayStation Network remake, Bionic Commando Rearmed. "And it really does feel like a money shot, because those five seconds are what gave it that [M] rating. We've cut those five seconds from the Japanese version and it got a B rating, which is like 12. It's a 2D game with an M rating for five seconds. Booya."

Bionic Commando Rearmed - sewer station (Video)

Jun 3, 2008

Bionic Commando Rearmed - secret mountain base (Video)

Jun 3, 2008

Bionic Commando stories tie together (News)

Jun 3, 2008

Eurogamer writes: "Bionic Commando producer Ben Judd has told Eurogamer to expect elements of the re-imagined XBLA, PSN and PC game, Bionic Commando Rearmed, to fill out the back-story of next year's 3D game.

"We intentionally put in some nuggets in the story that later tie into the 3D version," Judd told Eurogamer.

"You'll talk to some characters that will ask Spencer about his wife and he'll say, 'my wife left me, I don't why she left me - maybe she just couldn't handle a military man and that lifestyle'."

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Soundtrack Now Available (News)

May 28, 2008

According to the main site the soundtrack for the upcoming Bionic Commando: Rearmed is now available to those who are interested.

Bionic Commando: Rearmed Misses Previously Scheduled May Release (News)

May 28, 2008

Looks as if the highly anticipated game Bionic Commando: Rearmed scheduled for release on PSN/XBL misses the previously announced May release. This was learned via the website through the communicator. They seem to be working out the final bugs still before the final release. To see the full article click the link.

Capcom Tackles Comics Once Again with Bionic Commando and Lost Planet (News)

May 23, 2008

So, it seems Capcom not only wants to "do with games what Marvel did with comics," but it looks like they want to do with comics what Marvel did with comics, too.

Four comics are on the way, and so far, two have been named in Bionic Commando and Lost Planet. Published by Devil's Due, these two comics, plus the identities of the remaining two, will make their debut soon at the San Diego Comic Con.

Capcom Reveals Bionic Commando Rearmed Multiplayer Feature (News)

Apr 25, 2008

Capcom once hinted at a possible multiplayer feature in Bionic Commando Rearmed, but today they confirm it. See a video from Capcom featuring writers from Destructoid, Gamespot and IGN in a multiplayer duel.

Bionic Commando Rearmed, Rated M For Mature (News)

Apr 15, 2008

Bionic Commando's side-scrolling revival, coming to the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Store, gets a Mature (M) rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Bionic Commando Rearmed won't reach the wide audience it was originally intended for. M Rated downloadable games are the minority on the Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Store.

Could this sabotage Capcom and developer GRIN's attempt at reviving the game for a new generation? Can Capcom make profit on the game that the community voted to go for $10 (rather than $15)?

Bionic Commando Rearmed 'closing in' (News)

Apr 11, 2008

Simon Viklund, creative director at Bionic Commando Rearmed development studio Grin, has hinted that we should see the time relatively soon.

"The final date for completing Bionic Commando Rearmed is closing in," he posts on the company's official blog.

"We're stabilizing the game and polishing all the details now, and soon this product of almost a year of late nights and hard work will ship to a digital distribution channel ...

Bionic Commando Rearmed: New Tunes (News)

Apr 1, 2008

Capcom Producer Ben Judd writes:

"Holy shi *fiddlesticks!*!!!

Our man in Sweden, Simon Viklund, the director of Rearmed has just sent me a couple of new pieces of in-game music for Rearmed. The map music and the level 12 music.

I probably shouldn't spend time on posts about something as minor as a couple of in-game songs but HAWT DAMN, these songs are fantastic. You can totally hear the retro vibe in them yet they have just enough new backbeats that the old tunes don't grate on your ears."

Bionic Commando Rearmed Priced (News)

Mar 18, 2008

Gamers won't have to dig deep into their pockets to play GRIN's upcoming Bionic Commando remake this May.

Bionic Commando Rearmed will cost 800 Microsoft Points ($10) on Xbox Live, and a flat ten bucks on the PlayStation Store, according to a post on GRIN's official blog.

It was also announced that the PC version will be sold through several digital distribution outlets, though no price was listed for that particular edition.

Bionic Commando Rearmed new trailer and screenshots (News)

Mar 14, 2008

New Bionic Commando Rearmed trailer and some screenshots

Bionic Commando Producer Chimes In About XBLA Limits (News)

Mar 14, 2008

Kotaku writes: "Microsoft's willing to bend the rules! As posted earlier, the 150 MB file limit that's standard for Xbox LIVE Arcade titles has been ditched for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Bionic Commando Rearmed. This ensures that Xbox 360 owners and PS3 owners don't get vastly different games. Does this mean Microsoft is setting a new policy? That the 150 MB limit is a thing of the past? For not, probably not. Though, Bionic Commando producer Ben Judd does think it's important for Microsoft to look at each Arcade title individually. Says Judd:

"It would be nice if they would adapt a policy of determining what the size limit would be based on the concepts submissions they are getting in. With BCR it features 20 different levels, 20 enemies, multiple attacks, next-gen shadows, scripting, 50 challenge stages, lots of sound effects, hi-res art from CJ's best artist, etc, etc. If you put that much in you just need more space if you are shooting for HD quality graphics as well. On the other hand, I don't think a game like Tetris (even if it is HD) would require as must space as say an MGS game due to it's huge amount of voice."

Capcom Earns File Size Bump (News)

Mar 13, 2008

From IGN,

"Both Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Bionic Commando Rearmed will exceed 150MB. Capcom said that Rearmed holds far too much content to fit the current limits. To meet standards, Rearmed would need to shed some of the bonus material that would still appear on the PlayStation Network and PC versions. According to Capcom, SFII could not run in 1080p if not for Microsoft loosening the file size cap."

Bionic Commando: Chain of Command Comic to Link Games Together (News)

Mar 10, 2008

With Bionic Commando and its prequel, Bionic Commando Rearmed, both on the way to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, the folks at Capcom thought that it might be a good idea to tie the two games together a little more closely than they're already doing.

And so, to that end they're creating an official webcomic known as Bionic Commando: Chain of Command. According to The Bionic Commando Newswire, the comic will be updated on a weekly basis every Wednesday.

Bionic Commando to hold design-a-Level contest (News)

Mar 2, 2008

Developer wannabes looking to get their fill once LittleBigPlanet releases, can fill the void in the meantime as Capcom will be holding a design-a-level contest for the upcoming release of Bionic Commando: Rearmed, with the winning design being featured as an in-game level.

CVG: Design a level for Bionic Commando: Rearmed (News)

Feb 28, 2008

CVG reports that Capcom has kicked off a cool little contest for its great-looking XBLA, PSN and PC download remake Bionic Commando: Rearmed.

Players are being challenged to design their own grapple-swinging levels for the platformer, with the chance of getting your creation featured in the final game - AND dibs in the credits (ultimate bragging rights).

The contest is a cool way to get the community involved in one of the best looking upcoming download games. Entries should be sent on the back of a postcard by March 12.

XBOX Live Marketplace (22nd February 2008) (News)

Feb 23, 2008

Here's today's XBOX Live Marketplace Update.

Bully: Scholarship Edition Picture Pack
Price: 80 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Asia
Description: Download this picture pack. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Gears of War 2: Crimson Picture Pack
Price: Free
Availability: Everywhere except Germany and Japan
Description: These exclusive gamer pics were released in conjunction with the Gears of War 2 announcement at the 2008 Game Developers Conference

Bionic Commando Rearmed - hands-on (Preview)

Feb 21, 2008

For every new game concept that arrives (Gears, Lost Planet, etc.), there's usually at least one classic franchise reboot the same year. Updating lost loves like Metal Gear, Ninja Gaiden and Rygar has been extremely profitable for all involved, so it's no surprise that finally, with hardly any NES properties left to mine, Bionic Commando gets a chance to be reborn. But before we take control of a grappling-hook-armed soldier in 3D, we'll all ...

GDC: Bionic Commando Rearmed simultaneous on PSN, XBLA and PC in May (News)

Feb 21, 2008

Capcom's upcoming remake of the grapply NES shooter Bionic Commando should be released in May.

That's according to a Capcom representative who spoke to videogaming247 in the publisher's flashy hotel suite in San Francisco today.

Said representative added that it should launch on PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade and PC at the same time.

Capcom: How much are you willing to pay for BC Rearmed? $10 or $15? (News)

Feb 19, 2008

Capcom's Ben Judd writes, "If you've listened to the most recent podcast, you will no doubt have heard us discussing a very important issue concerning Bionic Commando Rearmed - the price.

We've created Rearmed as an homage to the original game. It was supposed to be about showing gamers who hadn't played the original what they were missing, while trying to bring some of the older gamers back into that classic gaming magic of yesteryear. However, along the way the team and I fell in love with the game and ended up putting a lot more time, effort, and money into the project than initially planned. Personally, since the goal is to make this game for the fans and to get the world to see what makes Bionic Commando so special, I want to sell it for about US$10."

Street Fighter IV and both Bionic Commando titles for GDC (News)

Feb 12, 2008

The arcade build of Street Fighter IV - the same as that being shown at this week's AOU show in Japan - is to be shown at GDC next week, VG247 can confirm. The game will be playable.

In addition, both the 3D, next-gen remake Bionic Commando and the anticipated XBLA remake Bionic Commando Rearmed are to be shown. The former will be demoed, but will not be playable. The latter is likely to be playable, but hasn't been confirmed just yet.

IGN Welcomes Official Bionic Commando Blog (News)

Jan 22, 2008

Ben Judd, Producer at Capcom writes: "Welcome to the Bionic Commando Developer Blog. If you've taken the plunge and decided to give us some of your valuable time in order to read this blog, you either have too much time on your hands or are a huge fan of Bionic Commando. Either way, we're happy to have you at the site.

Bionic Commando is a project that only came to fruition thanks to the fans along the way who knew a good thing when they saw it. Bionic Commando is also a concept I have always had unyielding belief in, so we are really putting our time, energy, and love into this community site because without you, the community, Bionic Commando wouldn't be around today".

Bionic Commando Rearmed Hit's Xbox Live And PSN (News)

Jan 18, 2008

The Bitbag writes, "Well we saw this coming a mile away. Bionic Commando in HD?!? This is definitely a must have title for your Xbox 360 Arcade or PSN."

Sort Of Invincibility (Glitch)

Sep 2, 2008

Go to GamesRadar to see the Glitch ...

GamesRadar Secret Challenge Rooms (Cheat)

Sep 2, 2008

Go to GamesRadar to see the Cheat ...

IGN Secret Challenge Room (Cheat)

Sep 2, 2008

Go to GamesRadar to see the Cheat ...

Other Challenge Rooms (Unlockable)

Sep 2, 2008

Go to GamesRadar to see the Unlockable ...

Achievements (Unlockable)

Aug 14, 2008

Go to GamesRadar to see the Unlockable ...

Retro Outfit (Cheat)

Aug 14, 2008

Go to GamesRadar to see the Cheat ...