Bionic Commando (1987 video game)
| Industry | Video game development and publishing |
|---|---|
| Founded | May 30, 1979 in Osaka, Japan |
| Founder | Kenzo Tsujimoto |
| Products | Video games, including Bionic Commando |
| Website | www |
Bionic Commando, known in Japan as , is a 1987 arcade run-and-gun platformer created and released by Capcom. The game was designed by Tokuro Fujiwara, recognized for his work on Commando (1985) and Roc'n Rope (1983), and it expands upon the innovative "wire action" grappling hook mechanic. The soundtrack, composed by Harumi Fujita, utilized the Yamaha YM2151 sound chip. This release marked the beginning of the Bionic Commando franchise.
In the United States, it was promoted as a follow-up to Commando, with marketing materials identifying the hero as Super Joe, although in other markets he remained an unnamed operative within a special commando unit.
Players assume control of a commando outfitted with a bionic arm equipped with a grappling gun that enables swinging or pulling across barriers, as the ability to jump is disabled. This distinctive gameplay element sets it apart from conventional platform titles.
The game was adapted for various home systems by Software Creations (UK) and distributed by Go!. Additionally, Capcom developed a separate home version for the Nintendo Entertainment System under the same name.
Plot
Taking place a decade after an unspecified global conflict, the storyline centers on a commando assigned to penetrate an enemy stronghold to thwart a missile launch by destroying its control computer. Ultimately, the player faces off against the enemy commander, who is protected by armed guards.
Gameplay
Featuring side-scrolling with eight-directional scrolling capabilities, the gameplay revolves around a unique approach where jumping is disabled. Instead, players utilize a mechanical arm to grapple onto ledges, gather power-ups, and attack foes. Rewards such as points and power-ups are contained in crates suspended from parachutes that must be shot to release their contents. Unlike later installments in the series, the arm cannot be operated while firing weapons or when airborne, and enhancements are limited solely to weapon upgrades.
Ports
The title was ported to several home platforms including MS-DOS, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, and Atari ST. The Commodore 64 had two distinct versions: one produced by Capcom for the US market and another by Software Creations for the UK. Certain editions featured an additional stage involving enemy helicopters. U.S. Gold published the UK home computer versions. The music for ZX Spectrum, Atari ST, Amiga, and PAL versions of Commodore 64 was arranged by Tim Follin using a sound driver created by Stephen Ruddy.
Reception
In Japan, Game Machine listed Bionic Commando as the fifth highest-grossing arcade table unit in April 1987. By 1989, U.S. Gold's home computer edition sold 70,000 copies in the UK, making it their top-selling Capcom title at that time.
Home conversions generally received mixed to favorable critiques. The ZX Spectrum version was especially well-received, earning high marks from Your Sinclair (9/10) and CRASH (92%). It also secured the Best 8-bit Soundtrack award at the Golden Joystick Awards.
Kurt Kalata of Hardcore Gaming 101 lauded Bionic Commando for its inventive grappling hook mechanic that replaces traditional jumping in platformers, describing it as "totally brilliant" and emphasizing its distinctive gameplay challenge.
Legacy
In October 2007, Rudy Chavez from Los Angeles, California achieved the highest recorded score for Bionic Commando, reaching a total of 2,251,090 points.
An emulated version of this arcade title is included in Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 1 available on PlayStation 2 and Xbox, along with its appearance in Capcom Classics Collection Remixed for the PlayStation Portable.