When it was released in 1988 on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Bionic Commando continued the story of the arcade game released in the Spring of '87; which only shared the same name of the original outside of Japan. In the home version of Bionic Commando, players took on the role of Radd Spencer a soldier tasked with rescuing Super Joe - the protagonist from the Capcom title, Commando. What separated Radd from other heroes was his bionic arm that was used to navigate through the world by swinging in lieu of the ability to jump.

As years progressed Bionic Commando became a staple of quality in Capcom's back catalog alongside other classic franchises as Street Fighter and Mega Man. More than 20 years since its debut, Capcom has returned to the classic franchise with two titles, a big budget release on consoles and PC this fall and a complete overhaul of the NES classic as a downloadable title for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. While all versions share a similar experience overall, each release offers bonus content that Big Versus felt required an explanation. Swing into action because this is Big Versus: Bionic Commando Rearmed.


Regardless of which platform you select Bionic Commando Rearmed immediately catches players off guard with its style. Sporting a soft cell-shaded coat over the classic experience of the 1988 console original, developer Grin continues the Capcom tradition of revamping fan favorite franchises (recently with Mega Man: Powered Up! and later this year with the Street Fighter HD Remix release). Playing through each version of the game offers a similar visual experience that many would be hard pressed to choose an overall victor.

Not wanting to simply rehash the music from the aging classic, Capcom decided to remix the original music of Bionic Commando so it too felt as slick and colorful as the new look of the game. Spinning the original music into a more techno vibe may leave some purists grinding their teeth at first but the sound design rounds out the package as a worthy focus during the development of the downloadable title.

Here is where the similarities of each version of the game ends. While all three titles are worthy of their asking price ($10 on console, $15 on PC), each release deviates in terms of control and features.

During your first encounter with the PS3 version of Bionic Commando Rearmed players will immediately enjoy the controllers ease of use during more complex areas throughout the game. The Xbox 360 version is a different story because, like it or not, the Xbox 360 d-pad was made in the inferno of controller Hell. Sure, some will disagree with me but in my personal experience with the Xbox 360 version I felt like I was being constantly punished when I would use the d-pad or the analog stick. Make no mistake -- read, I'm not saying it's broken -- the Xbox 360 controller will grow on you as you learn the tight adjustments required while playing the game. On PC, gamers have the ability to play with either the keyboard or a controller, and both work well (unless your controller is the Xbox 360 controller, that is). Once the initial shock wears off from the controller differences you'll come to accept any version as a welcome addition to your library but it's important to note there is a difference between the three. But, if you are having issues we recommend the PS3 and PC versions over the Xbox 360 for control.

As far as content goes, each version sports the exact same single-player experience and local multiplayer (that's right online fans, no internet based swinging for you!). The difference comes in when discussing the extra modes included in the package. Xbox 360 owners will be treated to a wide range of challenge rooms -- a complex collection of "Point A to Point B" rooms that force players to utilize all their bionic skills -- and achievements.

The PlayStation 3 version includes the same challenge rooms including one additional room, a small extra but an extra nonetheless.

The PC version of Bionic Commando Rearmed will receive an unnumbered amount of challenge rooms in a future and free patch (which Capcom says will make up for the extra $5 being charged for the version) -- so, while the game currently shares the same content as the Xbox 360 version it will soon be the most fleshed out experience overall.

The PlayStation 3 version also includes the option to play Bionic Commando Rearmed on a PSP via the PS3 Remote Play feature -- probably the coolest addition to any version of the game. One of the biggest knocks against the PC version is the availability of the title. Currently the game is only available for download on GamersGate, Direct2Drive and on Capcom's own digital store. While the game was originally slated to release on Valve's popular service, last minute negotiations fell through and the game was removed as a Steam release. Swing us into disappointment land (sorry, that was the best swing pun I could think of).

Overall there are plenty of reasons to experience Bionic Commando Rearmed on any platform. The Xbox 360 includes achievements if that's your cup-of-tea, PS3 sports an extra challenge room and the super cool PSP connectivity and the PC version will soon include exclusive challenge rooms. Personally we're sticking with the PS3 version for the PSP functionality for Rearmed action on the go -- which can be played via Wi-Fi. However, as we mentioned in the latest edition of the Big Download Podcast (BigCast 008), as soon as modders add online co-op into the game we'll be drawn to the glow of our monitors like flies to a lamp on a hot, dark night.