Bionic Commando Multiplayer Revealed

via IGN


Capcom's rebirth of the Bionic Commando franchise arrives this fall in the form of a 3D action game on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. This just in: You won't have to swing alone. At its 2008 "Captivate" event, Capcom finally gave some details on the multiplayer component in BC, though only single-player was demoed.

The multiplayer in BC is set prior to the events of the single-player campaign. Gamers play as test subjects giving a revolutionary new grappling weapon a go in various combat arenas. Not only does this give some context to the BC single-player storyline, but it also allows developer GRIN to alter some of the game mechanics to fit multiplayer. See, this way they can say, "Hey, this is what the prototype was like." According to GRIN, the single-player gameplay just didn't quite fit multiplayer and has undergone some tweaks.

Don't worry, you still get to swing around with a grappling hook. But it's combat functionality will be slightly different than in single-player. Rather than having a fully replaced bionic arm like BC hero Nathan Spencer, multiplayer has players in colorful powered suits.

Expect the standard set of multiplayer modes, including Deathmatch and Capture the Flag. The difference, of course, is that you get to swing around -- something we haven't really seen in a multiplayer game before. In fact, there are going to be some cool tandem moves for those willing to experiment in team modes. If your buddy is swinging, you can attach your bionic arm to him (don't ask where) and swing off him, allowing you to get a greater arc and therefore greater loft to get to otherwise unreachable places.

There will be boundaries to arenas and places where you can fall to your death. In fact, if you get knocked off a platform, you will have one shot to hook your grapple or it's bye-bye for you.

GRIN promises that multiplayer is "a lot of fun." It certainly has that potential. But we won't know for certain until we get our hands on MP, something that will likely occur at E3 2008 in mid-July.