Original Bionic Commando officially Rearmed

Last October, Capcom announced that it was bringing the Bionic Commando franchise back for a next-gen sequel. Some traditionalists may have balked at the series' move to 3D, the redesigned main character, or the game's darker tone. Those same doubters may be more interested in another project in the franchise the publisher just announced.

This spring, the original NES Bionic Commando game will be remade as a downloadable title for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Titled Bionic Commando Rearmed, the game will preserve the basics of the 2D side-scrolling original's gameplay, with revamped graphics, additional weapons, new music, a two-player cooperative mode, and online rankings.

Capcom also narrowed down the release date of its previously announced Bionic Commando follow-up, saying it would follow the downloadable offering later in 2008. On top of that, gamers who play through Bionic Commando Rearmed will be able to unlock extra content in the new Bionic Commando game when it comes out.

The publisher has tapped Toshiaki Mori to design Bionic Commando Rearmed's art, and Swedish studio GRIN, the same shop behind the next-gen sequel, is handling development of the remake.