Bionic Commando (US set 1)
Bionic Commando (US set 1) - Platformer Classic
Bionic Commando landed in arcades back in 1987, developed and published by Capcom. This US set 1 version was the one most American players encountered in coin-ops. It's a side-scrolling action game that blends platforming and shooting, but instead of jumping the player uses a mechanical arm to swing and climb. The game stood out immediately for its unconventional movement system, which defined the whole experience.
You control a commando who can't jump at all. The bionic arm extends to grab ledges, overhead bars, and certain surfaces, letting you swing across gaps or hoist yourself up. Combat involves shooting enemies with your standard gun or charged shots. Stages scroll horizontally, and you work through enemy-filled bases and outdoor areas. The arm has a learning curve because you have to aim diagonally or upward to latch onto things, but once it clicks the movement feels fluid and rewarding.
What makes this title worth revisiting is its bold design choice. While most run-and-gun games of the era relied on jumps, Bionic Commando forced players to think vertically and manage momentum. It's not as fast-paced as Contra, but the tactical swinging lends a unique rhythm. Even if the visuals and sound feel dated now, the core mechanic still feels fresh. It's a great piece of arcade history that shows Capcom experimenting beyond standard formulas.
How to Play Bionic Commando (US set 1) Online
Getting Started
Drop a coin (press Enter for Start) and you're thrown into the first stage. You cannot jump. Immediately experiment with the bionic arm: press and hold the attack button to fire the grappling hook, then use the D-Pad to aim. The arm will latch onto any horizontal or vertical surface that is marked with a small cross or that is clearly a grapple point. Release the button to let go. To swing, aim diagonally upward at a ledge overhead, then press the attack button again while holding the D-Pad in the direction you want to move.
Your basic weapon is a machine gun, but you can also charge a shot by holding the attack button. Enemies come in waves - soldiers, turrets, and flying drones. Shooting while swinging is possible but takes practice. The core loop is: clear enemies, grapple your way through the stage, find the boss at the end, and defeat it to move on. Pay attention to the HUD for health and weapon energy. If you run out of lives, the game ends - no continues unless the machine is set to allow them. The US set 1 includes the standard difficulty settings found in most arcade cabinets.
Bionic Commando (US set 1) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Z: Button 3
- A: Button 4
- Q: Button 5
- E: Button 6
- Enter: Start / 1P
- V: Coin / Insert
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