16-bit era homage best part of Bionic Commando demo

This article is over 15 years old and may contain outdated information

Recommended Videos

Capcom dropped its multiplayer demo for Bionic Commando today, exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. I have to admit, I couldn’t spend more than 10 minutes with the thing.

That mostly had to do with the fact that the game simply doesn’t allow you to create a private room, join a friend, or invite one to an existing game. Considering demos are meant to sell an experience (i.e. “Here’s a taste. You like it. Buy our full product!), this is a complete failure on Capcom’s part. Multiplayer games are best when enjoyed with friends or acquaintances, period.

For many people (myself included), trading blows with faceless opponents or foul-mouthed children is not on the daily to-do list. While the final game most certainly will include the ability to join friend’s games or create private sessions, leaving it out of a demo seems like a bad move. 

A good move: the game’s intro, which includes a Capcom logo and sound effect that will immediately be recognizable to anyone who was playing Capcom’s games during the 16-bit era. It’s an awesome nod to Capcom’s past — maybe some of its best days — indicative of the publisher’s current dedication to making new and cool products that connect with long-time fans. 

Also neat is Bionic Commando‘s menu, which seems to be inspired by thatgamecompany’s flOw. Set to a classical piano remix of a retro Bionic Commando theme, the music gets muffled and drowned out as you go deeper into the game’s menus. Very cool. And no, I’m not sure what that odd mechanical-snake-penis thing is. I suppose we’ll get more answers when the game ships in late May. 

Check out the video of the intro and the menu after the jump.


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author