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Bionic Commando Rearmed (XBLA/PSN)

Capcom didn't stop at SFIITHDR when it was handing out the high-def makeovers. The company also upgraded its side-scrolling classic Bionic Commando with impressive new graphics and sound. Instead of redrawn sprites, Bionic Commando Rearmed uses freshly modeled 3D graphics to give itself that next-gen shine. The old swing-and-shoot action of the original game stays intact, but with gorgeous, fluid, high-def graphics.

While it stays very close to the original Bionic Commando, Capcom wasn't afraid to make some tweaks and refinements to the gameplay. Players could now use their bionic arm to grab and throw enemies and objects, adding a new set of strategies for getting through the levels. Boss battles and even some levels were completely redesigned, often to take advantage of the new mechanics. Capcom also added a series of challenge rooms, short levels often filled with remarkable difficult jumps and puzzles.

Capcom recently released a new Bionic Commando game, for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. Unfortunately, this new Bionic Commando disappointed fans with its unforgiving difficulty curve, awkward controls, and bland, irritating level design. It seems like a polar opposite to its downloadable cousin; Bionic Commando Rearmed is a steal at $10 and stands up as one of the best examples of putting out a retro game on a modern console, while the new Bionic Commando demonstrates how not to make a sequel of a classic game.