A revolutionary action-platformer where jumping is impossible. The grappling hook is everything. Brilliant mechanic, inspired level design. One of the most inventive NES games, still perfectly playable.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player7+
Description
Run-and-gun in which Rad Spencer uses his bionic arm cable to grapple and battle. Published by Capcom, released in Europe in 1988. Bionic cable for swinging movement, varied weapons to collect, dense war levels and no jumping mechanic. European version of Capcom's Bionic Commando masterpiece on NES.
Bionic Commando review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Gameplay
"Masterful"
Giving up jumping to advance solely with the grappling arm upends every reflex and grounds a platformer of total originality. Swinging from platform to platform, once the move is mastered, delivers a heady satisfaction. Demanding to get the hang of, this classic retains a unique mechanic and a clever level design that have no equal.
A short European PAL print of the legendary Capcom title, prized for its place in the history of platform action without conventional jumping. PAL CIB in the fragile cardboard box gets hard to find in clean condition, and the German localisation renaming Hitler into 'Master-D' adds extra curiosity to the EU version. The cote climbs steadily, carried by Capcom NES aura.
Is Bionic Commando still worth playing in 2026?
Bionic Commando is a revolutionary Capcom action platformer where the jump is replaced by a grappling hook. The entire grammar of the game builds on that single radical choice, and the result is an experience of rare intelligence for 1988. Inspired level design, non-linear stages, a surprising story with its famously shocking ending and a memorable soundtrack make it one of the most creative NES titles ever made. Still perfectly playable today once you accept the learning curve. A must for ambitious 2D action fans.
