Bionic Commando Multiplayer Preview

What’s it about? After a 20 year wait, Nathan "R.A.D." Spencer and his bionically-enhanced left arm return. The new Bionic Commando will feature a new 3-D world, HD-graphics, and an awesome new grappling engine. All these features are great, but we’re excited about taking our Bionic Commando online for some fierce multiplayer battles. Here’s why:

Get in the Swing: The grappling arm will make Bionic Commando’s multiplayer unlike any other current-gen game. Unlike the “lean and peak” Gears of War-style shooters, Bionic Commanndo’s multiplayer is all about the rapid-fire, almost manically fast-paced, swinging and shooting. Master the grappling arm, and you’ll rack up the frags, but stand still and you’ll be a sitting duck.

Vertical Levels: Unlike most shooters, Bionic Commando multi-player levels seem to be built for maximum vertical action. Capcom showed us one stage, entitled Vegetation Nation, where players will have to climb a series of pillars and walkways to get a proper vantage point to snipe or blow-up your enemies, while avoiding falling into a commando-killing swampy mess lying at the bottom of the level.

Blow Up: Unlike a lot of multiplayer shooters, Bionic Commando seems to be less focused on getting headshots with your pistol, and rather obsessed with picking up rocket launchers or grenade launchers for quick, gory kills. Bionic Commando’s multiplayer maps aren’t stingy on the artillery either—you’ll have plenty of big guns to splatter your opponents into pieces.

When can I buy it? Bionic Commando swings onto shelves on February 10th on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC.