How to Play Retro Games Online like Bionic Commando? Retro Gaming Players Club is easy to relive games like Bionic Commando you own in different formats here for free. Released in 1987 on the Arcade, this retro classic from Capcom is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
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| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Insert Coin | V | Select |
⭐ Premium members can click any key below to remap this game's controls. Go Premium
| Action | Keyboard | Arcade input |
|---|---|---|
| Move | · · · · | Joystick (8-way) |
| Fire | · | Button 1 |
| Bionic Reach | · | Button 2 |
| Start | · | Start |
| Insert Coin | · | Select |
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It is the first installment of the Bionic Commando series. It was designed by Tokuro Fujiwara as a successor to his earlier "wire action" platformer Roc'n Rope (1983), building on its grappling hook mechanic; he was also the designer of Commando (1985).
The Story Behind Bionic Commando
The game follows a commando who must infiltrate an enemy base and foil the enemy's plot to launch missiles by destroying the launch computer. The protagonist is a commando equipped with a bionic arm featuring a grappling gun, allowing him to pull himself forward or swing from the ceiling. It was designed by Tokuro Fujiwara as a successor to his earlier "wire action" platformer Roc'n Rope (1983), building on its grappling hook mechanic; he was also the designer of Commando (1985).
Capcom later produced a home version for the Nintendo Entertainment System, also titled Bionic Commando, that was drastically different from the arcade game. The player then fights the final boss, the leader of the enemy forces, protected by armed bodyguards. The game was advertised in the United States as a sequel to Commando, going as far as to refer to the game's main character as Super Joe (the protagonist of Commando) in the promotional brochure, who was originally an unnamed member of a "special commando unit" in the Japanese and international versions.
How Bionic Commando Plays
The player then fights the final boss, the leader of the enemy forces, protected by armed bodyguards. The game is presented in a side-scrolling format, with eight-way scrolling. Unlike most platform games, the player is unable to jump, instead navigating the level via the use of a mechanical arm that can be used as a grapple to pull him up ledges, collect power-ups and as an offensive weapon against enemies.
For the Commodore 64, there are two distinct versions: a US version by Capcom, and a UK version by Software Creations. There are home ports for MS-DOS, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, and Atari ST. The game was advertised in the United States as a sequel to Commando, going as far as to refer to the game's main character as Super Joe (the protagonist of Commando) in the promotional brochure, who was originally an unnamed member of a "special commando unit" in the Japanese and international versions.
For the Commodore 64, there are two distinct versions: a US version by Capcom, and a UK version by Software Creations. It was designed by Tokuro Fujiwara as a successor to his earlier "wire action" platformer Roc'n Rope (1983), building on its grappling hook mechanic; he was also the designer of Commando (1985).
Despite being a platform game, the player cannot jump. Capcom later produced a home version for the Nintendo Entertainment System, also titled Bionic Commando, that was drastically different from the arcade game. There are home ports for MS-DOS, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, and Atari ST.
The arcade was where all of this started, and for two decades it was where the newest hardware in gaming lived. Cabinet makers could spend money a home console never could, so arcade boards ran years ahead of anything you could put under a television.
Bionic Commando Arcade — Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play Bionic Commando online for free?
Yes — Bionic Commando runs directly in your browser on this page. There is nothing to download or install; the game boots in the player above.
Do I need a controller to play Bionic Commando?
A gamepad is optional. The keyboard mapping shown on this page works immediately, and plugging in a USB or Bluetooth controller switches the player over on its own.
Who developed Bionic Commando?
Bionic Commando was developed by Capcom and published by Capcom.
Where can I buy the original Bionic Commando?
Scroll to "Other Places You Can Get This Game" beneath the write-up — it lists trusted stores selling official copies.
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