Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 coming 2011, now with more jump

Capcom’s next-gen Bionic Commando console game might have been a “miss” both critically and at retail, but most were in agreement that its digital download counterpart, Bionic Commando Rearmed, was an astounding success. So gamers should be excited to learn that a sequel, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, is headed to Xbox LIVE Arcade and PlayStation Network.

The sequel finds Nathan Spencer going head-to-head against a new enemy, General Sabio, a “technologically sophisticated” bad dude looking to launch a fatal missile attack. Spencer will use all of his usual tricks to put an end to the menace, including his Bionic Arm, which can now be upgraded and enhanced throughout the game.

But the big news here is that for the first time in a Bionic Commando side-scrolling title, Spencer now has the ability to jump. That’s right, I said it — dude can bend his knees and jump. This simple move (often taken for granted in traditional side-scrolling games) has the potential to change the feel of the series, offering more freedom and possibilities.

In the premiere trailer for the game, we see Spencer attempting to use his Bionic Arm to reach a platform that’s just out of reach. Using the jump, he simply hops up before releasing his arm to latch on. Capcom is also promising new “physics-based puzzles,” but it’s unclear what that means within the context of the game.

Rearmed 2 brings back to the same composer behind the sick remixed soundtrack of the original, and will feature cut-scenes designed by Massive Black, best known for its recent work on inFamous, BioShock 2, and God of War III. And just like the first title, you’ll be able to experience it all with a friend in the game’s two-player cooperative mode.

Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 is being developed by Swedish developer Fat Shark, and is set for an early 2011 release.