The Bionic Commando series started as a modest arcade game released by Capcom in 1987. Its unique mechanic, involving the protagonist being able to swing from an extendable arm instead of jumping, won the hearts of gamers all over the world. Thus, a long-running line of games was born!
Ed has been a longtime fan of the NES version of the game, and today he explores the music and history of the series from its arcade and microcomputer origins to the modern HD remakes and beyond. Amazing composers like Harumi Fujita, Junko Tamiya, Tim Follin, and Simon Viklund have contributed to the soundtracks, so this episode’s musical journey is nothing short of spectacular. Swing on by for this amazing solo show!
A huge thank you to Indira J (The Misadventures of Buddy and Friend, Sacrimony) for the amazing VGMbassy artwork and design, and to Trevin Hughes (aka chiptune composer Jredd) for the podcast theme song!
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The Tracklist:
Intro – “Campaign Start” from Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (PS3, Xbox360, 2011) Composed by Simon Viklund
1 – “Forest (Stage 1)” from Bionic Commando (Arcade, 1987) Composed by Harumi Fujita
2 – “Infiltration (Stage 3)” from Bionic Commando (C64, 1988) Composed by Tim Follin
3 – “The Forefront (Stage 2)” from Bionic Commando (Amiga, 1988) Composed by Tim Follin
4 – “Bionic Commando Theme (Areas 1, 3, 4 & 7)” from Bionic Commando (NES, 1988) Composed by Junko Tamiya
5 – “Amongst Allies (Neutral Zone Areas 13-19)” from Bionic Commando (NES, 1988) Composed by Junko Tamiya
6 – “Power Plant (Area 8)” from Bionic Commando (NES, 1988) Composed by Junko Tamiya
7 – “Areas 4,6,8, and 17” from Bionic Commando (1992, GB) Composed by Kouji Murata
8 – “Enemy Attack” from Bionic Commando (1992, GB) Composed by Kouji Murata
9 – “Area 2-2” from Bionic Commando: Elite Forces (GBC, 2000) Composed by Lawrence Schwelder
10 – “Area 3” from Bionic Commando: Elite Forces (GBC, 2000) Composed by Lawrence Schwelder
11 – “Power Plant” from Bionic Commando Rearmed (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, 2008) Composed by Simon Viklund
12 – “Rise of the Albatross” from Bionic Commando Rearmed (PC, Xbox 360, PS3, 2008) Composed by Simon Viklund
13 – “Groeder’s Anthem” from Bionic Commando (PC, Xbox360, PS3, 2009) Composed by Jamie Christopherson
14 – “Hunters for the FSA” from Bionic Commando (PC, Xbox360, PS3, 2009) Composed by Jamie Christopherson
15 – “Flutes of Ektanadu” from Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, 2011) Composed by Simon Viklund
16 – “Monte Blanco” from Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (PS3, Xbox 360, 2011) Composed by Simon Viklund