All of you who believed that the reborn Bionic Commando franchise had died once again after last year's lackluster sales of the big 3D game had better think again, as Capcom has announced that the downloadable remake of the original Nintendo Entertainment System game, Bionic Commando Rearmed, is the title getting a digitally distributed sequel for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360.  Kombo has the details and the first screenshots on next year's Bionic Commando Rearmed 2.

Spencer will make use of his trademark tool – his bionic grappling hook – to grab, swing and leap through series of lush new environments. Expect plenty of gun-toting soldiers and mechanized threats ready to give him a hostile greeting. Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 improves upon the visual achievements of its predecessor with the addition of more detailed character models, textures, and vibrant colors. Key features and improvements include:

• New Weapons, attacks and enhancements for the the all-purpose Bionic Arm
• New physics-based puzzles.
• 2-player co-op.
• Enhanced graphics and better camera functionality.
• All new musical score inspired by NES-era sound effects, produced by the same creative mind behind the original Bionic Commando Rearmed soundtrack.
• Cut-scene art designed by cutting-edge art studio Massive Black, whose previously worked on inFamous, Bioshock 2, and God of War III.

You have no idea how happy I am that Nathan Spencer isn't done with us yet.  I'm curious about Rearmed 2's storyline and how it fits into the bigger Bionic picture.  Rearmed's narrative was part remake, part setting the stage for the big 3D Bionic Commando game that, sadly, failed to meet with widespread success.  Little hints and foreshadowing were included to introduce the mysterious fate of Spencer's wife, the "death" of Imperialist Gottfried Groeder, and other such things.  Without a Bionic Commando 2 in development, there's no need to foreshadow this time around.  Instead, the self-contained story should have a solid beginning, middle, and end.  I'm expecting a tale of one of Spencer's missions that takes place between the original Rearmed at the failed mission that led to his incarceration (as seen in last year's game), but if the developers want to try and tackle what happens after the big 3D game, I wouldn't complain.  If they do reopen that can of worms, however, I expect closure.

Moreover, the original Rearmed was a remake, so now that we've moved past established territory, it's time for the series to tread into new territory.  It's time for 100% original levels, weapons, gadgets, and music that add fresh elements to the adventure while maintaining the spirit of the previous game.  Also, I'd like to see the '80s sheen intact.  I'm not sure what I think of Spencer's new jump ability, but I'm eager to try it for myself before I make a decision.  Let's not go totally crazy by fixing what isn't broken.

Wait, did I say that Spencer could jump?  Sure did.  Check out the trailer via Joystiq.