Top Secret Japan is a pioneering run-and-gun platformer developed and published by Capcom for arcades in 1987. Released internationally under the name Bionic Commando, it fundamentally reimagines the genre by completely removing the traditional jump ability. Instead, movement and vertical traversal are entirely dependent on your character’s bionic grappling hook, making for a uniquely challenging and distinct arcade experience.
How to play
Your objective is to infiltrate heavily guarded enemy bases, neutralise opposing forces, and rescue a captured operative. In the browser, you can play using the standard arcade keybindings: press 5 (or Shift) to insert a coin, and 1 (or Enter) to start. Use the arrow keys to move and aim, press Z to fire your weapon, and press X to launch your bionic arm to swing across gaps and pull yourself up to higher platforms.
Tips
- Mastering the bionic arm is the key to surviving the game. Since you cannot jump, you must learn to rely on momentum when swinging from ceilings to propel yourself forward safely.
- The grappling hook can also be used defensively: you can use it to pull enemies toward you or knock them away when they approach from difficult angles.
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