Bionic Commando for the Nintendo Entertainment System is an action platformer inspired by the original arcade game. Players control a soldier equipped with a unique bionic arm that can extend and retract, enabling him to swing across gaps and scale platforms. The game features distinct levels and a narrative that revolves around strategic combat and environmental navigation, emphasizing the arm's ability to manipulate both objects and enemies.
This version of Bionic Commando is loosely based on the original arcade game and its computer ports, having different levels and plot. The protagonist is a soldier with a bionic arm that extends and contracts. His arm allows him to grab on to fixed objects to swing around and climb up platforms, which is the only way to do so due to the lack of a jumping ability. The arm also grabs opponents and pulls them towards the player character.