Bomberman

Maybe it’s the many times I’ve sat down and played Bomberman a long while back (the game is over 20 years old, after all) or the fact that the PSP is home to a number of unique titles as well as puzzle games new and old, but when I heard news that a Bomberman game was coming to the PSP I let out a cheer. Here was a chance to lay some bombs again only this time on my shiny PSP where I can take it anywhere I want and play it on the road. If you are new to the series, pull up a chair and I’ll tell you all about it. If you’re a fan since the early days then know the reasons why you will want to buy a copy.

Bomberman puts you on a map that resembles a maze only the walls are composed of “soft” and “hard” blocks that can only be cleared by laying a bomb in its path. Of course, what’s a maze without some enemies in your path that will not only get in your way but also take you out of the maze? Veterans of the series will be glad that the PSP game’s very foundations are still intact and thus making the game just as addictive now as it was back when it was first introduced. Even the multiplayer battle mode is present in this new version so there is multiplayer fun to be had for sure.

This PSP version contains a story mode but don’t expect a plot-driven mode filled with plot twists or numerous characters. In fact, the story mode doesn’t contain much of a story at all, unless you read the back of the box that seems to imply that some mysterious threat seems to be targeting Bomberman’s home world as well as its surrounding friendly planets. You take control of Bomberman as he attempts to rid 10 worlds (Bomber World, Lava World, Electro World, Spook World, and Jungle World just to name a few) of enemy robots. He does this by clearing stage after stage until a new world opens up.

The single-player story mode is not short by any means. In fact, there are over 100 levels including some extra levels you’ll get to unlock later in the game. The extra levels are really the original Bomberman game levels only updated to the game’s new 3D look. Each level will place you on a map filled with soft and hard blocks only some blocks now contain useful items. These items are placed on a list to the left of the screen that makes up a new Stock system feature. Each item you uncover after blowing up a block has a specific ability you can activate to give you an advantage while trying to make it through the level before the time runs out or if you run into an enemy. For example, one item has the power to turn you invincible for a few seconds while another increases your speed or firepower. There are even special items like remote bombs you can detonate with a touch of a button.

Unfortunately, the stock system also plays a hand in cramping the game’s style. Not only is it an awkward feat to bring up the item you wish to use in the middle of a level but using an item also gives you an advantage that makes the game easier. Sure, you can simply choose to ignore said items but there are times when your opponents will use them to their advantage - especially in the Battle Game mode - and thus forcing you to use them. If you’re looking for a classic Bomberman challenge be prepared to be a tad disappointed but if you like to see all the levels this game has to offer (and there’s over 100 to check out, after all).

While the single-player game will certainly keep you busy, it is the game’s Battle Game mode that will keep you playing the game long after you finish going through the various solo levels. The good news is that the game allows up to four players to battle it out in a variety of maps and, to top it all off, your friends can download the multiplayer Battle Game straight off your PSP so all you really need is a single copy. The bad news is that even without an online multiplayer mode (the game just supports Ad Hoc connectivity) the Battle Game occasionally runs on an unsteady framerate. Still, when things are running smoothly, you’ll have a blast attempting to dispose of other players on the map.

Visually, the game is colorful and even more so on the PSP. The level design is handled nicely with its pretty 3D backgrounds and cute characters. While the visual effects aren’t amazing, the explosions look great on the PSP screen as does the special items in action. As far as the game’s sound is concerned, the techno beats that make up the soundtrack are actually pretty good and won’t get on your nerves. The sound effects are nice but we have heard better. 

Bomberman fits right at home on the PSP and, while there’s just one or two things that hold it back from being a handheld classic, this is still a game worth playing for long-time fans as well as gamers new to the series. With enough game modes to keep you busy as well as the ability to battle it out with a group of friends using Ad Hoc connectivity, this is a puzzle/action game you might just want to check out.

Gameplay: 7.2
If you’re familiar with the Bomberman games, expect some nicely conceived levels that won’t fail to add plenty of challenges for players new and old. The Stock system adds an interesting element to the usual format but it also makes the game easier for veterans of the series.

Graphics: 7.5
The colorful 3D level design and characters look really good on the small widescreen and the explosions look cool enough. There’s some animated cutscenes but nothing particularly special.

Sound: 7.5
The techno music varies from level to level and while it’s not great stuff, it isn’t bothersome either. The cool explosions sound good on the PSP speakers. That’s about all there is to the game’ sound. It’s Bomberman, after all.

Difficulty: Easy
The new Stock system actually makes things move along much more easily and takes some of the challenge out of the more difficult levels but then again accessing the items can be a bit awkward in the middle of a level.

Concept: 7.5
All the things we like about the Bomberman series makes a surprising turn on the PSP so expect all of the same explosive action. The levels in the single-player mode are plentiful although there isn’t much of a story to begin and the Stock system makes the levels a bit too easy for my tastes. There are multiplayer battles for up to four players plus Game Sharing but the real treat is unlocking the classic original Bomberman.

Multiplayer: 6.5
For a game that lacks online play, the Ad Hoc multiplayer battles suffer from framerate stutter that gets in the way of the fast-paced action. Still, when things are running smoothly you’ll see why you will still want to play this game long after you finish with the single-player mode. Game Sharing makes this easy for you to share the multiplayer mode or introduce the series to a friend.

Overall: 7.5
Bomberman makes a good impression on the PSP and while it seems a bit easier thanks to its newest feature, this is still a fun action-packed puzzle game fit for fans of the genre. While the great multiplayer battles falls a bit flat thanks to a poor framerate, the single-player mode will have you deeply engrossed in its more than 100 addictive levels.