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.
Review Scoring Details for Bomberman |
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.
