Bomberman 64

"The one player mode could be better, but the multiplayer is great"

The Bomberman series is known for its multiplayer mode more than anything. Super Bomberman and Super Bomberman 2 raised the bar for multiplayer, and does Bomberman 64 continue the tradition? For the most part, yes. The multiplayer mode for up to four players is alive and well, with several battle areas to choose from, the usual assortment of weapons and options as well. Players can grab icons to lay more bombs and stronger bombs, as well as making their heads become huge, limiting their speed, and catching themselves on fire to kill others, or if not commit suicide. The one player mode is pretty good, but pales in comparison to the multiplayer. Bomberman battles his way through several worlds, each consisting of several levels each. A boss waits at the end of each world. Each world has a different theme, such as fire or ice. The main difference between this game and previous Bomberman games is the view; it's no longer a 2D overhead perspective, but 3D like Super Mario 64. This gives Bomberman more freedom, allowing him to sidestep attacks rather than get trapped in a corner. The usual Bomberamn powerups exist in the one player mode as well. A new ability allows Bomberman to "pump up" bombs to increase their power.

Graphics: 8/10

Some clipping, but very bright and well done. The enemies are nice, but the best part of all is the subtle touches. An example is when Bomberman dies, and his charred body twitches on the ground. You have to like that.

Sound: 8/10

The sound effects are classic Bomberman, right down to the familiar "Hurry up!" when you're running out of time in multiplayer mode. The music is decent as well.

Gameplay: 9/10

Control of Bomberman is good. He walks, lays bombs, pumps them up, and climbs. You won't lose any lives because of problems with the controls. The one player mode is well laid out, with a different theme for each world. It's not especially long, however. As for the multiplayer, it's great fun. All of the battlefields now have height; some have hills while others have stairs. When time is running out and the area begins to fill with water, whoever makes it to high ground first will most likely be the winner. Players don't need icons to kick and throw bombs, but instead start with this ability. One problem exists, though: it's almost too hard to kill a skilled opponent. If you and a friend are both very good at the game, you could be playing to draw after draw after draw. Usually it takes a mistake to kill someone. A nice addition to the game would have been a "classic" Bomberman multiplayer, with overhead 2D mazes like the SNES versions. Another nice touch to the one player mode is the ability to collect parts to construct your own Bomberman, with a helmet, boots and suit that you choose. There are some very funny combinations to come up with.

Replay: 9/10

The single player mode isn't much fun a second time, but the whole point of multiplayer is to play again, and again, and again. And you probably will.

Overall: 8/10

Could have been a longer one player mode, but overall a solid game. Worth a look, especially for Bomberman fans.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99