Bomberman 64

"A bit simple, but still fun."

Bomberman 64 is any person's way to relive themselves from stress, have fun- or just plain blow everything the hell up. Altair, an evil being from space, sucks the energy of planets into the ominous Omnicube (good wording, huh?). Altair and his henchmen have just arrived on Bomberworld (or whatever its name is) and plan to do continue world domination. What's a fat headed guy with pink shoes to do? BLOW THEM UP.

GRAPHICS: This game is a bit graphically challenged. The textures are simple enough so you can identify what something is, but they make everything look too flat. The enemys are run-of-the-mill, and the explosions are pretty cool. I wish Bomberman didn't look like such a fairy... (7/10, 8 if you count explosions)

SOUND: The music is... well, "chirpy". Nintendo Power wrote that the music had nothing to do with the game, but I think all the music matches its setting. The sound effects and bomb sounds are okay too, but again, Bomberman even SOUNDS like a fairy. "Hee-ya!" "OW!" "Whew!" Does Bomberman have Mega Man syndrome? (7/10)

GAMEPLAY: "Simplistic" should some it up. Go thru stage, find switch/kill bad guy, find exit, "DOOP-DEE-DOOOO!" What's more, though, is the addition of Gold Cards and Custom Parts. Gold Cards can allow access to a hidden world or even give you Custom Parts. BTW, Custom Parts are pieces of armor you can put on Bomberman for multiplayer mode so you have the spiffiest guy on the field. Speaking of such, multiplayer is a great party game. The items can help or hinder your abilities. My favorites are the "Evils", little purple heads that, when you get them, produce bizarre effects. Big plus. (8/10 Single player, 10/10 Multiplayer)

OTHER STUFF:
-Need Memory Card? Yes.
-Players? 1-4.
-Recommended Ages? All.
-Replay Value (1-10)? 8, because of the custom parts, hidden stages and gold cards.

RENT OR BUY? You'll probably want to rent it first, just to check it out. You'll have an absolute blast with multiplayer, but single player is a bit hohum. Otherwise, a great buy (Although at a little expensive price.

OVERALL RATING: 8/10

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