Bomberman Hero

"Uhm... Platforming and Bomberman? Oh well, at least it's kinda fun."

This is Bomberman Hero for the N64. Now, unlike the previous 2-D incarnations, this is a platformer, with some puzzle elements, and bombs. And on another note, this is nothing like Bomberman 64. (Which, in my opinion, is the best 3-D Bomberman game ever. *Gets shot by fanboys*) Anyway, here's your review.

Graphics: 6/10 - Mediocre

The graphics, though cute and colorful, aren't all that great. Bomberman himself looks alright, as do many of the enemies. The explosions leave a lot to be desired, appearing as expanding orange spheres. Textures are decent enough, as are backgrounds, but once more, not that great.

Sound Effects: 7/10 - Good

The sound effects, for the most part, are well done. (Considering the cartridge format) There's booms, bangs, thuds, etc., and they all sound decent enough. Bomberman has his own high-pitched screams, grunts, and shouts, all pretty well done, too.

Music: 7/10 - Good

The music, for the most part, sounds nice, and it's somewhat catchy. Not anything you'd find yourself humming in the shower, but tunes that are jammed into your head for a few hours. Most of the music for simple areas, like forests and such, is gentle and calm. The underwater music is somewhat eerie. The temple music sounds a bit ominous, etc. The boss music is a techno-beat, and the final boss music is a stereotypical 'dramatic showdown' kind of thing, but it doesn't really take anything away from the game.

Gameplay: 7/10 - Good

This is the heart of this review. The gameplay isn't your typical Bomberman; instead, it's a somewhat-average platformer with bomb-throwing. Yes, throwing. You can drop bombs, but more often than not, you'll toss them around. The levels, are well designed and challenging as you progress, and some are fairly complex. Also, there's a decent amount of atmpshpere. The classic items are back, too. Bomb Up and Fire Up are present. (Though no Speed Up. :O) The pickup Walk-Through Wall pickup is back, though you can only walk through specified walls. One of the biggest thing about this is 'Power Gear'. (or something like that) There's four attachments for Bomberman that are used in certain levels. The Jet-Pack, Submarine, Helicopter, and Slider. (Snowboard) The levels add variety, which is good, and are entertaining. Jet-Pack levels are kind of like arcade shooters, except in 3-D. The Submarine levels are a bit similar, though slower. Helicopter levels are a lot like the normal on-foot levels, except that you 'drop' bombs, and Slider levels are snowboard races. (Some of my personal favorites, by the way) Over all, they add a lot to the game.

Control: 6/10 - A bit clunky

The controls aren't all that great. Bomberman is a little unresponsive. i mean, when you press in a direction, he'll run, but he skids to a halt, which is bad. That's really the only complaint about controls. B is to lob a bomb, A is to jump. I don't exactly remember the rest, but it's easier to try for yourself.

Story: 4/10 - Weak

An evil star called Garaden has appeared in Bomberman's galaxy. Bomberman must travel across the Earth-like planet Bomber, another well-rounded (though strikingly green) planet called Primus, the desert planet Katina, and the arctic Mazone to reach the mechanized Garaden. Garaden apparently attacks all the planets. Princess Millian on Primus tries to flee to planet Bomber, along with her robotic companion Pibot. They don't make it. So, Bomberman embarks on an interplanetary quest to destroy Garaden and save Millian. Overall, really cheesy.

Replayabilty: 5/10 - Possibly

There's a few things to do after the main credits roll. You can go back and play any level and try to collect everything. If you get perfect scores on all levels and collect all these things called 'Adok Bombs', a special sixth planet past Garaden opens up. (I got to it... Not that great.) The lack of any multiplayer (oh noes!) really shortens it's replay value, but then again, it's not the style of game for multiplayer.

Overall: 7/10 - Good

Bomberman Hero isn't exactly a bad game; just a change from the typical Bomberman formula. If you find it at a used game store for a couple buck, I'd recommend it, since renting is now out of the question because the N64's deadness. Overall, if you like simple platformers, give it a shot, or if you just like Bomberman and have an open mind. ;)

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/09/05