"The best multi-player experience possible!"

It's a mediocre single player game. It's a fantastic multi-player game. And that's really all you need to know. The Saturn holds claim to the bragging rights to one of the best Bomberman games of all time, perhaps the best. Thanks in part to its 10 (ten!) player capability. Can you imagine your room cluttered with 2 multi-player taps, 10 controllers and 9 friends surrounding you with wires running everywhere? Believe me, it's sheer madness... it's like nothing you ever experienced... it's pure gaming bliss.

If you been around games long enough, you know the concept of Bomberman by now. It's so simple that anyone can pick it up in a matter of seconds. Anyone from your baby sister to your grandfather can play and enjoy this game. That's part of the beauty of Saturn Bomberman, and there are so many things to love about this game.

There is a 1 or 2 player quest mode, where you go around bombing blocks and enemies and then reaching the exit. Every now and then you will face a gigantic boss. This mode gets tedious and is average at best. But let's focus on the heart of the game: the Battle Mode.

It's frantic, competitive and addictive. There are 8 stages to choose from. Each stage, except for the classic plain stage, has its own special qualities that will affect gameplay, guaranteed. Such as a soccer net in which when bombs are kicked in erupts for a massive blast to trap doors to ninja trap doors.

In this version are dinosaurs. There are five different colored dinos that each have his/her special ability, from leaping to dashing. They can be upgraded to three levels and they are valuable not only because of their special power but they give you TWO lives. One for the dino and one for you. So if you see an egg, pick it up!

Another awesome thing about this game is that you can customize the game to your liking. Pick from 1 through 5 victories to win a stage. (Personally I prefer 3). If you want everyone to play until virtually the end, put ''Mad Bomber'' on. This mode allows killed players to bomb from the outside. It adds a whole new spice to an old concept. Want team play? Sure, select it in the options mode. Team play is exciting and is especially recommended when 6 or more players are playing.

Late Monday night and no friends over? That's okay, you can always play Battle Mode against 1 through 9 computer controlled opponents, based on any of the three levels of difficulty you can select. Want a one on one match? Sure, you got it. Want a good old fashioned four player ''every man for himself'' battle? Sure, you got it.

Even if you are alone, there's still a decent amount of fun to be had with Saturn Bomberman. The computer can be pretty smart and crafty.

However, to ensure maximum enjoyment of Saturn Bomberman, you MUST play, no, you must experience it with other people. And I tell you, if you have at least 3 friends over, 4 controllers and a multi-player tap, there's really no reason to leave the house. It's that fun and addictive.

Are there any bad points to this game? Not really. Although I wish they had more than one ten player stage. Yes, there's only one ten player stage. And with the 10 player mode, things are very small. So unless you're playing on a 56 inch TV, I highly recommend you play the 8 player mode, as you can play on any of the 8 stages and everything is regular size. But, try out the 10 player mode at least once!

The loading is very good, about 4-5 seconds. The control is spot on. The graphics won't blow anyone away, but they're bright and bold; they get the job done. The sound is your standard cutesy boinks and doinks, and suits the game well. The voice samples such as ''Power Glove!'' are well done. Music does not stand out, but by no means is it bad.

Graphics: 8
Music/Sound: 8
Replay: 10
Control: 10
Gameplay: 10
Fun Factor: 10

If you own a Sega Saturn but don't have a copy of Bomberman, what are you waiting for? If you want a reason to own a Saturn, this is it. You haven't experience all the Saturn has to offer until you experience multi-player Bomberman. I'm sorry but I have to say it: this game is the bomb.

While the Saturn in the US suffered an ill-fate, it's games like Saturn Bomberman that will help keep gamers clinging onto their Saturn for years to come. May future generations of gamers be so lucky to play it someday.

Rock on, Sega Saturn.

Overall: 10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 08/07/02, Updated 08/07/02