Bomberman Max 2: Red Advance

"A good, solid title which will please fans of the puzzle genre."

Introduction

Bomberman has appeared on most consoles at one time or another, in a variety of guises and a variety of spin-off titles, all based around the same basic premise: use bombs to blow up blocks and enemies in order to advance through timed levels. This version is basically an update to the original format of the game, in a handy portable version for some old-school Bomberman fun.

Game Play - 8/10

Keeping the mode of game play so simple is what really makes the Bomberman series work. Blow up blocks and collect power-ups to achieve set objectives within a time limit to advance to the next level. That's all there ever is to it. In this version, there are several aesthetic additions to make the game appear more complex, but in reality they're just there to make the game look prettier and add nothing to game play at all, which in this particular series is definitely a good thing (although they added too much!).

The game appears as a sort of grid, with different colored blocks and various enemies wandering around. It's along the same lines as Pac-Man really, except you blow up the ''soft blocks'' rather than eat them. You also need to blow up the various creatures that follow you around, and some of them are smarter than others. One particularly annoying enemy actually eats the bombs you place thereby making it particularly tricky to kill. All very infuriating, but that's what makes a puzzle game worth playing! There are creatures available for you to ride around the levels too (''charaboms''). There are different types, and they offer different abilities to your character. This has very little impact on the game experience though. The overall feel is very true to the original game of the series, giving a real back-to-basics atmosphere which feels right for the GBA.

Graphics - 5/10

Yes, it really is possible to go too far in background design. There's detail everywhere - and I really mean everywhere. It's too much and it gets in the way of playing. Graphics-whores will be pleased with the effects, but those who value quality game play will be disappointed. I understand why developers feel the need to pander to the more casual game purchasing elements, but when it's at the expense of making the game easy on the eye, it's going too far. Yes, it's pretty, but it's hard to see what you're doing when you're playing on a 3.5 inch screen covered in brightly colored flowers and dancing plants. It's not necessary!

Sound - 7/10

Sound is hardly an integral and essential aspect of the game, but it's there nonetheless. Sound effects are good enough - they perform the way they need to without being too over-the-top. Music is upbeat and irritating, but that's what I'd expect of this type of game. If you don't like it, switch it off!

Replay Value and Difficulty - 8/10

Replay Value is high. The game is huge - so many zones and levels, so many charaboms to collect (which means nothing and adds nothing to the game, but hey) - it'll take weeks to complete it. It's also the type of game that's easy to dip into as and when you feel like it, making it an ideal title for release on a portable system.

Difficulty level starts out very easy, but quickly becomes mind-crushingly difficult as you progress through the levels. There's no steady ascent in terms of difficulty here. It just hits you like a falling cartoon piano, and leaves you sobbing on the floor. At least it's not over quickly, that's one thing!

Conclusion

I'm loving it. Worth every penny, providing hours of quality entertainment, Bomberman delivers again.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/27/03