Boom goes the dynamite.
Bomberman made an unexpected return when the Switch launched last year. Released to little fanfare, the return of the ultimate local competitive title came and went with few people even noticing. Now the game is being re-released on other platforms, and has a host of free DLC included (and still releasing) to go along side it. While there is nothing setting it apart from those that came before it, Super Bomberman R is still a blast to play with friends.
For all intents and purposes there is a story mode here. Sure it is goofy, but it does a nice job of introducing players to the mechanics. The story is ridiculous at best, and the cut scenes are far too long for their own good. Each area is broken up into stages with a final boss coming towards the end. Each level is a series of puzzles with objectives like destroying every enemy, or simply hitting all the switches. It is simplicity at its finest. It was a nice diversion to introduce me to the new mechanics and power-ups found within the game.
MSRP: $39.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, Switch
Price I’d Pay: $29.99
The core of Bomberman though is its competitive mode. Whether playing locally with up to four players, or hopping online for the chaotic 8-player mode, Super Bomberman R delivers. This is classic Bomberman, and I had a blast playing with friends. Power-ups from every previous game make an appearance, including the Revenge Cart. This allows defeated players to travel around the outside of the board tossing bombs back into the mix. If I managed to kill someone here, I could get back in on the action. It is a brilliant mechanic that lends to some angry interactions with other players.
Probably the biggest addition to this version though is its playable characters. Pretty much every franchise Konami has ever put out is represented. Pyramid Head from Silent Hill, Jehuty from Zone of the Enders, and even Snake from Metal Gear Solid. Funny enough Konami even brought David Hayter to voice him, which is odd considering the debacle behind MGSV. It is this fan service that really showcases that Konami really does own some beloved properties. I just wish they were available outside of just the Bomberman series.
There is also a Grand Prix mode, which is by far the weakest of its offerings. This divides two teams against each other in an effort to collect crystals. It seems like a nice alternative at first, but in practice it ends up being a bit of a bore after a few matches. Classic Bomberman is still the best way to play this iteration.
Visually the game is full of color and variety. There are a ton of stages and each one brings its own mix of deviousness to the table. I enjoyed almost all of them. The story mode suffers a bit from being a bit short and too easy, but it still has some cool boss fights.
Overall Super Bomberman R is a great take on the classic formula. I enjoyed what it delivered and the extra characters add that nostalgia meter rise for me. I just wish Konami was bringing them to more franchises outside of this one. Still, this game serves its purpose and it is nice to finally see it on other consoles outside of the Switch.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
