Bomberman GB
Reviewed by Peter Escott
A while ago, I bought Bomberman 64 for my Nintendo 64. People said the
single-player mode was crap compared to the original Bomberman games,
which I had never played. So when I got the opportuntity to get the new
Bomberman GB for my Game Boy, I snapped it up. And I was not disappointed.
Being a Game Boy game, it would of course not have the world-famous
multiplayer mode (apart from a secret password that lets you play solo
against three CPU guys) but the one-player game was brilliant. In a break
from "tradition", a new Bomberman stars in this game, dressed like Indiana
Jones, with a hat, jacket, boots and whip. Very entertaining.
Graphics 8 out of 10
The creators of this game must have had a hard job trying to make good
graphics for a Game Boy game, but they have done it well. I have no problem
distinguishing between different items, and everything is as detailed as
possible, even the tiniest things like Bomberman's whip. You might sometimes
need to adjust the contrast setting on your Game Boy for different levels,
but usually everything is crystal-clear.
Music and Sound 9.5 out of 10
Just as they did with the graphics, Bomberman's creators have pushed the
Game Boy to the best of its capabilities for its sound. The music, varying
from level to level, fits with whatever scenery it is playing to, and the
"Pulp Fiction" style final boss music provides the best background. The
sound is incredible as well, with every explosion, every step, everything
being the perfect mix between realistic and cartoony.
Game Challenge 10 out of 10
No one wants a completely impossible game that they are unable to pass
the second level with, and no-one wants a really easy game with no
challenge and which they have completed the day after they bought it.
Bomberman GB is right in between. The first level is a perfect introduction
while still being a challenge, the second level is as hard as it should be,
and it continues that way until the final boss, which is about as challenging
as you can get. I haven't beaten it yet, but something in the game makes me
keep trying!
Game Play-Fun 11 out of 10
Fun is the main reason you would buy a game, and that's exactly what you
get. It makes you shout with joy when you finally beat that level you've
been stuck on for days, it makes you scream and swear when you get killed
just near the end. But the combination of the bad guys' AI, the skill required
to get through the levels, and every small little thing added into the game
to make it even better have created one of the best games for the Game
Boy so far.
Frustration
Some games don't even have any frustration because they're too easy.
Some make you just scream for a while and turn it off. This game makes
you say "I'm really angry I didn't finish that level, but I'll try again". Well
maybe not those exact words, but what the hell. The frustration element
in this game keeps you playing on and on, until you get to the end.
Replayability 8 out of 10
If you're the kind of person that feels great when they finish a hard level,
you'll want to play this game over and over again. Even if you aren't, this
game will get a couple of replays. The actual levels are pretty good for
playing again, but the boss levels are absolutely brilliant. You can try
new strategies, or just satisfy yourself with blowing that one boss up
again and again and again.
Game Value 9 out of 10
If you pay anything less than $100 for this game, it's worth it. And
that's for every single reason I've written in this review. Get It!
Overall 9.5 out of 10
My conclusion is that this is an absolutely brilliant game that you should
get at all cost. And if you can, buy a Link Cable! Buy a Super Game Boy! Buy
anything that will let you experience the fantastic battle mode, on top of
the great solo game.