Bomberman '93 (Virtual Console)

Personally, I've loved bomberman since i was old enough to play video games. The mulitplayer is legendary, and that's the reason the game has appealed to so many generations. Bomberman '93 was one of the first bomberman games and unfortunatly it shows. However, the game includes five-person play (atleast one GCN controller) which is a great addition incase you have a fifth wheel.

Unfortunatly multiplayer is the only gem in this game. Single-player hardly raises the bar, and can't hold a candle to the multiplayer's orgasmic feel. Being so early in the series the single player follows a simple and routine flow. However, if you can find joy in the single player the game may seem extraordinary to you. I give props to the single player, for it is challenging, and it could possibly appeal to some.

Graphics. The turbografx games don't run as smoothly on the Wii as they did on their own system, but nontheless, the animations are clear and crisp. There isn't anything revolutionary, and the graphics maintain the previous bomberman's style.

6.7

Sound. An interesting soundtrack that really puts the gamer into the futuristic arena. Bomb blasts are a nice touch, and you won't feel alone with the background noise. However, don't expect anymore that that.

6.9

Gameplay. For those that don't know, single-player bomberman requires you controlling your player throughout many levels where you must defeat the enemies and find your transport out of the level. Extremly formulaic, yet possibly catchy. However, the one thing that makes the single-player partially enjoyable are the tough boss fights. Despite this being an early attempt at a single-player it still is a worthy experience.

Yet, multiplayer is still the best feature here. Especially since you can play this game with one wiimote and 4 GCN controllers (wavebirds, maybe?). The five-player compatibility is so simple to access, that it's odd more games don't have it. However, multi-player is nowhere as deep as in later titles of bomberman. Don't expect all the options you had in Bomberman DS. This game has a few standard levels, and no revenge. However, the "Hurry Up!" actions are highly enjoyable.

Computer plays makes sure you can always have five-players, which is just dandy, considering how multiplayer is sometimes comprimised when multiple players are added to the mix. But if you have three to five people, bomberman should have enough to satisfy you within 30 minutes excrements (bomberman, rinse, repeat).

The game gives you three controller options, and personally i prefer the Classic Controller, but the GCN Controller and Wiimote are passable substitutes. For lack of multiplayer modes, and staleness of single-player, the bomberman game can't reach it's full potential. But this game is still a great addition to the franchise.

One last note however...the controls suffer a tiny bit. For when you try to go up sometimes your character goes left or right, which is a big deal considering it can mean the difference between life and kaboom.

7.8

Longevity. This is Bomberman's strong point, for this game can offer countless hours of fun. Just not in a row, for it can get stale after a couple of rounds. But with five-players...this game is one of the best.

8.7

All in All. This is an entertaining classic that is worth the buy if you have enough controllers for atleast three players. It's worth the 600 points, and i think that's a great price point. You can expect some fun hours of play, but you won't get that alone.

7.2