Genre: Action
Platform: Game Boy Color
I have no idea if Max, Bomberman's friendly rival (and bomb expert), appeared in previous games. However, he is in this game. Well, sort of... You see, there are two games in this "set". You play as Bomberman in this game, and Max in the other, Bomberman Max: Red Challenger. Sadly, these games are a bit like Pokémon in the way they are very identical. Fortunately, they're more different than, say, Pokémon Blue and Red are. However, these two games are still very similar. How similar? It's really not worth getting both unless you're obsessed about getting all of the levels/Charaboms.
Now for the story! In the far reaches of the universe, there are five planets: Zaurus Star, Secret Star, Battle Star, City Star, and Future Star. Future Star is very mechanical and the master computer makes sure that everything runs smoothly on all planets. However, a virus gets into the computer (Why didn't they get antivirus software?) and causes it to turn evil. Bomberman and/or Max must stop this computer, which is called "Brain". 0-5 stars, as always.
Graphics: ** 1/2
C'mon, I want something more than this offers. I'm not asking for nearly perfect graphics, but it would be nice if the enemies and Bomberman (I'll say Bomberman, even though you could be playing as Max) were a bit more 3D-ish.
Sound and Music: ****
Some of the music I really liked, but most of it isn't something to go crazy over.
Difficulty: Hard
Pretty tough. Getting hit just once makes you start the level over, unless you've gotten the power-up that makes it so you can get hit twice. However, this power-up is very rare.
Controls: **** 1/2
As with most GBC games, the controls are easy, even if the gameplay itself is not.
Levels: ** 1/2
While it's nice to see the levels are different goals, I think a lot of them are too short. Furthermore, I hate the time limit, and especially hate some of the levels that require you to fulfill its purpose before the timer ticks down to 1:00.
Concept: ***
It's the same old Bomberman action, but at least it's not the same kind of "Bowser kidnaps Peach" thing that Mario always has. Still, it's a little fake that one virus would totally corrupt this "Brain". Wouldn't it have virus protection software? Or maybe this was a new virus...
Story: **
Bomberman/Max has to go from planet to planet, beating the bosses until they reach Brain so they can defeat him and end the reign of terror he's causing. Nothing complicated, but nothing too bad.
Bosses: **
The bosses are very tough to beat. A little too tough, if you ask me. They take a lot of hits, while only one will beat you. Does that sound fair? Okay, so I know you're supposed to be the underdog, but this is taking it a bit far.
Replayability: *
There's always trying to beat ALL the levels, but that requires a friend with Bomberman Max: Red Challenger, and vice versa.
Secrets: **
There aren't many secrets. Okay, so there are some "hidden" Charaboms and you can try to get all of the levels, but it's really not that much.
Gameplay: *** 1/2
I would have preferred if Bomberman and Max had slightly different abilities, which would make it more interesting. Plus, the Charaboms don't accomplish anything unless you're battling with a friend. In Bomberman Tournament, which Charabom you had would usually influence how you did. For example, one of the Charaboms in Bomberman Tournament would allow you to have a higher blast radius, and another allowed you to use a shield which would block some attacks. Does this? No. When you look beyond things like that, the gameplay itself needs some work. Instead of automatically losing a life when you get hit once, it would be more interesting if you had to get hit multiple times, and definitely not as frustrating. And a bunch of the enemies are really hard to beat...
Fun Factor!: *** 1/2
You can get some enjoyment from this game, but not as much as you might expect.
OVERALL: ***
This is a good game, but it suffers from too many things. Why is it after just ONE hit that you lose a life and have to start the level over? The levels are a bit too short, also. They should've had longer levels and also make it take two or three hits. Also, the two games should be more different than they were.
Overall, this is a game that Bomberman fans should get, but otherwise you might want to skip it. Bomberman Tournament may have a bit more of a "Zelda" feel to it, but I think it tops this game. A shame I overrated that game, also. It really deserved 3 1/2 stars...
| If you would like to send some feedback
to the author of this submission, please complete this form.
What's your name?
What's your Email address?
How do you rate this submission?
Does this submission belong in Little
Lemmy's Land?
Would you like to see more from this author? Comments and suggestions:
|
