Let’s party like it’s the 90s with the release of classic Bomberman games in the Super Bomberman Collection! Does this compilation hold up in the modern era? Or are you left questioning childhood memories?
The Quintessential Party Game!
Bomberman games have defined party games for generations. With buckets full of madness and mischief, you can imagine my excitement when developers Red Art Games decided to shadow drop a remastered collection. The Super Bomberman Collection contains some of the titular hero’s earliest forays into gaming and they are still an absolute blast. So what’s included in this collection? Super Bomberman games 1-5 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) are the main course for players to enjoy. The inclusion of Super Bomberman 3-5 is particularly important as these games did not have a wide release in countries such as the US.
Alongside the main titles, are some bonus games packaged in. The first two NES games are added, which helps beef out the overall package. All seven of these games are blasts from the past; you attempt to beat enemies and bosses in classic 16 bit art style. Each game varies in its difficulty and unique levels. However, all of them manage to achieve the core ingredient in party games – great fun! If you are new to this series and expect much of a story, then this collection is not for you. You play as the titular character and battle your way through levels. It has little storytelling and worldbuilding but it doesn’t care. You pick up, play and have a great time!
Brilliant Additions
The developers, Red Art Games, have gone above and beyond in adding deft touches; fans of the series will adore this. The game launches with a brand new Boss Rush mode for all titles, if you want to take on the variety of bosses in a gauntlet style mode. It’s not for the faint hearted. This really increases the difficulty and the reward. Along with this mode, is the inclusion of a Museum mode, which might just be my favourite part of the whole game. I like to see myself as somewhat of a gaming historian, so this mode spoke to me uniquely.
In this mode you can ‘unbox’ each game cartridge and look at all the box art, which is so wonderful. Concept art, trailers and behind the scenes details make this mode a true delight. We are losing some of the past with the way game preservation is suffering. Thus, for this mode to be included gives me great hope.
Pick And Play Perfection
When you think of party games, the key ingredients for success include the ability to have fun, easy concepts and the option to play with friends. Gameplay across the seven titles varies slightly but the main goal is simple and clear for all. If you are playing solo, the aim is defeat all enemies on the screen by dropping bombs in any given direction. These bombs can destroy walls, expanding the battlefield. However, be careful; one wrong step and you get hit. Result: it’s lights out for Bomberman. Whilst all this combat is occurring, you are also tasked with navigating the mazes and environments to gain a tactical advantage on your opponent.
This gameplay may seem difficult, but in reality it’s so easy to pick up and master. Single player makes the game feel slower and more methodical but it prepares you for the true party madness: multiplayer. You and up to four other friends can battle to the death to be the last playerstanding. It’s frenetic, brutal and hilariously tense. I adored these moments playing locally with friends or family but this is where my one gripe comes in. Super Bomberman has it all, albeit with one egregious misstep. How is there not online multiplayer??? This staggering mistake is criminal; I can barely begin to think how entertaining and unpredictable an online component could have been. Still, the charm of Bomberman is its pick up and play simplicity. Thankfully, this collection has faithfully restored these relics to the modern era.
Retro Faithfully Restored
When it comes to playing, the Super Bomberman Collection has never looked so good. Every title has been beautifully remastered in all its 16 bit glory. Every title looks crisp and vibrant, with all the beautiful retro levels and environments on offer across the seven games. The character models look superb; animations look dated but in a charming endearing way. Developers Red Art Games have also included some wonderful quality of life improvements. The option of different borders and filters is greatly welcomed. The ability to create save states and toggle rewind also gets you out of sticky situations. A superb effort in visual presentation.
Similarly, the audio design is beautifully remastered, with every bomb explosion sounding particularly impressive. It has the sound of a classic arcade game; I felt like I was being transported back into the golden age of arcade party games! In addition, the original soundtracks for all seven titles have been faithfully restored, alongside a music player that allows you to pick and choose your favourite song from these classic OST’s. Red Art have done a magnificent job updating, yet keeping the art style and sound design faithful to the original releases.
Verdict
Overall, the Super Bomberman Collection is a fantastic and faithful remastering of classic titles. These seven titles which many, including myself, have never played, are addictive and chaotic party games which are best played in couch co-op with friends. Sadly, the lack of online multiplayer leaves a sour taste in my mouth. Thankfully, great quality of life updates and brilliant additions soften the blow. Remasters can sometimes be unwarranted but this is the perfect collection to introduce to a new generation! Check out the page here- Super Bomberman Collection – PS5
