Bomberman DS
Personally, I’ve never carried much interest in the Bomberman games. Sure, the Super Nintendo version of the game was pretty darn sweet, but over the years Bomberman games have really deteriorated into third rate crappy titles. Luckily, Bomberman DS brings the series back to its traditional 2D roots and concentrates more on the excellent multiplayer experience than the single. Unfortunately, that’s about all it does.

Graphics:

Don’t expect anything too fancy here. Other than the small 3D intro, the entire game is graphically similar to that of its Super Nintendo predecessor. Though I’m sure there are tiny little details here and there that make it superior to the 16 bit titles of days gone past, you’d really have to inspect the game with an extremely keen eye to even see it. However, this isn’t really that big of a problem, because in my humble opinion Bomberman belongs in 2D. As I recall, all the 3D Bomberman games were very under whelming…to say the least.

Sound and Music:

The game’s sound and music serves its purpose, but it doesn’t do anything to really blow you away. That being said, it doesn’t really do anything wrong either. The music is happy and cheery, but there isn’t a very large library of it. Each level has its own music, and by level, I mean entire levels. For example, every single stage of level one (excluding the boss stage) carries the same tune. I often found myself not even listening to the music in the game, because to be honest, you won’t miss it if you decide to pop in a CD or something and listen to that instead. As for the sound effects, they are on par with the music. Every time you grab an item pickup and use it, Bomberman says something. For the most part, it didn’t really bother me, but half the time I couldn’t understand what the crap he was saying anyway. All in all, the game’s sound and music is nothing to marvel at. It does its job, but it doesn’t really go the extra mile to make the game any better.

Storyline:

Um…I don’t exactly recall being told a story, nor do I recall one being in the booklet. However, there is a small little cutscene that shows a large crystal on a mountain shattering. After that happens, the pieces go to ten different places in the Bomberman world and it is your duty to collect them. I’m not really one to nitpick about horrendous stories, because I honestly don’t feel that some games need them. However, the lack of at least some small narrative definitely doesn’t help.

Gameplay:

Bomberman DS plays just like any other traditional Bomberman game would, except this time around there are a few small twists. In the single player mode, you’ll travel from level to level bombing your way through anything and everything in your path. There are ten levels in all, each of which has ten stages (the final stage being the boss fight). Though the levels become increasingly more difficult, it doesn’t change the fact that they become increasingly more repetitive as well. Each level follows the same exact pattern as the last, and there isn’t a single bit of variation to spice it up. Though the single player was tedious, I was able to beat it within a few hours time. Some may like it, but there’s a good chance the majority of people will find it more of a chore than entertainment. However, that’s not too big of a problem, because the multiplayer aspect of the game is more than enough to save it from certain doom. The game’s multiplayer allows for up to eight people to play off of a single DS cartridge using the download play. If you don’t have eight friends, then you can set the option to have computer controller characters fill out the rest of the ranks. Multiplayer mode has a vast amount of different levels to play in, each with their own unique set of power-ups and level hazards. Of course, you can play in the normal level with normal settings, but why do that when you can play in a level that allows you to launch your opponents off of ramps, or in a level where you can set bombs onto conveyor belts to attack long distance enemies. Some levels even require you to blow into the microphone to detonate your weapons. The multiplayer aspect of Bomberman DS is definitely where the game shines, because there is a good chance the single player mode won’t be able to hold your interest long enough.

Controls:

For the most part, Bomberman DS makes very little use of the stylus. You’ll control your character with the D-pad and you’ll set and detonate bombs using the A and B buttons. As for the use of the stylus, it’s very very minimal. In single player mode, you will be able to use items that are in storage by touching them on the bottom screen, but I found my fingernails to be easier and more accessible for that than the stylus was. In multiplayer, you can you use the stylus to launch bombs from the sidelines after you have died. The feature is a neat addition, but it’s honestly not very precise. All in all, the game controls well, but it would have been nice to see the stylus used a bit more.

Replayability:

Technically, there’s unlimited replay potential for this game as long as you have a set of friends to play it with. As I said, the single player can be completed with a few hours, and there’s a very good chance you won’t want to play through it again. There isn’t anything to unlock, because everything in the game is there from the start. Simply put, every single bit of replay value you can squeeze out of this game comes from the excellent multiplayer mode.

Overall, Bomberman DS is a game that teeters on the brink of being a complete stinker. The single player is completely worthless, so you’re pretty much buying this game for its eight person multiplayer mode. If you’re the only person in your area that has a Nintendo DS, I’d suggest you steer clear of this title. However, if you and your friends are itching for a game that offers hours and hours of multiplayer madness, not to mention the fact that only one of you needs to buy it, then Bomberman DS just might be the cure for the itch.
Graphics: 7.5/10
Sound and Music: 7.0/10
Storyline: 0/10
Gameplay: 8.0/10
Controls: 9.0/10
Replayability: 8.5/10
7.8
Out of 10