Bomberman Live

One of the greatest multiplayer games of all time makes its way to Xbox Live Arcade. Will this be the game that gets the awful taste of Bomberman Zero out of our mouths?

WHAT IS IT? Bomberman has been blowing crap up for almost 25 years now, and aside from a few ill-advised spin-offs, the formula has stayed consistent. Stick a bunch of players in a maze littered with destructible walls and power-ups, and let the chaos ensue. Hudson has taken the multiplayer mayhem to the one place that can truly support it; the Xbox 360's Live Arcade service.

As far as online games go, Bomberman is a great fit for the 360. It caters to both the hardcore and casual gamer alike with the intense action taking place against a super-cute backdrop. The game could probably use a little bit of streamlining, as there are 15 power-ups available (good luck remembering which ones you picked up) and the stages are packed to the brim with bricks to accommodate them--and to slow the pace of the battles a tad.

At $10, Bomberman is a sweet deal for multiplayer-craving Xbox Live Arcade junkies. If you're a loner, or a bit tired of the Bomberman gameplay (it hasn't changed much in this installment... or over the last decade for that matter), then you may want to opt out of this match.

PROS:
  • One of the most accessible and enjoyable multiplayer games on Xbox Live Arcade.
  • Customizable Bombermen. Or is it Bombermans?
  • The classic Bomberman look and sound is still endearing.
CONS:
  • Too... many... powerups!
  • Standard matches take too long to get going.
  • The gameplay may be a bit too familiar for Bomberfans.

FINAL VERDICT: Bomberman is the rare game that feels as natural after a round of Uno as it does after a Gears of War deathmatch. The action could come a bit quicker, but when it does, it's still a thrill after all these years.

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