N-Philes

Bomberman's inaugural GameCube game plays just like a Bomberman title should. The single-player story mode is decent enough, with a cutesy cel-shaded look and a gameplay style that is unique to the usual Bomberman mechanics we've come to know and expect. However, as Hudsoft Soft throughout the years has attempted to push the genre into a more story-oriented approach, its history and its fans have fought back. Now it's going back to its roots, with a solid multiplayer that boasts new gameplay ideas all in a familiar package. The real fun comes from four controllers and a couple friends, as blowing up your buddies in battle mode is a thrill that never gets old.


It's the same tried and true Bomberman formula: you and three others try to kill each other... with bombs. However, now there are several different modes which add twists to this premise. There's Reversi mode, a clever take on the popular board game, where the object is to turn as many floor panels to your character's color as possible. This is even more hectic than normal, since trying to gain control of the panels takes your mind off your opponents, leaving you open for attack. Coin mode, where you collect coins from bandits, barrels, and your opponents, is similar to Reversi, but not as fun and clearly not as distinctive. There's also Dodge mode, where you're no longer the predator since you cannot drop bombs yourself. Instead you become the prey, as you try to avoid bombs that are thrown on the field. Lastly, and this is the strangest one, there's Revenge mode. You start on the sidelines and shoot bombs onto the field to kill moles. This is a break from the usual Bomberman form, and it's quite a refreshing break at that. In addition to these creative new ways to play, Bomberman Generation also offers up your standard bomb-battle royale, all of which can take place in several different stages with their own special surprise. Hazards like conveyer belts, direction changing arrows, tall grass, pipes, warp tiles, and bomb warping basketball hoops can be found in this game. All this ensures that you won't be getting bored easily.


I hardly mention the single-player, because really there is not much to talk about. To recommend this game for that feature would be a lie, because it does get repetitive with some shallow ideas and implementation. It's nice to look at and fun to play for a while, and there are certain moments that are truly surprising, but unlike most games it acts as second man to a multiplayer system that completely overshadows it. Having said that, Bomberman Generation is one of the most fun multiplayer experiences you can find on the GameCube. And that's saying a lot, because the GCN is arguably the party system to get these days. The multiplayer is classic Bomberman, which never grows old, while at the same time in case it ever does, there are enough new game modes to keep your hands glued to the controller. Your biggest problem may be availability, since you probably won't be able to find this game in stores anymore. That's due to the induction of Bomberman Jetters, a title that is quite similar and debuted at $20.