Super Bomberman R (PS4) Review
By: RJ (@rga_02)
- Super Bomberman R
- Developer - Konami/Hexadrive
- Publisher - Konami
- Nintendo Switch, PlaySation 4, Xbox One and PC
At one-point Bomberman was a franchise beloved by everyone. While it wasn’t as iconic as Mario or Sonic, everyone knew about the lovable bomber from Konami.
Nowadays it seemed like Bomberman had been relegated to the depths of video game history. Only the old and those who have an esoteric taste in video games know about the character and IP. However, Konami wants to change that outlook and decided to free up the bomber from their cellar.
Super Bomberman R was first released on the Nintendo Switch last year. A lot of people thought it was an exclusive – including myself. There’s nothing wrong with being an exclusive, but I was pleasantly surprised when Konami was going to release the game on other platforms. The game was fantastic on the Switch and I was glad to hear that other people get to experience it as well.
But when I say fantastic I mean the core gameplay of Bomberman is fantastic. It would be pretty hard for Konami to screw up Bombe…..on second thought never mind.
Bomberman at its core is a puzzle based game where all you have to do is place bombs around barriers and enemies. You will encounter power-ups and mazes which can either help or deter you. In the early stages of the game, you can almost get by with placing your bombs anywhere, but as the game progresses you actually have to think a bit. This game as a whole isn’t that hard. Most of the deaths you will encounter will either stem from just walking into enemies or blowing yourself up by accident.
Now if you are looking for a decent story prepare to be disappointed. Then again you really shouldn’t expect anything deep from the writing. You would probably find something more touching in a fortune cookie. For a clear majority of the game, you will find yourself collecting keys, saving and killing others and even time wasting your way to glory. For me, the story arch is nothing but a time waster – you could finish it within an afternoon if you so desire.
In our original review of the game for the Nintendo Switch, my colleague David blasted the art-direction of the game and I’m inclined to agree with him. The cut-scenes are well drawn and downright adorable. As the game transitions from the cutscenes to the stage itself, it’s something less desirable. The levels are bland and dull to look at.
The real reason why anyone should play this game is for the multiplayer.
Super Bomberman R is one of the best party games out in the market right now – even better than a party game like Super Smash Bros. Jokes aside (maybe), this game is incredibly easy to pick up and you and your friends will find yourselves screaming at one another for hours to come. The multiplayer is this game is a prime example of “one more round.” This is where the Nintendo Switch version comes out on top as its portability factor comes in handy. When it came to multiplayer I found myself playing more on the Switch compared to the PlayStation 4.
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Super Bomberman R is a great multiplayer experience. It is robust, polished and downright addicting. However, not everyone can or would want to play with another person and will probably find themselves disappointed with Konami’s offerings. But for the time being, this is the best Bomberman you are going to get. Beggars can’t be choosers, so sometimes you may need to just look the other way.
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As a side note for those interested, the Xbox One version contains Master Chief for the PlayStation 4 has Ratchet and Clank.