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All About...
Bomberman 64: Second Attack
Review

Hudson delivers more multiplayer-blasting-goodness.
Good old Bomberman has a big single-player adventure in store for him.
Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! represents the third incarnation of Bomberman released on the latest Nintendo console. Yet it is apt that the game includes Second in its name, because it plays more like the true sequel to the original Bomberman 64 than to its follow-up, the no-multiplayer-what-were-they-thinking Bomberman Hero. Second Attack! represents a concerted effort by developer Hudson to improve on the Bomb Man's run on the N64, offering up a larger (and tougher) single-player and a multiplayer mode more like the perfection that was Super Bomberman 2 on the SNES. Still, despite all the changes made, Second Attack! feels very much like its predecessors, for better (multiplayer) and for worse (single-player).





Bomberman 64: Second Attack

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One thing you can always take for granted with Bomberman -- besides bombs -- is functional control. Our hero can lay down bombs with the best of them, but unlike previous incarnations, he can only obtain special abilities by picking up items. These items are scattered around the levels of the story mode, appearing after players blow up enemies and certain objects. Possible abilities include kicking bombs, throwing bombs, bigger explosions, greater speed and triggering bombs by remote control. Without these abilities, the game becomes very tough; running up to enemies and placing bombs right next to them in the hope that they will stay nearby is frustrating indeed. Yet with everything unlocked, the control scheme really shines through. Imagine running up a set of stairs, tossing a bomb down below and triggering it right as it lands between two enemies, sending them into oblivion.

The story mode consists of a retread story of trouble in the Bomberman universe, with an evil entity and his Astral Knights vying to secure the elemental stones and rule the world. However, Bomberman has a sidekick this time, the oh-so-nauseatingly-cute Pommy. Co-op is available with the second player controlling Pommy, but what is more interesting is that Pommy will morph into different forms depending on the food that Bomberman picks up throughout the game. As for the gist of the single-player, Bomberman must go through differently themed levels throughout the game, defeating the Astral Knights and Gravity Generator rooms in each level so that the planet can be "freed." A very cool addition is the usage of different types of bombs gained by beating the bosses. The special bombs prove themselves useful in certain situations: Wind bombs send Bomberman over open expanses, ice bombs freeze anything within their blast radius, light bombs stop time for a few seconds, etc.

The focus in the single-player has become more puzzle-like. The biggest indication of this is in the level construction and feel: The worlds do not feel like 3D-ish organic areas but rather like a bunch of interconnected sections constructed together in some alternate-plane-setup, as shown by the level maps on the pause screen. Add this to fixed camera angles and the lack of a jump button, and what you have is a remarkable similarity to Bomberman on older consoles. This renewed focus on puzzle solving is not bad, but the innovation that is there is overshadowed by tired use of switches, levers and item collecting. The dynamics of the single-player may have changed, but ultimately it is destined to the same fate as all the others: ignored.

And then there is the multiplayer, the real reason Bomberman has been around all these years. Second Attack! continues the multiplayer tradition proudly. Up to four players can compete in a number of arenas -- some of which have to be unlocked through the story mode. The gameplay mechanics center around getting the items. That is, whenever an all-important item pops up, mad scrambles ensue, simply because all players start out without abilities, and a boost in speed or the ability to kick bombs could provide the advantage in the battle. The pacing of the battles may be a little slower than before, but they are invigoratingly fun nonetheless. Five modes are available, including the normal survivor mode as well as others like Kings and Knights (protect your king and destroy the opposition's) and Key Trial (first to find two keys wins). However, only the Survivor mode is unlocked at first; participating in the challenge levels can open the others. Unfortunately, while the challenge levels are fun, they are only single-player, and the CPU AI is lacking compared to the enormous challenge and fun that is derived from four-player Bomberman.

The ultimate summary of Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! is that it's the same ol' same ol'. The story mode may have become more puzzle-related, but it still is short-lived and subpar. The graphics, presentation and sound have remained (almost) unbearably cute in nature, and very simple in technical prowess. The control has stayed functional in its implementation and use of bombs. But most importantly, though only a couple of substantial changes were made, multiplayer is still an instant party hit, a fun-filled blast (so to speak) for four people anytime, anywhere. And though Bomberman 64: The Second Attack! may not be a marked improvement over other Bomberman games, the fact that you can go home at the end of the day, fire up some multiplayer battle mode and just have fun with it is a sure sign that this series still has legs, and that Second Attack! is ultimately worth your time.

- C.J. Mittica

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Screens
Split Screen Craze
A Nice River
A Palace
More Multiplayer Mayhem


"The fact that you can go home at the end of the day, fire up some multiplayer battle mode and just have fun with it is a sure sign that this series still has legs."

Screens

Bomberman's buddy Pommy will be a big help in his adventure.

Bomberman will come across a host of strange objects as he makes his way to the Gravity Generators.

Multiplayer mayhem is what Bomberman is all about.

Stats
Developer Hudson Soft
Publisher Vatical Entertainment
Genre Action
Players 4
Supports Rumble Pak


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