It’s Bomberman with its primary focus on fast and frenzied multiplayer battles! How could it go wrong? I am proud to inform you that it couldn’t. This is a formula that really can’t be messed up, but thankfully someone proved us wrong this year when Bomberman Act: Zero was released. Let’s give them a round of applause! Anyways, all sarcasm aside, this is one tasty cookie of a game. The traditional formula of bomb, grab pick ups, and avoiding explosions reins supreme on Xbox Live with support or up to 8 players in ranked and unranked matches. The idea is easy, and the simple design makes for an accessible yet engaging experience; something very welcome for the Xbox Live Arcade.

When playing unranked matched timed at 2 minutes or more, you will occasionally find items which unlock new costume pieces used to customize your character’s look. The warddrobe selections are divided into three categories allowing you to interchange the ‘hair’, face, and outfit of Bomberman to create your own unique look. I was really surprised by the number of costumes put into the game. Outfits range anywhere from a gypsy to a nuclear technician. Very fun.

If you have played the classic Bomberman titles, then you know the gameplay to expect. There are a few changes which can be enabled if you desire. A new revenge mode allows players killed in battle to exact revenge against their killers (or any other play remaining on the field) by circling the outskirts of the map, and throwing bombs into the arena. This is a great way to allow players with varying amounts of skill all enjoy the game equally, even if they have been removed from the core of the game. Another mode is similar to Tony Hawk’s graffiti mode, where the goal it to ultimately wind up with the most space on the board marked as your own.

All in all a great game with a lot of charm. Certainly worth my 800 points. Check it out.