Bomberman Online Preview

Many argue that there hasn't been a quality Bomberman game released since the Saturn version way back in 1997. Hudson has attempted to bring the series into 3D several times on the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation, with limited success. The problem is that these installments of Bomberman make the one-player mode the focus of the game and allow the most endearing aspect of previous Bomberman games--the multiplayer mode--to be an afterthought. Hudson is attempting to rekindle the multiplayer Bomberman flame with Bomberman Online for the Dreamcast.

Fittingly, the focus of Bomberman Online is its online multiplayer mode. Up to ten players may play an online game at once. Players may create their own characters for online play as well as trade items they find with other online players via the collection panel. The single-player mode will feature five levels, where items may be collected and added to your custom character much like in Bomberman 64. The online mode will have four modes of play, including battle royal, hyper bomber, panel attack, and submarine attack. Hudson has not yet released any details regarding what the different modes will entail.

Bomberman Online will feature 3D graphics and will use the cel-shading technique to make the characters in the game appear like living cartoons. Due to the large number of players who will be playing each map at once, a scrolling feature will be instituted to aid in observing the entire playfield. Items that you acquire through adventuring or trading will make visible changes to your character.

Despite the 3D cel-shaded graphics, the gameplay in Bomberman Online will continue to perpetuate the same tried-and-true 2D strategy mechanics from older versions of the franchise. Using a variety of bombs, you must blow up the opposition while navigating mazes and avoiding enemy fire. Bomberman Online is looking to make a return to the franchise's roots with its 2D gameplay and strong focus on the multiplayer mode. Few details are known about the game at this time, but you can expect more information in the immediate future. Bomberman Online for the Dreamcast is currently scheduled for release this summer.