E3 '07: Bomberman Live exploding onto XBL

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--The very first Bomberman game seen in the wild was developed by Hudson and first released way back in 1983. Since then, the series has spanned nearly every major console, adding the Xbox 360 to its list last year with the poorly received Bomberman: Act Zero.

Now the series is getting a chance at redemption on Microsoft's console, as Bomberman Live will make its debut on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. The game has both a single-player and multiplayer mode (up to four on the same console or eight online), and players will be able to personalize their very own explosive bomber with mix-and-match outfits.

Once Bomberman is all dressed up, he (or she) must navigate through a gridlike arena and avoid the bombs from other characters while bombing them to kingdom come first. There will be eight multiplayer arenas and 16 different power-ups (and power-downs), including two self-explanatory ones called Speed Up! and Dangerous Bomb. It will be available on Xbox Live from July 18 for 800 Microsoft Points ($10).

Konami's Yie Ar Kung Fu is also scheduled to release next Wednesday. The main character, Oolong, has to fight a series of martial arts masters of different disciples, including shuriken, nunchaku, bo, and chain, as he attempts to win the Martial Arts Championship. The arcade port has enhanced graphics, painted backgrounds, and new achievements, although gamers are also given the option to play the original arcade version. Yie Ar Kung Fu will sell for 400 Microsoft Points ($5).