You may be asking yourself, didn’t we post a review for this game last year when the Nintendo Switch came out? Why are we writing another post on it? While we did in fact review Super Bomberman R at its initial release, we are here today to discuss it’s latest release on other consoles!
I’ll be honest with you up front. This is largely the same game that you will get if you buy the Switch version. Not a whole lot has changed. It isn’t the same game that initially released, but it is mostly the same as the Switch version after updates and patches. That being said, there are a few console and PC specific exclusives that come with the game that make it unique from other versions of the game. Each version receives their own unique bomber to add to the roster of explosive characters. The Ps4 receives Ratchet and clank while Xbox receives Master Chief and PC allows you to play as P-body. Other than that, the biggest perks are getting to play in a more developed online community than that of the Nintendo Switch. Now if this happens to be someone’s first time playing the game, then they are in for some explosive and ridiculous fun.
As stated in our previous review, this game shines more as a party title than it does as a single player campaign adventure. That doesn’t mean that the single player mode isn’t fun or challenging though. I’d actually say this is one of the more challenging games I have ever played and was a reminder of days when dying in a game had actual consequences. The campaign mode follows the adventures of the Bomberman siblings but actually allows you to use any of the characters you have purchased in the shop during your play through. Each level has you trying to accomplish a specific task for that map as you try to make your way to the boss of that level. Don’t let the charming level designs fool you though. Each level is harder than it seems at first glance and as you power your character up with more bombs or stronger explosions, you may find that you end up being your own worst enemy if you aren’t careful. The story itself is presented in a rather over the top manner but you still manage to appreciate each characters unique personalities and quirks as you learn more about both your allies and enemies on your journey. Despite all this though, the main story doesn’t necessarily promote a ton of replay value, (unless you just like more difficulty in your explosions,) so once you manage to complete the story the only real perks are earning more coins for the shop, which can also be obtained from just playing the battle royale mode with friends.
Multiplayer mode is where Super Bomberman R really shines. In an age where developers seem to be trying their hardest to deprive gamers of couch co-op experiences and the ability to play games with friends in the same room, Bomberman defies trends and gives you the freedom to choose your multiplayer preferences. Literally the entire game can be played with friends in the room with you and the VS mode can be played online. This means that you never have to go on adventures alone and can always have the opportunity to create new explosive memories with your friends while playing the game. Super Bomberman R also does so without creating and split screen related inconveniences due to the nature of the level designs. Since each level is a top down map experience, adding another bomber into the mix is incredibly simple by literally just dropping a friend in on the chaos as you traverse the map together. If players are looking for a game that they can enjoy with others or in a party setting, this is definitely one they don’t want to miss out on.
As you go through your journey you also may find yourself marveling at some of the beautiful level designs that manage to take graphics processors seriously while at the same time, keeping the game’s whimsical tone and ambiance. This is accented even further in the game’s expansion into new consoles in just clearer more vibrant images than its predecessor and further helps to accent some of the game’s finer points. (Or further accentuate the pain from exploding yourself via your own bombs.)
All in all, if you are wondering if players already own the previous version of the game and are wondering if the new one is worth picking up I’d say, “Probably not?” Unless you are just a huuuuuuge Master Chief, P-Body, or Ratchet and Clank fan OR better visuals are just REALLY that important to you. All of the other updates are downloadable on the Switch so players aren’t missing out on a ton in that regard. If you haven’t gotten the game AT ALL yet, then I’d say go grab a copy. It’s a great party game and being able to play through a game’s story with a friend is NEVER a bad thing, (unless your friend just likes to blow you up on purpose, but I’d also assume that’s the same type of person that chooses Yoshi or Toad on Super Mario 64. Don’t invite them.) So really, it’s just your gaming preferences. Do you like playing with friends? Buy it. Are you reeeeeally all about flying solo in all of your gaming experiences? Probably don’t buy it.