Konami has successfully ported its classic titles to modern gaming consoles, and the latest series to receive a lovingly crafted collection is Bomberman. The Super Bomberman Collection features seven classic games, including all five Super Bomberman titles for the Super Nintendo. With two brand-new English localizations and a variety of extras, this collection truly celebrates the beloved gaming icon.
The main attraction of the collection is having all five Super Bomberman games in one place. This is particularly impressive since Super Bomberman 4 and 5 had never been released in English and now feature new localizations. Additionally, some games include other language variants (Japan/US/Europe), bringing the total to 10 different versions of Super Bomberman titles. The Japanese versions of the first two Bomberman games for the Famicom are also included as a bonus, which is a delightful addition, especially since many players may not have experienced these and might be surprised to learn that versus play was only introduced in Bomberman II.
Bomberman games are relatively straightforward at first, as players use bombs to clear arenas and defeat enemies. However, what makes this collection particularly enjoyable is observing how the gameplay has evolved over time. From Super Bomberman 2 introducing puzzles and traps to Super Bomberman 3 and 4 featuring various rideable creatures, each game offers unique elements that encourage players to experience every title. They are all entertaining to play solo or with friends locally (unfortunately, no online play has been added).
Each title also includes numerous quality-of-life enhancements, such as the ability to save and load games, apply a CRT filter, and even rewind time. New boss rush modes provide additional challenges for players looking to test their skills. Amidst all the bombs and multiplayer excitement, there’s a wide range of bonuses available, including scanned instruction manuals for the games, the option to listen to each game’s music, and an assortment of artwork to explore. The entire collection is presented beautifully, enhanced by stunning art throughout the menus.
Super Bomberman Collection Review: Final Verdict
With seven titles that remain enjoyable to play, the Super Bomberman Collection is a fantastic tribute to Hudson Soft’s iconic character. Featuring numerous bonuses and plenty of classic artwork to browse through, it’s evident that significant thought went into this compilation, offering far more than just the games themselves. Fans will have a great time revisiting nostalgic favorites and discovering titles they may not have played before.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As outlined in ComingSoon’s review policy, a score of 8 signifies “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score indicates that the art achieves its intended goal and leaves a lasting impression.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a PlayStation 5 copy for our Super Bomberman Collection review. Reviewed on version 1.000.001.
