Bomberman 64

🎮 Nintendo 64 ⏳ 5 hours ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Bold 3D Reimagining #

This title is a bold and innovative reimagining of the series. Rather than sticking to the traditional top-down grid-based gameplay of its predecessors, the game ventures into fully 3D environments, a significant shift that transforms how puzzles, combat, and exploration work. The story mode places Bomberman on a quest to stop the evil Altair and his minions, featuring multiple themed worlds filled with intricate puzzles, secrets, and platforming challenges.

New Mechanics and Depth #

The transition to 3D allows for new gameplay mechanics, like the ability to pick up and throw bombs, stack them, or use their explosions to launch Bomberman into the air, an essential skill for reaching hidden areas and solving environmental puzzles. This design encourages experimentation and rewards careful timing and spatial awareness. Each stage is packed with collectible items and hidden gold cards that unlock extra content, adding depth and replay value.

Tactical 3D Multiplayer #

The multiplayer mode, while slower and less frantic than the classic SNES versions, introduces spherical arenas and vertical layouts that make matches feel more tactical. You must think in three dimensions, planning bomb placements and escape routes with greater precision. It was quite a blast back in the day since very few people managed to master the 3D mechanics of the transition, when compared to the classics, especially when it comes to the fast-paced multiplayer matches.

Colorful N64 Adventure #

Visually, it captures the colorful charm of the series, with expressive characters, varied environments, and a distinctive polygonal style that defines late-’90s Nintendo 64 aesthetics. The OST is upbeat and atmospheric, matching each world’s tone perfectly. Though some fans missed the fast-paced simplicity of earlier entries, this game stands out as one of the franchise’s most creative and ambitious installments. It successfully blends puzzle-solving, exploration, and classic combat into a cohesive 3D adventure that remains both nostalgic and genuinely engaging.