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Mega Bomberman is a video game of the Bomberman series, utilizing the same “explosive” gameplay, but in a different setting. Graphically, this is the first game to feature the new (1993) design of Bomberman, as well as other characters from the series.

The game’s story is simple: Bomber Planet was once protected by five spirits; however their source of power was destroyed when the evil Bagular invaded, and so the planet was split into five pieces. It is Bomberman’s goal to restore the planet to its original state.

As the title implies, you fight using bombs and gather numerous bonuses which help you accomplish your task. These bonuses can increase the range of your bombs’ blasts, allow you to place more at once, trigger them whenever you wish or many others. The areas all have their own unique aspects; the ice maps, for example, may have slippery ground, while other maps may not have any destructible blocks. Not only do the areas provide a change of scenery, but they also add some interesting and game-altering mechanics to the mix.

Mega Bomberman’s levels are set in six different areas, including a jungle, a volcano and the sea. In single player mode, you must defeat various creatures and a boss at the end of each level; the game has a password system that allows you to begin from a certain level, but this resets any bonuses you may have gathered up until that point.

In multiplayer mode you battle up to four other players, and these can be computer-controlled, but the most fun ensues when four people are gathered, trying to blow each other’s character to bits. It is also possible to play in teams. If it sounds chaotic, rest assured that it is and that is exactly what makes the game so fun and worth playing for hours on end.

To conclude, while single player mode may not be as enticing, Mega Bomberman truly shines through its fun-filled multiplayer mode, and this is probably true for other games of the series. Even if there are newer versions available, it is still very playable and worth trying, if only to see where it all began.

Mega Bomberman features:

Six different types of areas, each with unique effects that alter the gameplay.
Multiplayer mode with up to four players which can also be computer-controlled.
Unlimited replay value in multiplayer.

Player controls:
Up, Down, Left, Right - Arrow keys
Start - Enter (Pause, Menu select, Skip intro, Inventory)
"A" Gamepad button - Ctrl (usually Jump or Change weapon)
"B" button - Space (Jump, Fire, Menu select)
"C" button - Left Shift (Item select)
Use the F12 key to toggle mouse capture / release when using the mouse as a controller.