Bomberman Party at my House!

the Dark Falcon
dfalcon@concentric.net

It is only a matter of hours now before we get our hands on what could be one of the most anticipated titles for the Sega Saturn. I'm talking about one of the best party games in existence, Saturn Bomberman. Sure, more people are excited about Sonic Jam or Sky Target, and I can't blame them- they're both great lookers (and, um, players). But I've been waiting for a ten-player version of Bomberman for too long. Why? Well, in the four-player bouts, I literally got my ass kicked by the other three players. In ten-player mode, there has to be SOMEONE I have to beat. Seriously, there's something more important at risk here- the need for a great multiplayer game for Sega.

Yeah, Sega Rally and Virtual On remain two of the better two-player games around, but when is the last time you and three of your buddies hooked up for a good-natured round of NFL '97? Oh, boy, let's call off our plans and head over to Jim's house to play a four-player round of crap. Yessir. And NHL All-Star Hockey? I shouldn't even go there...it was by (gulp) Grey Matter. AHH! BRAIN FREEZE! With the exception of some of the EA Sports game, Saturn has just been missing some multiplayer excitement, and Bomberman is just the game to kickstart it again.

What at first looks like just a bunch of astronauts running around in a maze throwing bombs is really a game filled deep with strategy and all-out action. And, of course, it helps to be a pro, but literally anyone, age 5 to 500, can pick this one up and begin playing in a heartbeat to nuke their friends. Now, does that sound like more fun than taking on friends in a crappy football game? I would think so.

Now, of course, comes the Netlink option. Only four-player bouts will be available online, but that's still enough to consolidate what the Netlink was made for- online gaming for as many gamers as possible. What Sega needs to really do at this point to win back some of their lost audience is reintroduce the fun multiplayer experience that Sony and Nintendo only present in their sports games. I say, talk to Capcom about implementing a four-player option for their D & D Collection and make it Netlinkable. Do a network thing for Daytona CCE, no matter how much the struggle. Bring us the joy at home that we can only get at the arcade on an eight-player Daytona rig.

So what was my point? Well, number one, I'm excited about Bomberman. Number two, Sega needs to look over their options again and perhaps bring home what people are paying a buck each for in arcades. And number three, if you're going to release four-player games, Sega, make them fun, please. You've taken some good steps with Worldwide Soccer 97 and Bomberman, but you've got a long way to go.

Now, if you'll excuse me, EB opens soon and I've got to go wait outside of the store, tap the glass, and mutter, "OPEN OPEN OPEN..."