Gameplay in Bomberman can be broken down to a single sentence: move around the world and play mini-games. Moving is simple, with a basic map full of points that can be investigated. These points often yield mini games or provide some limited dialogue that serves to advance the minimal storyline. Completing the mini-games garners pieces, tiles with a color and a number. Using these pieces at the proper place expands the world, unlocking new games and places to visit. This formula continues for the entire game, with occasional ?boss fights? being unlocked.

Bomberman Land is a very simple game obviously aimed at children. With such being its goal, it is very pleasant to note that it is essentially free of anything even remotely objectionable. Profanity, sexuality, and any negative messages are entirely absent. Violence is essentially absent, though some mini-games could possibly be interpreted as being violent. Magic is also not mentioned, though the state of Bomberman Land is certainly strange. Basically it has disappeared and pieces are used to bring it back, though no explanation is given for any of this. Still, these two items are a stretch, and anyone old enough to enjoy video games is likely ready for the content that Bomberman land has to offer.

All in all, Bomberman Land is a game that is certainly appropriate for young players. That is a good thing, because it will likely only appeal to the very youngest of players, both for its simplicity and for the general lack of any major compelling features to attract an older audience. The game is relatively free of errors or glitches, but then again, that is no surprise considering the lack of complexity. While not without merit, we would recommend passing by this game, as there are many out there that have enjoyable mini-games without the lack of depth that haunts this title.

» By Jesse Porch, Plain Games. Published 3/11/2008 9:55:33 PM.