Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hudson Best Collection Vol. 1: Bomberman Collection brings the frantic, maze-based action of the original Famicom Bomberman titles directly to the Game Boy Advance without losing a beat. The core mechanic—laying timed bombs to clear obstacles and defeat enemies—remains as satisfying as ever, with tight controls that translate perfectly to the GBA’s D-pad and buttons. Each stage challenges you to plan your bomb placements and timing carefully, since a stray explosion can just as easily hinder your progress as help you overcome foes.

Bomberman II builds upon the first game’s foundation by introducing new power-ups, enemy types, and level designs that expand the strategic possibilities. From the classic bomb-up and flame-up enhancements to more exotic abilities like remote detonators, each collectible item fundamentally changes how you approach a room full of patrolling villains. The pacing remains brisk, encouraging repeated runs through familiar stages to discover hidden power-ups and perfect your route.

For those who remember the communal thrills of local multiplayer, the GBA port supports link-cable battles for up to four players (each requiring a copy of the game). These head-to-head bomb-laying matches retain all the charm and chaos of the original, with customizable rules that let you tweak life counts, time limits, and available power-ups. Whether you’re aiming to dethrone a friend or teaching newcomers the ropes, the multiplayer mode offers endless replay value.

Graphics

Visually, the Bomberman Collection stays true to the 8-bit roots of the original Famicom titles while taking full advantage of the GBA’s enhanced color palette. Character sprites are crisp and instantly recognizable, with Bomberman’s iconic white suit and helmet popping against the varied tile sets of each world. The consistency of art direction across both games gives the compilation a cohesive look, and subtle animations—for example, enemy patrol patterns and the flicker of an about-to-detonate bomb—add polish to every screen.

Stage designs remain faithfully recreated, from the industrial piping and block puzzles of the first Bomberman to the more elaborate mazes and themed backdrops found in Bomberman II. While the resolution of the GBA screen is slightly lower than a television’s, Hudson’s developers ensured that level layouts are perfectly readable, with clear distinctions between destructible blocks, solid walls, and power-up capsules. In fast-paced moments, there’s never confusion about where you can safely step or which obstacles are about to go boom.

The transition from home console to handheld also introduces subtle visual enhancements, such as smoother scroll transitions between levels and a more vibrant color grading overall. Menus and HUD elements feel modernized yet unobtrusive, keeping the focus squarely on the action. Whether you’re playing under bright daylight or illuminated by a backlit GBA SP, the graphics hold up well, retaining their retro charm without feeling dated.

Story

As with many early arcade-style games, story takes a backseat to pure gameplay in the Bomberman Collection. The basic premise remains simple: guide Bomberman through a series of labyrinthine worlds to defeat the evil forces that threaten peace across the galaxy. Each stage completion brings you one step closer to rescuing captured allies or uncovering the next diabolical plot from Bomberman’s perennial villains.

Bomberman II adds a touch more narrative context by introducing new locales and a brief introductory sequence that sets the stage for each world’s thematic challenges. Though the dialogue is sparse—limited to short text boxes before and after boss encounters—it’s enough to give you a sense of progression and to heighten the stakes as you move from mechanical fortresses to ice-covered caverns and beyond.

Fans who appreciate a lighthearted storyline will find the minimal plot elements charming rather than obtrusive. The emphasis stays on explosive puzzle-solving, but the occasional boss character or cut-scene reward offers a satisfying payoff. Overall, the narrative framework serves its purpose by motivating players to push through increasingly complex mazes while delivering small doses of personality along the way.

Overall Experience

Hudson Best Collection Vol. 1: Bomberman Collection is a masterclass in retro revival done right. By packaging the first two Bomberman adventures into a portable format, Hudson provides both longtime fans and newcomers with an accessible entry point into one of gaming’s most enduring franchises. The compilation’s strength lies in its faithful emulation of the originals, preserving every explosion, power-up, and enemy pattern with remarkable accuracy.

Beyond the core gameplay and graphical fidelity, the inclusion of multiplayer battle mode ensures that this collection is far more than a simple nostalgia trip. Whether you’re seeking a quick solo session on the go or competitive matchups with friends, the Bomberman Collection delivers fun in short bursts or extended play sessions. Its intuitive mechanics make it approachable, while the escalating difficulty ensures a genuine challenge for seasoned players.

In summary, the Hudson Best Collection Vol. 1: Bomberman Collection stands as a must-have for Game Boy Advance owners craving retro action. Its blend of addictive gameplay, colorful visuals, and portable multiplayer creates an experience that’s hard to put down. For anyone looking to revisit the bomb-laying mayhem of the early ’80s or discover Bomberman for the first time, this collection offers tremendous value and endless explosive fun.

Retro Replay Score

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