Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bomberman Jetters succeeds in blending classic Bomberman mechanics with fresh platforming elements that keep the action moving at a brisk pace. In the single-player campaign, you alternate between Bomberman and Max as you make your way through levels filled with crates, breakable walls, and hidden passages. Both characters share basic bomb-dropping skills, but subtle differences in speed and bomb power encourage you to switch strategically based on level design or enemy types.

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One of the standout features is the Charabom system. As you explore each stage, you’ll encounter wild Charaboms—small creatures that lend you their unique abilities once tamed. Feeding and evolving a Charabom unlocks new powers, from fire trails that light your path to elemental blasts that clear obstacles from afar. This adds a rewarding layer of exploration and customization, as you hunt down rare Charaboms to build an ideal team for each mission.

Fans of Bomberman’s multiplayer may breathe a sigh of relief: Jetters delivers solid four-player battles that capture the series’ signature chaos. The eight distinct battle arenas offer varied layouts, hazards, and power-ups, ensuring no two matches feel identical. Even after you’re eliminated, the revenge feature lets you lob bombs onto the battlefield’s perimeter, turning “outsider” status into an opportunity for one last shot at glory.

Beyond the core modes, there’s a surprising amount of replay value. Each stage hides bonus collectibles—additional Charabom eggs, extra lives, and special items—that reward thorough exploration. If you’re determined to see all character evolutions or master every battle mode, Jetters will hold your attention well beyond its initial eight to ten hours of gameplay.

Graphics

Bomberman Jetters leverages the GameCube’s hardware to deliver crisp, colorful visuals that pop on any standard-definition TV. Levels are rendered in vibrant 3D, while characters remain faithful to their cartoony, sprite-based roots. The result is a charming hybrid style: environments have depth and detail, but Bomberman and his allies retain the bold outlines and expressive animations fans adore.

Stage designs are both varied and inventive. From lush forest ruins to mechanized factories, each environment feels unique, complete with dynamic background elements—flowing waterfalls, shifting conveyor belts, and even the looming shadow of Dark Star in later levels. These details not only enhance immersion but also tie into gameplay, as hazards and moving platforms keep you on your toes.

Cutscenes are fully voiced and sprinkled throughout the adventure to push the narrative forward. While voice acting sometimes veers into the campy side, it matches the game’s overall lighthearted tone. Character models in these sequences are richly detailed for the platform’s era, with expressive facial features that underscore each hero’s determination—or comic frustration when bombs inevitably trip them up.

The user interface and HUD are clean and intuitive, displaying bomb counts, lives, and active Charabom abilities without cluttering the screen. Menus load quickly, and multiplayer setups are straightforward, letting you jump into matches with minimal downtime. Overall, it’s a polished presentation that feels at home on the GameCube.

Story

The narrative in Bomberman Jetters is refreshingly earnest: the nefarious Hige Hige Bandits plan to obliterate Planet Bomber by crashing an artificial comet called Dark Star into it. It’s up to single-minded Bomberman and his stalwart partner Max to thwart this doomsday scheme before it’s too late. Though the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking, it provides ample motivation to blast through each stage and discover the Bandits’ hidden bases.

Along the way, you encounter an ensemble cast of allies known as the Jetters—tech-savvy pilots and repair specialists who brief you on objectives, upgrade your gear, and offer comic relief. Their banter adds warmth to the campaign, reminding players that Bomberman isn’t facing this threat alone. The interplay between heroes and side characters makes cutscenes more engaging, especially when tension rises as the countdown to Dark Star’s impact grows shorter.

Charaboms themselves carry mini-stories. Each species you tame has its own quirks and motivations, revealed through brief dialogue snippets and evolution milestones. Watching a small, timid creature transform into a fierce guardian after a few feedings injects a surprising amount of charm and narrative payoff into the gameplay loop.

While the finale follows familiar “race-against-doom” beats, it culminates in a satisfying showdown that ties together your exploration, Charabom mastery, and bomb-slinging skills. Even if you’re not here for a blockbuster storyline, Bomberman Jetters delivers enough character-driven moments to keep you invested from the first explosion to the last.

Overall Experience

Bomberman Jetters strikes a delightful balance between family-friendly fun and competitive edge. Its approachable single-player campaign eases newcomers into the world of strategic bomb placement and platform puzzles, while the depth of the Charabom system offers veterans a reason to revisit every level. The eight to ten hours of story content feels substantial—but it’s the multiplayer mayhem that truly prolongs this title’s lifespan.

At its original $19.99 budget price, Jetters was a steal—and it still feels like a tremendous value today. Whether you’re tackling hidden collectibles solo or hosting four-player brawls in your living room, you’ll find countless hours of laughter, surprises, and explosive fun. The game’s quick respawn system and revenge mechanic ensure that no one ever feels sidelined, making it ideal for group play.

Couple that with the GameCube’s library of couch co-op classics, and Bomberman Jetters stands out as a must-own for anyone seeking lighthearted competition. Even in the modern era, its straightforward controls and instant-action philosophy hold up remarkably well, proving that a well-crafted party game never goes out of style.

In the end, Bomberman Jetters delivers exactly what its title promises: jet-powered thrills, bombastic mayhem, and enough variety to keep both solo adventurers and multiplayer enthusiasts coming back for more. If you own a GameCube and crave a blend of platforming charm and strategic battle chaos, this is one budget gem you won’t want to miss.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10