Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bomberman ’93 refines the classic maze-based explosion strategy of its predecessors with tight controls and a well-balanced difficulty curve. As White Bomberman, you’ll navigate grids of soft and hard blocks, laying bombs to clear paths and eliminate enemies. Each explosion has just the right amount of knock-about chaos, creating nail-biting moments when you need to outrun your own blast radius or chain together combo kills.

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The power-up system keeps the action fresh level after level. You’ll unlock extra bombs, flame extensions, remote detonation, and even ghost abilities that let you slip through walls or bombs. Discovering a flashing block is always a thrill, because it might hold the bomb-kicking power-up that turns the tables on roaming enemies or human rivals. From seeking out the exit to rationing your bombs for maximum coverage, every choice matters.

Level design in the Normal mode steadily introduces new challenges. If you open the exit prematurely, it remains inactive until every foe is gone—so you’ll often juggle between hunting enemies and clearing obstacles. Run out of time or accidentally blow the exit? A handful of surprise enemies pop up, forcing you to improvise on the fly. Survive eight stages and you’ll clash with a boss who tests all the skills you’ve honed so far.

Beyond the single-player quest, Battle and Versus modes inject multiplayer mayhem. In Battle mode, up to four Bombers (human or CPU) duke it out across themed arenas with conveyor belts, warp holes, and one-way doors. Versus mode pairs two players head-to-head for TurboExpress action—perfect for portable party sessions. Whether you’re sneaking up on friends or dodging back-to-back blasts, the multiplayer variety ensures Bomberman ’93 never grows stale.

Graphics

Visually, Bomberman ’93 shines on the TurboGrafx-16 with bright, polished sprites and a lively color palette. Every stage has its own flair—icy plains glimmer with blues and whites, while volcanic levels burn with reds and oranges. The backgrounds remain subtle enough not to distract from the frantic bomb-laying below, yet they add character to each planet in the galaxy.

Character animations are crisp and expressive. White Bomberman’s victory dance is just as charming as Black Bomberman’s sly leer, adding personality to these otherwise simple avatars. Explosions pop on screen with satisfying flashes and knockback effects that communicate both impact and danger. Even on smaller portable screens, the details hold up, ensuring you can always spot a power-up flashing yellow in the chaos.

Menus and HUD elements are cleanly presented, displaying bomb counts, flame length, lives, and time remaining without clutter. In multiplayer stages, the split-screen remains coherent and readable, so you never lose track of your own bomber icon. Overall, the aesthetic strikes an ideal balance between retro simplicity and polished presentation, making Bomberman ’93 a joy to look at and play.

Story

While Bomberman ’93 isn’t a narrative heavyweight, its light setup provides enough motivation to keep bombers plowing through dozens of levels. Black Bomberman’s devious blackout of the galaxy’s power station kicks off disputes among seven planets, and it falls to White Bomberman to restore the lights and peace. This simple premise gives each world a purpose beyond mindless blasting.

Story progression is conveyed through brief text screens between planets, reminding you of your mission and building anticipation for the next boss. Though there are no lengthy cutscenes, the stakes feel real thanks to the succession of unique level themes and foes you encounter. Defeating a planet’s boss feels like more than just ticking off Stage 8—it’s a symbolic victory in your quest to end Black Bomberman’s reign of disruption.

By keeping the narrative concise, Bomberman ’93 strikes a balance between arcade-style immediacy and lighthearted world-building. You never need to spend precious minutes on exposition—every second counts as bombs tick down—but there’s enough context to care about restoring power to each planet. For players seeking a straightforward heroic romp wrapped in charm, the story does its job admirably.

Overall Experience

Bomberman ’93 delivers some of the most addictive bomb-laying action on the TurboGrafx-16. Single-player mode offers a measured ramp in challenge, with power-ups and boss encounters punctuating each planetary zone. Every level feels like a puzzle to solve under time pressure, making wins all the more gratifying. Even after dozens of stages, you’ll find yourself drawn back to shave seconds off your best runs.

The true longevity, however, lies in its multiplayer offerings. Battle mode’s varied arenas and up-to-four-player chaos make for unforgettable living-room showdowns. Versus mode on TurboExpress turns any downtime into a portable party. The fast pace, coupled with strategic bomb placement and power-up control, fosters an environment where both newcomers and veterans can shine.

Accessibility is another highlight. Controls are intuitive, with distinct button layouts for bomb placement and remote detonation. Beginners can pick up the basics in minutes, while seasoned players will spend hours mastering bomb-kicking or blocking tactics. The game’s tight design, combined with its retro charm, ensures that Bomberman ’93 remains an essential addition for collectors and newcomers alike.

Whether you’re hunting the single-player exit or gunning for victory against friends, Bomberman ’93 offers a timeless blend of strategy, chaos, and outright fun. It stands as one of the TurboGrafx-16’s crowning achievements and a must-play for anyone who loves explosive puzzle action.

Retro Replay Score

8/10