Future Publishing


Bomberman Hardball

Author: Leon Hurley
Publisher: Ubisoft
Machine: PlayStation 2 (EU Version)

 
Published in Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine #62

The bang-happy little bod returns and now he's got balls...

Bomberman Hardball

Usually, Bomberman goes like this: Four bulb-headed freaks charge around mazes, dropping bombs. Some walls stop explosions. Some don't. The winner is the last one without an arse full of shrapnel. Classic stuff. So, how do you celebrate a game that's been around for over 20 years? Easy, throw in three completely unrelated sports and a 'pet' mode. Obviously...

Fortunately, it's mostly good stuff. The fun is as chaotic as ever. There are tons of options, from point-based tournaments to simple survival matches. It does need to be played with friends to get the most from it though. The same goes for the sports games - tennis, golf and baseball. They're basic - a few buttons and rules - but it's good fun with a few mates. Tennis in particular is eye-twitchingly addictive.

The only duff thing is the 'living' mode, turning Bomberman into a lame digital pet. There's a house, TV, computer, a wardrobe full of customisation options and not much else. It's just a glorified menu - watch saved replays on the telly, choose moustaches, or if you're feeling really reckless, change in-game options on the computer. Meh. But ignore this waste of disc space, and the rest shines. It won't last forever, but there are four decent multiplayer games to have a laugh with here - worth the twenty notes, we reckon.

Verdict

Graphics 60%
Cartoony but a little lifeless.

Sound 40%
Musical splinters nailed with cackling pixies.

Gameplay 70%
Uncomplicated entertainment with friends.

Lifespan 70%
A few afternoons of fun with your mates.

Overall 70%
A few extra games would've made this indispensable, but it's still a pretty good compilation at a reasonable price.

Leon Hurley

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