Review for Super Bomberman R. Game for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 03/03/2017 The version for PC came out on 13/06/2018 The version for PlayStation 4 came out on 14/06/2018 The version for Xbox One came out on 14/06/2018
"I saw angel-headed hipsters burning for the ancient celestial contact with the starry dynamo in the machinery of the night" a phrase by the visionary Ginsberg that well represents and symbolizes a very charismatic character who has been a protagonist for more than thirty years of a series of videogames that have thrilled and thrill thousands of players around the world. After over 90 titles between spin offs and various collaborations, with Super Bomberman R the most loved videogame bomber ever come back up switch, the fledgling Nintendo console.
The plot falters ...
Shinichi Nakamoto, who created the character in 1983 for PC, certainly couldn't have known that in his 72-hour marathon to convert the game for Nes he was in fact creating such an important piece of gaming history. The little bomber is the protagonist of a game that, due to its simple and intuitive nature, has been able to quickly win the favor of the public.
PUnfortunately, however, making a character move on a grid to place bombs and destroy obstacles and enemies without falling victim to his own explosions is the expression of the smash button and frenzy, certainly not the vastness and complexity of a story to tell. Even on Nintendo Switch the story of Bomberman is not convincing, with Konami that he had to resort to the usual stratagem: a galaxy in danger, a sworn enemy, a team of heroes ready to do anything to stop him. Simple, already seen and certainly lacking in originality, especially for a title that had the honor of ending up in the launch line of the console that is making the whole world talk, for better or for worse.
… But on balance it is not very important
Fortunately the goal of Super Bomberman R is not to involve the gamer with his complex plot or with touching and artistically pleasing interlude scenes: the one to whom tip è to captivate audiences with its extremely fast-paced, fast-paced and fun gameplay, which touches peaks of impeccable ecstasy with the multiplayer sector, especially offline. The gameplay is free from the need to be presented, the whole world knows perfectly that game mechanism that made the Konami title so famous.
Placing a bomb, escaping to safety and waiting for its detonation to be able to collect any power ups or rejoice in killing an enemy - all without falling victim to your own devices - is finally what made Bomberman the global success it is. On the Nintendo Switch, what changes is an isometric view of the map, which could make purists who love tradition turn up their noses. The power ups are always the same as is the good fun that Super Bomberman R is able to offer. Being able to move the camera at will, after unlocking the option from the settings, is convenient even if you risk a bit of seasickness, but it doesn't matter for gameplay purposes, because the fun is guaranteed.
The bosses you'll encounter in story mode are also as fun as they are (sadly) easy to beat. Luckily to give it an edge comes the ability to conduct story mode with a friend, doubling the pleasure and fun.
The perfect game to play in company
Although the main story campaign is able to offer a few hours of enjoyable fun, Super Bomberman R expresses the best of its potential in multiplayer. By its very characteristic, the shared map has the advantage of not having to split the screen: you play all together on the same map. Moreover the new features of the newborn Nintendo Switch are perfectly suited to such a title: any pad recognized by the Switch becomes a valid controller and the Joy Cons used in a horizontal position become a single Pad for each player.
Up to eight controllers can be synchronized and the map, which for multiplayer returns almost to two-dimensionality, becomes the ideal battlefield to play with friends inside or outside the home, taking advantage of the portability of the console. Unfortunately Super Bomberman R suffers from some problems, which persist even several days after launch, with the online multiplayer sector: playing with distant friends is a demoralizing experience given the connection difficulties and the terrifying lags from which the online multiplayer sector is affected. After several attempts we managed to lead just a handful of games, and all of them had really noticeable lags and slowdowns. We therefore hope that Konami will soon take action to solve the problem with the next release patch.
All smoke and little roast
Unfortunately Super Bomberman R is a title that could (and should) give more. You want it because it has a history of successes which it carries the weight on its shoulders, either for the console it runs on, or for the price that is not really low Super Bomberman R had to do better. In addition to the problems with online multiplayer that we have already talked about, combined with the lacking story dotted with skits as funny as they are poor and disappointing in terms of graphics, the Konami title also carries some gameplay problems. The isometric setting in faux 3D results in slower and less immediate feedback than classic 2D. The learning curve to become an expert bomber grows and becomes frustrating at times causing accidental deaths and a lot of nervousness.
Fortunately, the audio sector, with sound effects reminiscent of the glories of the past, goes well with captivating and not boring themes, suitable for the frenzy of the context. The bulk of the title's value is the ability to play offline with friends. However, it makes us think that the most successful part of Super Bomberman R both the one that is in fact most similar to the original title, confirming the thesis that pushing more in this direction the final result would have been better.
A positive note is the shop, where you can buy outfits and features for the eight brothers with a passion for dynamite protagonists of Super Bomberman R.
Super Bomberman R is a title that manages to snatch a positive vote only thanks to the passion that generates its offline sector. A not too long story, an unstable online multiplayer, an isometric view that leaves some doubts and a perhaps excessive price are the elements that strongly penalize a title that could have been one of the spearheads of Nintendo Switch. That said, if you are looking for a title to spend pleasant and fun hours in company playing all together, Super Bomberman R is the one for you without reservations.
► Super Bomberman R is an Action-Puzzle type game published by Konami for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, the video game was released on 03/03/2017 The version for PC came out on 13/06/2018 The version for PlayStation 4 came out on 14/06/2018 The version for Xbox One came out on 14/06/2018
