Super Bomberman 2 Nintendo Entertainment System

For those unaware of theBomberman phenomena, gameplay involves taking control of Bomberman and navigating around single-screen levels while using bombs to destroy computer-controlled aliens and evil ~Bombermen. Screens are filled with blocks, are maze-like in construction and contain numerous traps (such as land mines).

The storyline in Super Bomberman 2 finds our hero struggling to escape an underground prison cell in the base of the ~Five Bad Bombers. Bomberman is a frisky little fellow who can jump, shoot himself out of cannons, push blocks and warp to other levels.

He can also steal enemy vehicles and pick up an assortment of items (such as accelerators and power gloves) that enable him to kick bombs, increase his speed, pass through soft blocks, and turn bombs to slime. However, you should be careful not to pick up skulls, which can cause a number of unwanted effects (such as making you invisible or very slow).

The Normal mode this time around features five stage-packed levels, including the addition of all new bosses in each level. The levels are designed to be more scenic in this game as the carpet-look of previous versions has been replaced with more detail. Enemies include Munchie Jump, who gobbles up bombs you have laid, and Electro, who emits electricity when you get too close to him. A password option allows players to "restore" past games and access cheats.

Battle modes in this sequel include both single-player matches and a newly added tag mode that groups players into teams. Once again, the game offers up to four players a chance to bomb one another into oblivion. You can choose whether each of the ~Bombermen is to be controlled by human, computer or not used at all. The last surviving player (or team) wins the battle.

The battle game consists of ten stages, each of which is distinguished by at least one different feature, including ice, a flower garden, conveyor belts and trenches. Options include G-Bomber on/off, nine computer AI levels, and an assortment of time limits, from five minutes to non-existent.

Bombs away ~ Brett Alan Weiss, All Game Guide