In Collection
#45

Bomberman, Hudson Soft's unlikely explosives expert, is the star of Bomberman Generation -- the first title in the long-running series to appear on GameCube. The single-player portion of the title requires the little fellow to explore and uncover the exit in various themed settings taking place underwater, in the jungle, and in the desert, among others. Blocking his path are a variety of explosion-oriented puzzles that require Bomberman to throw, kick, and remotely detonate bombs. More passive uses, such as stacking bombs to create makeshift bridges, will also be needed should Bomberman wish to recover the bomb elements before the evil Hige Hige gang. By competing in and winning mini-games hidden in the world, he will obtain one of the four elemental attributes of Water, Ice, Wind, and Light. Each bomb can be infused with these elements to create stronger versions. New to the franchise is the inclusion of Charabombs: creatures Bomberman can "equip," imbuing the hero with a particular ability. New Charabombs can be acquired by allowing them to battle one another in a fashion reminiscent of Nintendo's Pokémon games. Additionally, it's possible to synthesize new creatures by combining the traits of two existing Charabombs in Bomberman's possession. By exploding pots scattered around the environments, players can acquire food for their little helpers, allowing them to rise in level and power. Unlike the single-player aspect of the title, the multiplayer mode returns to the series' 2D roots. Up to four players can compete in one of eight unique arenas, each possessing its own distinct look and feel. Interactive elements within each stage include patches of grass that grow throughout the battle, eventually obscuring the bombs; arrow pads that change the direction of the bombs' movement; and pipes that transport bombs to different parts of the arena. The game also includes a smattering of new modes: Standard, Reversi, Coin, Dodge, and Revenge. In Reversi mode, bomb explosions cause the floor tile to change to the color of the player who threw the bomb. The object is to be the person with the most colored tiles when time runs out. Revenge mode finds players circling the arena in tank-like crafts, trying to kill moles appearing within the playing field. Coin mode litters each arena with coin-filled barrels to blast and collect, but any player hit by a blast will lose coins. Bombs fall from the heavens in Dodge mode, and the last player alive is declared the winner.