System: Xbox 360 (Xbox Live Arcade)
Developer: Hudson Soft
Players: 1-4 players local; 8 players online
Review by: Matt Bosko

Editor’s note: This is a regular column in which Matt Bosko reviews Xbox Live Arcade games. Since XBLA titles are smaller in nature than full-blown retail releases, the reviews are shorter and forgo the Criteria page.

After spending several days in a hospital caring for my new son and daughter, I needed to relax. I was also itching to fire up my 360 and get back to doing what I love: reviewing games! So I’m pleased to present my thoughts on Bomberman Live.

In Bomberman Live, you and your opponents are placed in an overhead map with the goal of being the last one standing. Your only weapon, of course, is a bomb. Scattered across the map are pickups which make your bombs stronger or give you the ability to drop more than one explosive at a time. Unlike previous installments, there’s no story mode; it’s just you against other Bombermen.

The online mode, which allows you to face up to seven other players while showing off your mad bomber skills, really shines. There are several different game types from which to choose. One, called Zombie, challenges you to turn as many tiles on the surface to your color as possible. Another mode, called Paint Bomb, is similar, but once you’re killed, the only way to return is to play spoiler and throw in bombs from outside the map.

Bomberman Live also contains a neat customization feature that allows you to make your own unique avatar from a selection of different faces, costumes, hats and hairstyles. Personally, I’m digging my guy’s Mohawk! Other features include female attire, features resembling Clint Eastwood and even astronaut gear. You’d be hard pressed to not find something you like.

Like I mentioned before, the one drawback to Bomberman Live has to be the lack of a story. It wouldn’t make or break the game, it would only add to the already awesome experience.

Overall, the gameplay in Bomberman Live is great. You won’t get confused while trying to figure out what the pickups do, the controls are as straightforward as they come (you use the left stick and the A button) and the action is downright addictive. There are 12 achievements in this one, and I received about five in the first hour of game time. Pick it up; you won’t be disappointed.

-Matt Bosko-

Want to see how you stack up against me in this game? Check me out on Xbox Live! My gamer tag is MattBWild11.