Scott Watson reviews Bombslinger…
When Super Bomberman R failed to set the world alight on its Switch release, we were all left wondering if we would ever see the likes of its multiplayer mayhem again. To Mode 4’s credit, they’ve given it a damn good try with Bombslinger. A game that delights and frustrates in equal measures.
The game itself is a riff on Bomberman’s classic gameplay, placed in a Wild West environment using those stylised 16-bit graphics and animation that indie devs like Mode 4 do so well.
The single player is a fairly simple tale of revenge, a narrative there to drive you on through the procedurally generated maps of each level towards a final boss confrontation. It’s reminiscent of the original Zelda, as you move from screen to screen, wiping out the various types of enemies sent to take you out. Throughout each map, you’ll find chests of gold, you’ll gain experience from wiping out the bad guys and wild animals, and you’ll find general stores rich with power up pickings ranging from additional bombs to power ups that will help you along the way. The power ups are pretty much what you’d expect from a game with a strong nod to the Bomberman series; bomb kicks, pushes and jumps, larger explosions, pistols, rifles and shotguns and extra hearts. It’s a game steeped in old-school influences and that goes for the difficulty too. While traversal through the maps with all these weapons and power-ups gives you some comfort, the game’s roguelike tendencies mean when you’re dead you’re dead. No restart from the point you died, no checkpoints, just a cold and infuriating return to the first level of the game. Some games tread this path of difficulty well, but sadly the single player very quickly becomes a turn off because of it.
By comparison, the multiplayer is so eminently insane and crazy when you get together with three other mates, that it’s worth spending the £11 on this mode alone for your pre/post pub evenings. This is where Bombslinger pretty much goes pure Bomberman. A single screen, four corners, four enemies, and time to rain down the bombs. It’s pure, unadulterated fun, let down only by the limited deathmatch and last man standing modes. There’s a good selection of maps, a plethora of power-ups (something the multiplayer is not shy in giving you) and enough chaos and confusion going on to keep the trash talk, banter, and competition going.
Considering the price of Bombslinger is a quarter of Bomberman S, if you’re looking for a slice of multiplayer mayhem then it’s unbeatable value for money. Just beware the ruthless nature of the single player!
Pros:
+ Excellent multiplayer mode
+ Procedurally generated maps keep things fresh
Cons:
– Single player is tough as nails
– Multiplayer can get a bit confusing at times
Rating: 7/10
Platform reviewed on Nintendo Switch
Scott Watson
