Overview and Gameplay
A bomb-making robot fights toward the surface after hearing that escape will turn him human. This North American NES version reshaped Hudson Soft’s earlier computer game into the maze-action formula that defined the series.
Across 50 stages, Bomberman destroys enemies and soft blocks with timed, cross-shaped blasts. Each stage hides an exit and a power-up beneath the walls. Touching enemies or any explosion costs a life, while an expired timer replaces the opposition with dangerous wall-passing Pontans.
Controls And Mechanics
- Control Pad: Move in four directions.
- A: Place a bomb.
- B: Detonate bombs after collecting Remote Control.
- Start: Confirm selections and pause or resume play.
- Select: Choose Start or Continue and enter passwords.
Upgrades add bombs, extend blast range, increase speed, enable remote detonation, allow passage through bombs or walls, and provide flame protection or temporary invincibility. Bonus rounds appear regularly, and the password system preserves stage progress and equipment.
Version Notes
The U.S. release keeps the Japanese gameplay while changing the title presentation and rewriting the ending’s direct Lode Runner reference. It is strictly single-player.
Release And Credits
- U.S. release: January 1989
- Developer: Hudson Soft
- Publisher: Hudson Soft USA
- Original basis: Hudson’s 1983 Bomber Man computer game
