Bomberman, in its various incarnations, has appeared on just about every console in the last 10 years. Sega has been a bit behind with it, the Genesis version of Bomberman being rather poor with slow gameplay and a distinctly un-frenetic multiplayer mode.

So it was excellent to see Saturn Bomberman being a brilliant version of the game, particularly with the multi tap. There is a vague plot running through the game, as told by a full motion sequence in the beginning of the game, and the mid-level sequences are very well done. However, the plot, which concerns something called Krator being resurrected by the Meanie gang, helps the story mode unfold and conclude without hassle.

The graphics in the game, as you would expect aren't anything that couldn't have been done on a 16-bit. But that's not what this game is about. The graphics do their job without overwhelming you and there don't appear to be any obvious bugs.

The sound is your usual stuff. Nothing particularly offensive, but nothing to get incredibly excited about.

What we're here for is the gameplay. Battle modes are almost completely addictive, particularly when winning. The normal mode isn't quite as good, but it still offers a mild challenge. A third mode, Master mode allows you to try for high scores over a series of rooms. Lots of things to try out. It's really impossible to describe how fun it is blowing up computer opponents, especially when you have set it up ingeniously (especially when its the character so cruelly named "Bonks"). The lastability very much depends on whether you've got a multitap or not. With one, it will be a long time before you tire of this game. Without one, you might get bored, although two player matches are still fun.

Graphics: 60%
Sound: 60%
Gameplay: 93%
Lastability: 89%
Overall: 90%

If you have a multitap, rush out and buy this game immediately. If you don't have one, rush out and buy it anyway. And while you're at the shop, be sure to pick up a multitap and a few extra controllers
- Jon Okulicz