Super Bomberman 3: A Blast from the Past!
Developer: Hudson Soft | Publisher: Hudson Soft | Release: 04/28/95 | Genre: Action
Hudson Soft’s Super Bomberman series has been a hit so far. After refining the formula with the second game, they took a strange turn with Super Bomberman 3. Rather than building on the success of its predecessor, this installment goes back to the style of the PC Engine titles. While these games are not bad, it would have been nice to see a separate direction for the SNES. Nevertheless, Super Bomberman 3 stands as another strong entry in this beloved series.
One night, Bagura discovers the bodies of the five Dastardly Bombers in a junkyard. He decides to revive them using his UFO. Upon hearing this news, White Bomber and Black Bomber embark on a mission to stop the Dastardly Bombers and defeat Bagura. It’s up to the dynamic duo to save the day once again!
A Familiar Adventure with New Twists
Super Bomberman 3 follows the footsteps of Bomberman ’93 and ’94 in terms of mechanics, graphics, and story. The five Dastardly Bombers each have their own planets, just like in the previous games. The fire, swamp, jungle, and ice planets return with their unique challenges, while the desert has been replaced by a pyramid. The level design, however, takes a different approach. Instead of large scrolling maps, Super Bomberman 3 presents multiple smaller rooms as individual levels. While the overall campaign is shorter, the quality is not compromised.
Personally, I do miss the larger stages from Super Bomberman 2. The puzzles and interactive elements in that game gave it a unique identity. It was great to see the series branching out and doing its own thing. Super Bomberman 3, on the other hand, feels more like a remix of previous titles rather than an entirely new experience. While I appreciate Bomberman ’94, we didn’t really need another version of it, especially when this series had the potential to shine in its own way. Nonetheless, Super Bomberman 3 remains fantastic, standing strong on its own merits.
A Compact Adventure with Endless Multiplayer Fun
One major flaw in previous Bomberman games was their tendency to overstay their welcome. Levels would drag on for too long, and it became tiresome. Super Bomberman 3 addresses this issue by offering a shorter yet equally satisfying single-player campaign. Each planet features four stages and a boss battle. The variety in each level justifies their length, making the game more enjoyable. While the boss battles may not live up to the second game’s standards, the single-player mode is still engaging.
Of course, multiplayer is where Bomberman truly shines, and Super Bomberman 3 delivers on that front. The game offers a plethora of options and power-ups designed for competitive play. The World Bombers’ unique animations add personality to the mode. The twelve battle stages are expertly designed, and cheat codes allow for even more variety. What was once seen as a silly feature back in 1995 is now a welcome addition. The multiplayer options, including the new Bad Bomber and Soccer Bomber modes, make this installment a standout for group gaming. It’s a shame I couldn’t experience it during its initial release, but its lasting appeal speaks to its quality.
In Conclusion
Super Bomberman 3 is yet another exceptional addition to the long-running series, showcasing Hudson Soft’s expertise in Bomberman games during the 16-bit era. Despite feeling familiar, this installment still stands out among its peers. With its engaging gameplay, shorter yet fulfilling campaign, and a multiplayer mode that keeps you coming back for more, Super Bomberman 3 deserves every bit of praise it receives. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this blast from the past is definitely worth experiencing!