How the Bomberman Series Could Be a Top Franchise

Written by Amos Gikunda - Friday, Jun 18, 2021 at 2:19pm

An exciting image showing off the latest Bomberman video game, Super Bomberman R, for the Nintendo Switch.

Bomberman is a maze-based and strategic video game initially released in Japan by Hudson Soft in 1985. It was then distributed in other countries by Konami in 1987. Ever since its first release, many other series of the game have been published irregularly. Currently, Bomberman has been featured more than 70 on different platforms as well as in manga and anime series. The latest so far being super Bomberman R online that came out in Google Stadia in 2020.

Despite all those releases, Bomberman has a long way to become a top Franchise. This article will look at the strongholds and the weaknesses holding this game from becoming a top franchise.

Strong Points


Bomberman 64 brought in new ideas for the series
Bomberman 64 was the first game created in 3D for the series. It marked a new era of the beginning of a new revolution to the game; that is what remained very popular. But the best idea that Bomberman64 brought in was platforming stages and action-adventure of the single-player mode.

It was the first game of the series where Bomberman could pick up, kick and throw bombs in multiplayer and single modes. Besides, Bomberman was now able to move in 8 different directions. The cameras were equipped in all eight directions and had three different zoom levels.

Endless Multiplayer fun
There is nothing more satisfying than playing against other people in the Bomberman series. Once everyone is connected, then the games immediately become a blast. Besides, it comes with a classic free for all battle that allows many players online to get in revenge mode.

It has several multiplayer modes that are refreshing, making you feel like you are playing another new game. These multiplayer modes are great, especially when it comes to getting rid of boredom.

The multiplayer mode can be played either on a local network or online. Up to eight players can join your game. If you die, there is a second chance for you to get back into the game by revenging as a ghost.

Available on many gaming platforms
Bomberman has managed to be available on many different platforms ever since its first release. This makes it easily accessible hence many players can join in the hype. Whether you have a PlayStation 4, Xbox, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, or a smartphone, you access at least one game series. All top-flight Franchises are available on almost all platforms.

Weakness


However, many issues are holding back the game. If these weaknesses are fixed in future releases, then the Bomberman series can become a top franchise. For instance, in the Bomberman 64: the second attract, the developers used a different engine with so many bugs. This engine came with darker colors than Bomberman 64. These colors caused havoc as gamers could not see the characters properly.

Another serious issue is the targeting of the wrong audience. In Bomberman act zero, the developers tried to change the theme to be more like doom or halo. The fans were mot pleased all. Konami needs to stick to what the audience wants in future releases to become a top franchise.

Current state


New Bomberman releases contain little or no changes at all in terms of gameplay. The keen players are always keen to see the improvements. Apart from the gameplay, the developers have not expanded all the previous ideas or create new genres.

Final thoughts


The Bomberman series are great games. But a lot of work needs to be put in for this franchise to become top-flight. Although the developers have very good ideas, they have not utilized them very well. The Bomberman series has huge potential.

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