The latest re-emergence of Konami’s long-running maze-based party franchise in Super Bomberman Collection for PlayStation 5 is at once a nostalgic archive and a reminder of just how timeless its simple formula can be. Instead of a single narrative arc, this 7-game anthology stitches together the series’ defining 16-bit era and even brings former Japan-exclusive installments into the global spotlight for the first time. Across these entries, Bomberman remains a cheerful, largely silent protagonist whose sole mission is to clear grid-based arenas by placing bombs, opening paths, and outmaneuvering foes – a premise that’s never particularly deep but consistently compelling.
What lifts this collection beyond a dusty relic is how it balances preservation with playability. Quality-of-life additions – save-anytime states, rewind functionality, screen filters, and a Boss Rush mode that strings together boss encounters for a fresh challenge – show respect for both purists and newcomers. They allow players to approach even the more punishing single-player moments with a forgiving safety net. The roster of titles, stretching from the original Super Bomberman to Super Bomberman 5, illustrates an evolutionary arc in design: later entries introduce creature companions that modify movement and abilities, and stages grow increasingly inventive. Still, the core loop – strategic placement and escape – remains intact and taut throughout.
Controls and mechanics largely shine because they adhere to what made the originals fun: responsiveness, clear grid-based movement, and intuitive power-ups that enhance bomb blast range or speed. These fundamentals hold up well on modern hardware, and when teamed with four-player local play, they produce the chaotic, laugh-filled sessions many players remember fondly. While some may argue this simplicity borders on repetitiveness, it’s also the reason the games feel instantly pick-up-and-play, a hallmark of the series right from the start.
That said, there are moments where the compilation’s wrappers don’t quite match the gifts inside. The absence of proper online multiplayer feels like a missed opportunity in a modern package, especially for a franchise celebrated for its competitive battles among friends. This confines much of its communal charm to couch co-op, which is great when everyone’s in the same room but limits broader connectivity. Additionally, the similarity between the core mechanics across multiple games can highlight how iterative (rather than revolutionary) the series was in its prime; players might struggle to distinguish one title from the next beyond visual themes or minor power-up tweaks.
Visually, the collection leans into its retro pedigree. Presentations of the sprites and arenas feel like a respectful upscale rather than a reimagining, and the gallery mode – stuffed with concept art and development ephemera – elevates the package into more than just a set of ROMs. Audio fares similarly: the iconic chiptune soundtracks are cheerful and energetic, though they don’t possess the depth or dynamism of contemporary compositions. In specific cases, some entries sport uneven sound balancing, where effects can occasionally overshadow musical clarity, but these are minor quibbles against the backdrop of an authentically preserved soundscape.
Overall, Super Bomberman Collection on PS5 stands as one of the most conscientious retro compilations in recent memory. It expertly curates a big chapter of a beloved franchise, marrying classic design with thoughtful modern touches, and does so at a price that makes it accessible. There are limitations – the online play omission being a clear one – but none detract substantially from the core fun: blowing up enemies, outwitting friends and foes alike, and reveling in explosions that never quite lose their charm.
Score: 8.0/10
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