Key Specs & Overview
- Developer / Publisher: Konami / HexaDrive
- Platform: Nintendo Switch (also on PS4, Xbox One, PC)
- Genre: Action / Maze / Party
- Game Modes: Story Mode (1–2 Players Co-Op), Local & Online Battle (Up to 8 Players)
- 4Players Rating: 68 / 100
Single-Player & Co-Op Campaign
The 50-stage Story mode sends the eight Bomberman brothers across six worlds to defeat the Evil Emperor Buggler. While it offers solid jump-in/jump-out co-op, it suffers from noticeable technical quirks:
- Boss Battles: Massive boss fights on the 9th and 10th stage of each world offer challenging, screen-filling encounters.
- Camera Issues: The dynamic camera constantly zooms in and out, often obscuring enemies or hiding them behind HUD elements.
- Story Framing: Story beats are delivered through lightweight anime cutscenes that can easily be skipped.
Multiplayer & Versatility
Multiplayer logistics are where Super Bomberman R shines brightest, taking full advantage of the Switch’s hardware configurations:
- Local Tabletop: Up to 4 players on a single Switch tablet.
- Local TV: Up to 8 players on a single TV screen.
- Local Wireless: Up to 8 players across multiple Switch consoles.
- Online Matchmaking: Supports up to 8 players globally, though launch matches suffered from latency issues.
Customization & Content Drawbacks
Despite great multiplayer controls using individual Joy-Cons, the overall package feels thin for its $50 launch price:
- Limited Maps: Only 8 stage layouts are available initially, requiring players to grind in-game currency to unlock more.
- Restricted Rules: Lacks detailed item and rule-toggling settings found in classic titles like Bomberman Live.
- Handheld Visuals: Small character models become difficult to track on the Switch’s portable screen during intense matches.
