Konami is turning their maze-like strategy title into a large-scale multiplayer free-for-all in Super Bomberman R Online, revealed for Google’s stream machine.
Japanese video game veteran Konami is planning to take their long-running Bomberman franchise in a new direction with Super Bomberman R Online, a multiplayer-focused expansion of the 2017 game of the same name minus the “online” part.
The competitive puzzler has so far only been announced as part of Google Stadia‘s fall lineup, though most people believe that it’s merely a timed exclusive and will eventually find its way to the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
"Super Bomberman R Online", which appears to be a revamp of Super Bomberman R's battle game, is coming to Stadia. https://t.co/H59tZEmHRB
— Bomberpedia (@bomberpedia) July 14, 2020
Absolute multiplayer mayhem
Super Bomberman R Online‘s main selling point is its all-new Battle 64 Mode, which functions very similarly to the battle royale games that are all the rage these days. As the name suggests, up to 64 gamers will duke it out online at the same time, with the goal being to remain the last one standing.
In hallmark battle royale fashion, players will be placed randomly across the map, and as they’re preoccupied with getting the better of their opponents’ certain parts of the battlefield will eventually begin to shut down, leading to a scramble to get to the next playing field.
The overall map will be comprised of multiple smaller areas that are bound to close as the timer winds down. Players will need to transition to the next area via gates before it’s too late.
The next Bomberman title will also include a nifty Crowd Play feature that gives gamers the opportunity to jump into matches with their favorite streamers through the simple click of a link.
Super Bomberman R Online is coming to Stadia with 64 player support pic.twitter.com/8TfgNJo1Cq
— Wario64 (@Wario64) July 14, 2020
Create-a-Bomber
One of the more fun-looking additions to the upcoming bombing romp is the character customization system, which allows players to fully customize their Bombers from their outfits and oversized heads, down to the bombs themselves that come with unique effects.
Several Konami stars will also be making an appearance as playable characters, including Snake from the Metal Gear Solid series, as well as Richter and Alucard from the Castlevania franchise.
Richter Belmont and Alucard as they appear in Super Bomberman R Online.
Available for Google Stadia only. pic.twitter.com/ohxzagtpdV
— 🅱️𝖊𝖑𝖒𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖕𝖔𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 (@belmontposting) July 15, 2020
The humble beginnings of Bomberman
Konami’s bomb-filled riot is easily one of their oldest intellectual properties, with the original Bomberman having been initially developed and published by Hudson Soft in December 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Bomberman (1985 Famicom / Nintendo). In the NES/Famicom release, the eponymous character, Bomberman, is a robot that must find his way through a maze while avoiding enemies. Doors leading to further maze rooms are found under rocks, which Bomberman must … https://t.co/1Ic5o5DVoU pic.twitter.com/wjG3SGZWwI
— Retroconsole.xyz (@fvideogames71) April 5, 2018
The series really hit its stride in the 90s, eventually resulting in the Bomber appearing in over 70 different titles across nearly every console. The Bomberman craze doesn’t stop there. He’s also appeared in several manga and anime shows to boot.
Image courtesy of Konami