Matt's take:

Bomberman is another favorite that’s seen many remakes and sequels since its original release way back in 1986. It’s also been confirmed that there’s more on the way, and it seems likely that this won’t change. Here’s the chance to see where this popular franchise began.

You should know the drill by now – each level is a top-down grid made from indestructible blocks. Around these squares are randomly scattered blocks that can be destroyed, meaning Bomberman’s got to blow them up to make a path through the level. He does this by dropping a bomb, and then scarpering out of its blast radius before it can take him out. Hidden beneath one of these blocks is the exit, but before he can leave, our hero must blow up all the enemies in a level using the same method. Each level is bigger than you might think too, as it’s not just restricted to one screen, but is a side-scrolling affair.

As you’d expect, power-ups can be collected from some blocks, meaning that the player’s bomb blast reaches further, or that they can trip them from a safe distance. In addition, there’s a few bonus stages peppered here and there to add a little variety.

What people may not realize, and might find somewhat disappointing, is that the original Bomberman had no multiplayer. This is somewhat shocking to those who don’t already know, as the franchise has become famous for its frantic multiplayer action in subsequent releases. But, as the original NES game had none, nor does this handheld reissue.

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Stephen's take:

The orignial Bomberman makes his way onto the Classic NES series with a bang.. Maybe the bang isn't as loud as some would have hoped though. The reason may stem from thr original Bomber being so different from its sequels. I remember playing this series on my Nes out of sequence way back, then when I finally got a chance to play the first one I was shocked that it was a single player only game. Not saying this is a bad thing, but it the Bomberman series was known for it's chaotic, and addicting multiplayer facet.

Bomberman is a game where you work your way through a grid like maze. Placing bombs to destroy walls, and enemies, and finally finding the exit to the next level. Some walls will reveal power ups that give you numerous added abilities, like a larger blast distance. This really helps as you progress though at least 50 levels of bomb blasting mayhem.

As you progress through each level some careful planning needs to be used to succeed. Bombing sporadically will only earn you an early game over. Remember your power up icons can also be destroyed by your own negligence. So again this is not a game where you can haphazardly complete this game with only fast reflexes. One thing in particular about the original version of Bomberman is that you are able to see far more of the actual playfield, than latter incarnations.

The Game Boy Advance does have a few Bomberman titles already in existence, such as the tournament edition for example. Still, when all is said and done, the Classic NES version of Bomberman is a great game. If you can adjust to living with single player you will have a very different, but enjoyable adventure. With the battery save allowing you to warp to a previous level and saving your high score ads just a little more to this already nice package.