Bomberman Live

Infobox VG
title=Bomberman Live


developer=Backbone Entertainment
publisher=Hudson Soft
released=flagicon|JPNflagicon|USA2007-07-18
genre=Action, Puzzle
modes=Single player, Multiplayer
ratings=ESRB: E (Everyone)
CERO: A
platforms=Xbox Live Arcade
media=Download
requirements=
input=Gamepad

"Bomberman Live" is a downloadable video game for the Xbox Live Arcade, developed by Backbone Entertainment. "Live" is an original version of the classic game "Bomberman", an arcade-style maze-based video game originally developed by Hudson Soft. The game was officially announced on May 16, 2007 and released on July 18, 2007.

Gameplay

Anywhere from two to eight players compete in a battle or tournament, both of which consist of a series of individual rounds. In a tournament, the number of rounds is set at the beginning, whereas in a battle, play continues until one player has reached a set number of wins. In each round, the players are placed within a map, and use their arsenal of bombs to attack each other until only one is left standing. Players can also use their bombs to destroy bricks in the map, opening new routes and potentially revealing power-ups.

Powerups

Destroying bricks on the map and performing other tasks will cause various powerups to be revealed.

*Bomb Up: Increases the maximum number of bombs the player can drop at any one time. Players start only able to drop one bomb at a time.
*Fire Up: Increases the destructive range of bomb blasts by one tile.
*Maximum Fire Up: Increases the destructive range of bomb blasts to the maximum level.
*Speed up: Increases the speed the player can move around the map.
*Remote Control: Normally bombs explode after an elapsed time. This powerup allows the player to detonate them on command.
*Pass-through Bomb: This allows the player to set bombs whose explosions can pierce destructible bricks.
*Power Bomb: This allows the player to set a bomb whose explosion can reach all the way across the map.
*Dangerous Bomb: This allows the player to set a bomb whose explosion goes through the wall blocks in the game, and makes it square-shaped. All other bombs in the game have explosions that are plus-shaped.
*Bomb Kick: Allows the player to kick bombs by walking into them.
*Bomb Punch: Allows the player to punch bombs, knocking them several spaces ahead.
*Power Glove: Allows the player to pick up bombs after setting them. A held bomb will not explode until after being thrown.
*Line Bomb: Allows the player to set all of his or her bombs at once in a straight line.
*Mine Bomb: Allows the player to place a bomb underground that explodes if steeped on or hit by another bomb's explosion.

There are also "powerdowns" that remove abilities from your Bomberman if picked up:

*Bomb down
*Flame down
*Speed down

The player can also collect "costume balls" by playing in the Local Match mode under certain restrictions. These objects give the player more costumes to use to customize his or her avatar. Unlocking 60 of the orbs gives the player an achievement.

Downloadable content

Bomb-Up Pack 1

On August 29, 2007, Bomb-Up Pack 1 was made available for download on Xbox Live Marketplace for 250 Microsoft Points. Pack 1 includes:
*"Frag" is the new game type, in which players pre-set the number of opponents they need to bomb in order to win.
*The new levels are "High Stakes" and "Zeppelin". High Stakes is a casino-style level while Zeppelin features tornado-type hazards.
*Players will now be able to choose from outfits such as the Hunter S. Thompson lookalike "Gonzo", "Rocky Bomboa", "Bombasaurus Rex" as well as seven other new outfits.

Bomb-Up Pack 2

On September 26, 2007, Bomb-Up Pack 2 became available for download on Xbox Live Marketplace, costing 200 Microsoft Points. Pack 2 includes:
*Ten New Characters – Including Mr. Destructoid, and other new characters include “Bomberella” the cavewoman and “El Bombito” the matador, resulting in countless new ways for players to customize their in-game Bomberman. Other characters include Alien Bomber, Bomb the Fool, Bomberbell, Flower Bomb, Debbie Downer, Bomber X, and Bomb of Doom.

*Two Additional Levels – New arenas include “Medieval Times,” a level in which bombs and sorcery collide and that allows players to select any gimmick they want, and “Full Tilt,” a level set at a racetrack which features speed circles that dictate how fast players move.
*One New Game Mode – “Bomb Shelters” will allow players to hide from explosions in a small, fireproof building.
*Two New Leaderboards – Dominate the competition on two new ranking systems on the Xbox Live network. The new leaderboards will track performance on both a weekly and an all-time basis for the speed circle gimmicks on the new “Full Tilt” map.

Bomb-Up Pack 3

On December 26, 2007, Bomb-Up Pack 3 is scheduled to be available for download on Xbox Live Marketplace for 250 Microsoft Points. [ [http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3165125 1Up.com report] ] Pack 3 includes:
*Ten New Characters - Including Bomb2-D2 and Shinobi Bomb

*Two Additional Levels - "Cavity Land", a candy-themed level, and "Robot Factory"

*One New Game Mode - "Friendly Fire", in which players begin with a power bomb on a map populated with a heap of holes (instead of power-up/hard blocks).

*Two New Leaderboards

References

External links

* [http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/b/bombermanlivexboxlivearcade/default.htm Xbox Live Arcade site]
* [http://www.hudsonentertainment.com/gamedetail.php?game_id=75&console=1 Hudson Entertainment]
* [http://www.hudson.co.jp/gamenavi/gamedb/index.cgi?mode=info&f=bomblive Hudson Soft page]
* [http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3160183 1UP Preview]
* [http://www.thegamergene.com/reviews/bomberman-live-review/ The Gamer Gene Review]