Bomberman Land for Nintendo Wii: Review

Bomberman used to be of those titles I would go back to time and time again on my 64 system. I couldn't get enough of the puzzled, the strategy, and of course the awesomeness of blowing up my opponents.

When Bomberman for the Nintendo Wii hit the shelf my game face was on. I prayed that they didn't mess around much with the original aspects of the game. I liked the puzzle environment. When I saw that the title was Bomberman Land, I had this sinking feeling that they went and screwed with what I loved about Bomberman.

So...did they?
 
Sort of, but not so much.
 
There are different games within the actual game. First you have Story Mode, which in my opinion was boring, difficult, and a bit tedious. I grew tired of it fast.

Basically story mode consisted of completing mini tasks and puzzles. As you move on the tasks get more difficult. So much so, that you could easily work at one task for a good 20 minutes. There is a story attached to Story Mode; of course. It's your basic save the world and restore peace to the land type of game. Nothing intriguing or even interesting here.

I grew tired of Story Mode though, however, I knew that in order to unlock other players to use in Battle Mode, I'd have to eventually come back and get further in Story Mode.

I got sidetracked though by the ultimate gem hidden in the game! Battle Mode!!! Up to 4 players can duel in original classic Bomberman puzzles that fans already know and continue to love.

Here you are up against 4 other players, whether they be CPU (which can be set at easy, normal or hard) or real players.

Battle Mode has a ton to offer. You run around each puzzle blowing up barrels, snowmen, and other objects. During the whole blowing up of items you have to make sure you place your bomb strategically as to make sure you don't blow yourself up.

Your goals will vary. Sometimes it's all out war, and whoever is the last man standing wins. There are also crown puzzles where it is a race to the crown which is at the other side of the board. Sometimes the crown is out open, and other times you have to blow things up to get to it.

My boyfriend and I easily widdled away 4 hours just playing Battle Mode. If you have played any of the older Bomberman titles you will understand the concept of Battle Mode right off the bat.

What Stinks:
 
Sometimes in Battle Mode you don't know what type of puzzle is being played. There were times where I thought I could blow up and come back to life, yet didn't. Then there were times when it would be all about collecting points, yet I thought it was an all out war. I wish there was a better explanation of what type of puzzle you are thrown into before so. There is a brief description, but it does not tell all.

Story Mode is no cup of tea, and what's funny is that it is the main aspect of the game. The reason for it being called Bomberman Land. Yet the only fun part of the game is Battle Mode.

Is It Worth Buying:
 
Although Story Mode is not quite up to my standards of good game-play it does feature 50 mini games within it's 'story'. So there is a plus if you are into those annoying mini games that nearly 80% of all Wii games are made of (so annoying! Talk about raping the Mario Party world).
I also adore Battle Mode, and the game is totally worth a buy just for this sole purpose. It has a ton of re-play value because Battle Mode will never get boring. If you are into mini games, Story Mode may be engaging as well. For me though, it was just a repeat of what we have all already seen, just different characters.

Overall:
 
I like it. I'm not in love with it, but I do like it a lot. Since getting Bomberman Land for the Wii, I have played it everyday after work for nearly 45 minutes at a time. I love versing the CPU, and playing against friends. It's good fun, and you get to blow things up!