Mega Bomberman

"Mega Bomberman" is a classic entry in the Bomberman series, brought to the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis platform. It's part of a franchise known for its strategic, maze-based gameplay and its fun and competitive multiplayer modes. Here's a concise overview of what the game entails:

Background:

• Original Game: Bomberman '94 was initially released for the PC Engine in Japan.
• Genesis Port: The game was later adapted for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and released as "Mega Bomberman" outside of Japan.

Gameplay:

• Single-Player: Players navigate maze-like levels, placing bombs to destroy enemies and obstacles to progress.
• Multi-Player: The game pits players against each other, with the goal of being the last Bomberman standing.

Development:

• Initial Plan: Factor 5 initially worked on a tech demo for an eight-player Bomberman game using two Sega Team Player Adaptors.
• Westone and Sega: Eventually, the project was handed over to Westone, known for the Wonder Boy series, to create a direct port of Bomberman '94, which Sega would then publish.

Game Features:

• Story: The narrative involves restoring the Spirit Pictures to reunite the fractured Bomber Planet, combating the villain Bagular.
• Levels: The game features various themed areas, including a jungle, volcano, sea, horror-themed castle, an ice level, and Bagular's asteroid lair.
• Multi-Player Limitations: Due to hardware limitations, the Genesis version supports up to four players, not five like the original.
• Character Design: This title is noted for using the modern design of the White Bomberman and introducing new recurring characters and Rooeys (kangaroo-like creatures).

Impact:

"Mega Bomberman" is notable for introducing elements and characters that would become staples in the Bomberman series. Its gameplay remains influential and is considered classic, continuing to inspire modern iterations of maze-based multiplayer games. Despite some changes during the porting process, such as music and multiplayer options, "Mega Bomberman" managed to capture the essence of the original game and present it to a broader audience thanks to its release on the popular Sega Mega Drive/Genesis platform.