Bomberman World
reference
Japanese manual
Download here (8.1MB Zip file)
page 3, "Game Story">
その昔、世界を暗黒に変えようとした4人の「ダークフォースボンバー」が存在した。先人たちは力をあわせて「ダークフォースボンバー」たちをブルークリスタルへ封印した。だが、数百年の時を経たある日、別の時空より現れたバグラーが、ブルークリスタルを破壊して封印を解いてしまった。封印を解がれた「ダークフォースボンバー」たち(アースボンバー・サイクロンボンバー・ファイアーボンバー・アクアボンバー)は、バグラーの手先となり、4つの世界=地・風・火・永と闇の星を支配し始めた。悪の限りを尽くすバグラーを倒すため、ボンバーマンは再び立ち上がった!!
European manual
The English pages of the European manual can be downloaded at replacementdocs.
Once upon a time...
... there were four Dark Force Bombers who attempted to bring darkness to the world. Our ancestors united to imprison the Dark Force Bombers in the Blue Crystals. However, several million years later, Buggler, who appeared from another point in the time-space continuum, destroyed the Blue Crystal, liberating the villains. Once free, the Dark Force Bombers (Earth Bomber, Cyclone Bomber, Fire Bomber, and Aqua Bomber) became Buggler's minions and went on a conquest of the four Worlds (Earth, Wind, Fire and Water) and the Dark Star. To overcome the evil and abominable Buggler, Bomberman is back!
American manual
Download here (3.4MB Zip file) (thanks to Plasma Captain for the scans!)
page 5, "Game Story">
A long time ago, in a Bomberman World far away, There was a group of four evil people called the "Dark Force Bombers" who wanted to turn the world into darkness. Our ancestors rallied together and successfully sealed the evil ones into the Blue Crystal. However, after several hundred years, an evil guy named BURGLAR, mysteriously appeared and released the "Dark Force Bombers" (Earth Bomber, Cyclone Bomber, Fire Bomber, and Aqua Bomber) from the Blue Crystal. They have already conquered the Earth, Wind, Fire, Water, and the Dark Worlds and are already preparing to conquer the entire universe! Bomberman must now face his most dangerous opponents ever!
Credit goes to Razon of the Bomberman Board for transcribing/translating the spoken dialogue.
intro
An evil energy wafts over the four elemental planets, causing their surfaces to crack and a blue crystal to emerge from each, flying into space.
The crystals fly towards the energy source and shatter, revealing the inert Dark Force Bombers. The skull begins to glow.
"われらわボンバー。 蘇る我が守備兵、ダークフォースボンバーよ。"
"You are my Bombers. Awaken, my guards; the Dark Force Bombers."
The four Dark Force Bombers are revived, and transformed into new bodies."アースボンバー!" "サイクロンボンバー!" "ファイアーボンバー!" "アクアボンバー!"
"Earth Bomber!" "Cyclone Bomber!" "Fire Bomber!" "Aqua Bomber!""我々、四人為るてダークフォースボンバー。"
"The four of us assembled... we are the Dark Force Bombers!"
"征くのじゃあ、ダークフォースボンバーよ。"
"Go out and conquer, my Dark Force Bombers."
The group stand before the energy, before turning into streaks of light and setting forth into space. The energy's 'skull' sheds its facade, revealing the face of Bagura.
"な、何だねわ? よし! ゴー!"
"Wha--what was that? Okay, let's go!"
Bomberman witnesses Earth Bomber plummeting into Morimori Star, draining it of its light. He takes his ship down to go and sort it out.
gameplay
The Dark Force Bomber are defeated, and are sealed back in their crystals using the power of the crystals collected throughout the stages. (see regional changes for dialogue)
After the four Dark Force Bombers are sealed, the sun at the centre of the planets transforms into the Black Star - Bagura's hideout.
Bagura fights one-on-one, and then with the power of the God Header and God Bomber mecha, but is ultimately defeated, causing the fortress to quake and crumble.
ending
Bomberman flies from the Black Star before it implodes behind him. "やった! / I did it!"
He returns to Planet Bomber, where a victory celebration is waiting for him.
After the credits, the void where Black Star once was ejects four coloured lights; the same as the Dark Force Bombers'.
Hudson Soft page (archive)
A basic gameplay overview with some pretty pictures.
Hudson Soft News page (archive)
An earlier version of the page first posted to Hudson's news feed. It features different imagery, including prototype footage (see magazine scans) and quirky English romanisations. Another page for the game's release exists, though all imagery is lost.
Atlus.com page (archive)
A long time ago, in a Bomberman World far away, there was a group of four evil people called the Dark Force Bombers, who wanted to turn the world into darkness. Our ancestors rallied together and successfully sealed the evil ones into the Blue Crystal. However, after four hundred years, some evil guy named Burglar mysteriously appeared and released the baddies from the Blue Crystal. Now, Bomberman must face his most dangerous opponents ever!
It's got some passwords. When's the last time an official website gave you those, eh?
Atlus.com page (backup)
The really, really old promotional page.
Gleaned from the Internet Archive - it's missing one image, but it's such a barren page I can't imagine it's missing anything else.
IGN review
Forget those Bomberman games that have arrived on the N64. This is the real deal... almost. I still prefer playing Super Bomberman 2 on the Super NES simply because the balance is a little better, the graphics aren't overly complex, and you don't have to sit through appalling loadtimes. [...] It's a good Bomberman title, and Hudson didn't try to push the game over the top. Still, the classic Bomberman titles on the SNES are the better bet.
Dated October 7th 1998, reviewed by Craig Harris. Awarded 7.8 out of 10.
GameSpot review
The first-person scenario within Bomberman World is very familiar. In fact, it can easily be seen as a polygonal version of Saturn Bomberman - one viewed from a slightly more skewed isometric perspective. [...] There's some slight graphical fandango in BW, but basically, the structure remains the same. And the sound is noteworthy insofar as that the voice-overs are even worse than Sega's translation of Saturn Bomberman.
But if the Bomberman games have been about anything, they've been about getting several of your friends in the same room and blowing them to smithereens, along with a couple computer opponents. [...] The variety is nice, but there's something definitely missing from the mix this time around, even if it's not easily identifiable exactly what that is.
While Bomberman World isn't a particularly bad game, per se, it's clearly not the best representative of what the series has to offer. [...] It's unfortunate that the first Bomberman title for the Sony PlayStation really won't be wowing the new players it's bound to attract. Here's to hoping that the next titles find some better way of bringing back the game everyone seems to have grown dangerously attached to.
Dated April 28 2000, reviewed by Joe Fielder. Awarded 5.2 out of 10.
Ultra Game Players (issue 104)
While by far the least impressive of the three versions shown, Hudson's second ever PlayStation title materialised in the form of PSX Bomberman. [...] Currently, Hudson hasn't decided when to release the game in Japan, and the company is still considering its options for the game in the US market.
Dated December 1997. The game is showcased at Tokyo Game Show 1997 (held from September 5th to September 7th) alongside Baku Bomberman and Saturn Bomberman Fight!!, going under a working title at this point. Scans can be found at SEGA Retro.
Electronic Gaming Monthly (issue 101)
And as is the case with all the Bomberman games, there's a Battle Mode where up to five players can go at it with each other. Like Saturn Bomberman, each of the battle stages is themed - one of them even has a UFO catcher that will try to grab you and move you to a different area of the screen! Sounds pretty cool...
Dated December 1997, a quick preview of the game featuring footage from the intro FMV and first world. The text describes a feature that appears in Normal Game (Area 4-2) but not in the Battle Game, and the bottom-left screenshot has "3/7" crystals in its HUD. You only require a maximum of 6 crystals to complete a stage. Image from RetroCDN.
Plug n Play Games (Nº 2)
Not dated, but likely around December 1997. Another quick preview: Morimori Star's map screen has a very different backdrop, and Area 1-2 has over 4 minutes on the clock and an unidentifiable object where the rock should be. Image sourced from Retro Scans.
Comic Bom Bom / コミックボンボン (February 1998)
A one-page preview showing off the game's bosses. The screenshot of Area 2-3 has either the vulture's position or the tornadoes' direction changed, Area 4-3 has a Sea Anemone where it otherwise does not appear, and the screenshot of Achiachi Star shows a stage that's nowhere to be seen in the final product!
Curiously, all of the Dark Force Bombers have "Neo" (ネオ) before their name (Neo Earth Bomber, Neo Aqua Bomber, etc.), and God Header is named Koji 1 (コージー1); this name otherwise only appears in the European manual, of all places.
Computer and Video Games (issue 195)
Dated February 1998. A preview that features some early footage. Scan from the Internet Archive.
Ação Games (Ed. 126)
Os gráficos são legaizinhos, o som é regular mas o desafio é sem igual. É vício total!
The graphics are incredible, the sound is nothing special but the challenge is unique. It's total addiction!
Dated April 1998, reviewed by Ronny Marinoto. Awarded 8.5 out of 10. Scans can be found at Retro Scans.
Super GamePower (Ano 04)
Dated April 1998, reviewed by Marjorie Bros. Awarded a 4 out of 5. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Computer and Video Games (issue 198)
Dated May 1998, a preview of the game that's supposedly 80% complete; what's shown looks finalised. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Superjuegos (No. 73)
Dated May 1998. Part of the coverage of Tokyo Game Show with Bomberman World as Hudson Soft's representative title, game designer Shigeki Fujiwara giving a speech. Most of his comments are on the franchises's long-lasting popularity, though he remarks that this game's isometric perspective was conceived to make it "easy to see for the children". Scans from the Internet Archive.
Hobby Consolas (issue 81)
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Dated June 1998, reviewed by Javier Dominguez. Awarded 90 out of 100. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Superjuegos (No. 74)
Dated June 1998. Awarded 90%. Scans from the Internet Archive.
Computer and Video Games (issue 200)
Another new Bomberman game, and the successful formula becomes diluted and confused. Bomberman World is the first game in the series I've played that's been marred by some basic errors. The two main culprits are the speed of Bomberman himself, who is far slower than his enemies even with multiple speed-ups; and there's some poor collision detection. Considering the superior playability of the series, these errors are catastrophic. The rest of the game is slightly spoilt by the perspective and difficulty level. Only the excellent battle mode saves this game from being a complete waste. It's a shame, as PlayStation has won over so many new gamers, and this would have been their first taste of Bomberman. now he may never get the chance to win their hearts, like he won mine many years ago.
Dated July 1998, reviewed by Alex Huhtala. Awarded 2 out of 5. Scans can be found at RetroCDN.
PSX Magazine (Número 20)
Es un juego correcto, pero entorpecido por un irritante sistema de control. Casi lo salva un modo multijugador entretenido. Casi.
(It's an alright game, but hindered by irritating controls. It's almost saved by its entertaining multi-player mode. Almost.
Dated August 31st 1998. Awarded 6 out of 10. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Gamers (Nº 29)
O desafio é ótimo e requer muita paciência, dando a você uma longa jornada para salvar o planeta Terra. Sem dúvida alguma este Flash Game foi um álbum de fotografias, matando muitas lembranças.
The challenge is great and requires a lot of patience, making it a long journey to saving planet Earth. It's a game that acts like a photo album, bringing back many murderous memories.
No date, but likely September 1998. Its score categories average out to 2.75 out of 5. Scans can be found at Retro Scans.
Game Informer (issue 66)
Over the years, this format has become rather boring as a l-player game and only slightly redeeming as a multiplayer game. [...] The sluggish Bomberman World is only useful for very young gamers and some party functions where everyone isn't a natural at vids.
Dated October 1998. Awarded 6.5 out of 10. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Arcade (issue 1)
When Hudsonsoft suggested that it was going to turn the 2D Bomberman mazes isometric the whole world screamed out loud. The conversion is here, and in one-player mode offers endless tedious mazes that only differ in speed and boss size, with nothing new offered over the first Bomberman. Inevitably, however, the multi-player is ridiculously addictive.
Dated December 1998. Awarded 3 stars out of 5. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Gamers Republic (issue 7)
This game is sacrilege. I have always been a HUGE Bomberman fan, and I continue to support the series even as it goes through various transformations. The N64 Bomber games I can handle. Bomberman Fight is pretty good, too. Sometimes. however. my charity and understanding can go no farther: The buck stops at Bomberman World.
[...]
What really lets me down, however. is the fact that BW contains all the modes, cool music, and multi-player action that we've come to expect in a Bomberman title. These familiar features are unfortunately stuck in a poorly conceived game. As a devout fan of the series, I'll go as far as investing in the cool soundtrack. Other than that, I want nothing to do with this abomination.
Dated December 1998. Awarded a D+. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Playmania
Jugando en compañía es de lo más divertido.
A short review as part of the "¿Que juego comprar?" index in each issue circa March 1999. Awarded 5 out of 10. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Planet PlayStation (Anno 1 N. 4)
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Dated April 1999. Awarded 78 out of 100. Scans can be found at the Internet Archive.
Weekly Famitsu
[what issue was this in, and does anyone have a scan?
Awarded a 24 out of 40. [src]
BOMBERMAN WORLD STAFF
GAME DESIGNER
TAKASHI MINAMI
SHIGEKI FUJIWARA
PROGRAMMER
HIROYUKI KUMAMOTO
TOSHIO TSUCHIE
KOUICHI TEZUKA
3D DESIGNER
KATSUYUKI TSUKAMOTO
YUKI SHIOTANI
2D DESIGNER
HISAKAZU KOBAYASHI
HIROSHI SEMBA
MEGUMI ENOMOTO
MOVIE DIRECTOR
SHOJI MIZUNO
CG DIRECTOR
TOSHIFUMI SEKIJIMA
DIGITAL EDITOR
JIN KAMOHARA
CG MOVIE
TAKAFUMI FURUSHIMA
EMIKO YAMAMOTO
KOUICHI KAGEYAMA
MUSIC COMPOSER
JUN CHIKI CHIKUMA
HIRONAO YAMAMOTO
ARRANGED&MIX
HIRONAO YAMAMOTO
MA
MASA-AKI INOUE
SOUND EFFECT
HIROSHI OGAWA
VOICE ACTOR
KAZUKO SUGIYAMA (杉山 佳寿子)
ICHIRO NAGAI (永井 一郎)
SHIGERU CHIBA (千葉 繁)
VOICE ACTOR
BANJYO GINGA (銀河万丈)
SYOW HAYAMI (速水 奨)
SHIHO KIKUCHI (菊池 志穂)
PUBLICITY
YOUICHI NAKAZAWA
YUKIKO HANDA
SPECIAL THANKS
HIDEKI MIFUJI
KEISUKE MITSUI
KATU TAKAHASHI
DIRECTOR
SHIGEKI FUJIWARA
PRODUCT MANAGER
NORIHITO MIYAMOTO
HARUHIKO IKEDA
YOSHINORI INOUE
PRODUCER
HIROAKI BABA
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
YUJI KUDO
PRESENTED BY HUDSON
The underlined "Voice Actor" credits are replaced with the following below in the European and American releases.
European version
DAVID BOWRY
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American version
LANI MINELLA
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