Remember the pure joy of gathering around a friend’s TV with four controllers, frantically dropping bombs while screaming at each other? That’s exactly what happened at my cousin’s house back in 1993 when we first discovered Super Bomberman. Hours melted away as we battled it out in those colorful arenas, each explosion bringing either triumph or defeat.
Those memories came flooding back when I heard about the Super Bomberman Collection. After decades of waiting, seven classic Bomberman games are finally returning to modern consoles, and honestly, it feels like Christmas morning all over again.
Konami has delivered something special here—a lovingly crafted collection that doesn’t just dump old games onto new hardware but actually celebrates what made Bomberman legendary in the first place.
Seven Games That Defined a Generation
The Super Bomberman Collection brings together an impressive lineup that spans gaming history. What makes this release particularly exciting is that it includes all five Super Nintendo Super Bomberman titles, plus the original Famicom Bomberman games that many Western players never experienced.
“Getting Super Bomberman 4 and 5 in English for the first time is honestly a dream come true,” says retro gaming enthusiast Mark Chen. “These were games we could only admire from afar for decades.”
The collection doesn’t just throw these games at you either. Each title has been enhanced with modern quality-of-life improvements like save states, rewind functionality, and visual filters that let you customize your experience. You can play these games exactly as they were, or with helpful modern touches that make them more accessible.
What struck me most was seeing how the series evolved. The original Bomberman feels almost primitive compared to later entries, but there’s something charming about its simplicity. By the time you reach Super Bomberman 3 and 4, you’re dealing with rideable creatures and complex level designs that show just how creative the developers got within the formula’s constraints.
What You’re Actually Getting
Let’s break down exactly what’s included in this collection and why each game matters:
| Game Title | Original Platform | Key Features | English Release Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bomberman (1983) | Famicom | The original experience | Bonus inclusion |
| Bomberman II (1991) | Famicom | Introduced versus mode | Bonus inclusion |
| Super Bomberman (1993) | SNES | 4-player battles | Previously available |
| Super Bomberman 2 (1994) | SNES | Added puzzles and traps | Previously available |
| Super Bomberman 3 (1995) | SNES | Rideable creatures | Previously available |
| Super Bomberman 4 (1996) | SNES | Enhanced battle modes | New English localization |
| Super Bomberman 5 (1997) | SNES | Story mode improvements | New English localization |
The real treasures here are Super Bomberman 4 and 5. These games were Japan-exclusive for nearly three decades, and their new English localizations feel natural and well-crafted. You’re not getting machine translations or rushed jobs—these feel like they could have been released back in the ’90s.
- Save states let you pick up where you left off instantly
- Rewind functionality helps with those frustrating moments
- Visual filters including scanlines and smoothing options
- Regional variants for most games (Japan/US/Europe versions)
- Gallery mode with concept art and development materials
- Music player to enjoy those iconic soundtracks
“The attention to detail in the presentation really shows that Konami understood what fans wanted,” explains gaming historian Sarah Rodriguez. “This isn’t just a cash grab—it’s a proper celebration of the series.”
Why This Matters for Modern Gaming
You might wonder why anyone should care about games from the ’90s when we have so many new titles releasing constantly. The answer lies in what made Bomberman special: pure, accessible fun that anyone could understand in seconds.
These games prove that great design is timeless. Drop anyone in front of Super Bomberman 3, and within minutes they’ll understand the basic concept. Yet mastering the strategic depth—knowing when to trap opponents, how to use power-ups effectively, when to play defensively—that takes real skill.
The Super Bomberman Collection also addresses one of modern gaming’s biggest problems: local multiplayer. While everyone’s focused on online experiences, there’s something magical about four people sharing a couch, all trying to blow each other up while laughing hysterically.
“My kids discovered these games through the collection, and now they prefer them to most modern titles,” says parent and gamer Jennifer Walsh. “There’s no complicated tutorials, no microtransactions, just pure fun.”
The collection runs perfectly on modern hardware too. Whether you’re playing on Nintendo Switch during a commute or firing up your PlayStation 5 for a family game night, everything feels responsive and smooth. The load times are virtually nonexistent, and the enhanced visuals make these pixel art masterpieces look better than ever.
What’s particularly impressive is how well the battle modes hold up. These multiplayer experiences feel fresh and exciting even by today’s standards. The power-up system creates constant momentum shifts, and matches rarely play out the same way twice.
The Missing Pieces
While the Super Bomberman Collection is largely excellent, it’s not without some disappointments. The biggest omission is online multiplayer support. In 2024, not being able to play these classic battle modes with friends across the internet feels like a missed opportunity.
The collection also focuses exclusively on the classic era, meaning no Saturn Bomberman or later entries that experimented with 3D gameplay. That’s understandable given the “Super Bomberman” branding, but it means some fan favorites are left out.
Despite these limitations, what’s here is polished and complete. The emulation is spot-on, the presentation is classy, and the extras provide genuine value for both newcomers and longtime fans.
FAQs
Does the Super Bomberman Collection include online multiplayer?
Unfortunately, no. The collection only supports local multiplayer for up to four players, which is disappointing for modern gaming standards.
Are Super Bomberman 4 and 5 fully translated into English?
Yes, both games feature complete new English localizations that feel authentic to the era, making this the first time Western players can experience these titles in their native language.
Which platforms is the Super Bomberman Collection available on?
The collection is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
Do the games include modern enhancements?
Yes, all games feature save states, rewind functionality, visual filters, and other quality-of-life improvements while maintaining the original gameplay experience.
How much does the Super Bomberman Collection cost?
The collection typically retails for around $49.99, though prices may vary by platform and region.
Are the original Famicom Bomberman games worth playing?
Absolutely! They’re included as bonus content and provide fascinating insight into the series’ origins, plus they’re genuinely fun despite their age.
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