Dynablaster is an excellent PC conversion of Hudson's popular PC-Engine arcade/puzzle hybrid Bomberman (although why they had to change the popular name to this obscure title is puzzling). The game, which has spun off numerous sequels, was a huge hit for Hudson, although as usual this PC version slipped by almost unnoticed by PC gamers. As outerworldly hero Bomberman, your goal is to drop bombs at the right spots to destroy wall segments and enemies, find extras to increase your bomb's fire-range and the amount of bombs you can drop at once. You must, however, be careful to not get hit by your own bomb's fire. When you find the exit to the next level, you can enter it as soon as all the enemies are cleared from the screen. What makes Dynablaster (and its console brethren) so addictive is Hudson's masterful balance between arcade and puzzle elements. Similar to Tetris (but many times cuter), success in Dynablaster requires both quick decision-making, spotless timing, and good reflexes. And if that's not enough, the game's attractive graphics and seemingly endless surprises and extras that you will discover every few levels will keep you glued to the screen for that "just one more level" addiction we all know too well. If you're looking for a good quick-fire puzzle game with Japanese anime sensibilities, look no further than Dynablaster. And if you like the game, check out Interplay's Atomic Bomberman, the only sequel ever made for PC, and recent Bomberman games on Nintendo 64 and other console systems. In short, Dynablaster is a true classic in every respect. Reviewed by: Underdogs |