Classic explosive party action arrives with versatile multiplayer modes, but suffers from steep pricing and thin content.

On paper, Nintendo Switch should be an ideal platform for Super Bomberman R: it plays on a big television or portably, supports up to four players on a single console with extra controllers, and sticks to the classic Bomberman formula. While there is plenty to like about this entry, the console’s small handheld screen does not do the top-down, miniature character action any favors. At $50, the asking price feels steep considering the amount of content on offer compared to past releases in the franchise.

Key Specs & Overview

• Developer / Publisher: Konami / HexaDrive
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
• Genre: Action / Maze / Party
• Game Modes: Single-Player / Co-Op Campaign (50 Stages), Local & Online Multiplayer (Up to 8 Players)
• Control Support: Single Joy-Con, Dual Joy-Con, Pro Controller

Gameplay Basics & Single-Player Campaign

For anyone unfamiliar with the franchise, the concept remains straightforward: blow up destructible blocks in a battle arena to reveal hidden power-ups, then use those upgrades to eliminate human or AI opponents. That simplicity makes it a thrilling party game, whether barely dodging an enemy blast or cornering a foe for a round-winning kill.

Super Bomberman R makes a genuine attempt at a narrative across its 50-stage Story mode, complete with anime-style cutscenes:

• Boss Battles: Massive boss encounters every ninth and tenth stage serve as the single-player highlight across six distinct worlds.
• Co-Op Support: Jump-in, jump-out two-player co-op is available throughout the campaign.
• Camera Flaws: The dynamic camera zooms in and out automatically to frame action, often causing tracked enemies to drift off-screen or hide behind the HUD.

Flexible Multiplayer Setup

Where Super Bomberman R succeeds most is its logistics and control options, supporting up to eight players across various configurations:

1. Solo / Two-Player Co-Op: Playable in handheld, tabletop, or TV mode using split Joy-Cons.
2. Local Multi-Console: Up to eight players across multiple local wireless Switch consoles.
3. Single TV Local: Up to eight players on one TV display.
4. Online Matchmaking: Supports up to eight players online, though noticeable latency and lag can disrupt matches.

Customization and Content Limits

While core classic rules are intact, the depth of multiplayer options falls short of earlier entries like Bomberman Live:

Feature	Super Bomberman R Status	Past Franchise Standard
Stage Selection	8 base maps (more unlocked via in-game credits)	Large unlocked roster out of the box
Power-Up Toggles	Fixed preset item distributions	Individual item on/off toggles
Match Rule Customization	Basic round limits and timers	Granular rule and handicap tuning

Final Verdict

Super Bomberman R delivers the timeless fun of classic multiplayer brawls and offers exceptional controller flexibility on hardware. However, limited map variety out of the box, light customization, and visual clutter on handheld screens make its high launch price tag hard to justify for casual players.