Introduction
Online Bomberman, released in 2003, was an entry in the long-standing Bomberman franchise developed collaboratively by MGAME Corporation and Hudson Soft. Designed for Microsoft Windows, this multiplayer game offered players across Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau the opportunity to engage in competitive bomb-planting fun over the internet. Despite its initial promise, all official game servers have been shut down, but a dedicated community has emerged, creating fan-based versions to keep the Bomberman spirit alive.
Development History
The journey of Online Bomberman began in early 2003 when it first entered beta testing in Japan. Unfortunately, after a short period, the beta version was discontinued for debugging purposes. Players were informed that the game would be undergoing further development before a commercial release. This decision left many fans eager yet disappointed as they awaited official news on the game’s future.
The game’s Taiwan server initially catered to players in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. However, on November 1, 2005, it officially went out of business in these regions. The closure announcement sent shockwaves through the community as many players expressed their discontent and disbelief on various forums. In response to this abrupt termination, some users took it upon themselves to create private servers and clone the game. This grassroots effort eventually led to the launch of Bomberman Online International.
In an attempt to revive interest, the Japanese version of Online Bomberman returned online on December 1, 2005. However, this revival was short-lived as it closed again just under two years later on July 31, 2007. The back-and-forth nature of its availability left fans longing for a stable online experience.
Gameplay Mechanics
Online Bomberman featured an array of engaging gameplay modes that differentiated it from previous entries in the series. Players could choose from four primary modes: Survival Mode, Panel Paint Mode, Hyperbomb Mode, and Boss Battle Mode.
Survival Mode
In Survival Mode, players could engage in combat either solo or as part of a team. The objective was straightforward: eliminate all opposing players to secure victory. This mode emphasized both strategy and quick reflexes as players navigated around explosive traps laid by their opponents.
Panel Paint Mode
Panel Paint Mode introduced a unique twist where players’ bombs would leave colored areas on the ground upon detonation. Each team aimed to cover as much ground as possible with their designated color while also working to eliminate rival players. Reviving after death added another layer of strategy; however, any territory previously occupied would be erased upon respawning.
Hyperbomb Mode
This mode required players to collect special hyperbomb items for victory. A total of five items were available; however, only three needed to be collected before reaching the center of the map to win. An interesting challenge arose in this mode where players had to balance their safety against losing hard-earned items during explosive encounters.
Boss Battle Mode
In Boss Battle Mode (or Boss Survival Mode), players faced off against formidable bosses equipped with unique bomb mechanics and strategies. Players could purchase items for their characters to enhance their combat effectiveness against these bosses. This mode provided an additional layer of depth and excitement as players strategized how best to tackle these formidable foes.
Item Shop Features
A notable feature introduced in late 2004 was the item shop within Online Bomberman’s Taiwan and Hong Kong servers. Here, players could purchase various items specifically designed for boss battles, including character cards and nickname cards. Character cards allowed access to specific characters for a limited time upon cash payment.
The nickname cards offered customization options for player names; one type altered the background display while another changed text colors. To acquire items from the shop, players needed a currency known as Bomberyen, which could be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money.
The PlayStation 2 Port: Net de Bomberman
In 2004, Online Bomberman was adapted for PlayStation 2 under the title Net de Bomberman exclusively in Japan. Unlike its earlier versions that had offline play options available, this iteration was strictly designed for online multiplayer experiences supported by a subscription model. Players could engage with up to seven others on ten different maps inspired by classic Bomberman mazes.
The game went through a pre-launch testing phase from November 2003 until February 2004 before transitioning into a paid service model requiring monthly subscriptions. While it garnered initial interest among fans of the franchise due to its innovative online features, the service was ultimately discontinued in 2008.
Bomberman Online Japan
Bomberman Online Japan served as a successor to Online Bomberman utilizing Shockwave Entertainment’s online services for its operations. Upon its release in September 2008, players could earn experience points while battling and utilize bomb techniques once their bomb waza bar filled up during matches.
This version allowed players to save collected items for future use within matches and provided limited-time promotional weapons during its launch period. Unfortunately, like its predecessors, this service faced interruptions and ultimately ceased operations on January 31, 2009.
Conclusion
Though Online Bomberman had a relatively short lifespan marked by server closures and transitions between different versions and platforms, it showcased innovative gameplay mechanics that appealed to both new and veteran fans of the franchise. The community’s enduring passion is evident through fan-made versions that continue to thrive today despite the official servers being shut down. The legacy of Online Bomberman serves as a testament to the franchise’s ability to adapt and resonate with audiences over time while maintaining its core fun-filled gameplay centered around explosive interactions.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).