Bombardix. Blowing Things Up

Pros:  attractive graphics, fun gameplay, great music.

Cons: lack of a save option, no multiplayer.

Do you like blowing things up? Good, because Bombardix is all about that.

Bombardix is a Bomberman clone that gives you a lot of bang for your buck! Sorry, I couldn't resist that pun.  Basically, the game gives you several different environments to play in, each with a number of levels you must clear of enemies, and each capped off by a boss battle against a larger enemy.

To defeat the many varied enemies you'll face, you need to place bombs in their paths to blow them up. This standard formula is spiced up considerably by the addition of power-ups to help you. You can collect a snowflake to freeze the enemies, grab an extra bomb or two, or even gain the power to walk through obstacles that you would otherwise have to blow up. You can also earn a larger flame for your bomb blasts, but that is a double-edged sword that can hurt you as much as it helps you.

It would be an understatement to say, that you'll need all of these powers to survive, as this game is quite challenging.  There are  tons of different enemies, each with a different movement pattern, and each providing a unique challenge.  And then there are the well-designed levels, ranging in size from a single screen, to sprawling multi-screen affairs that  will tax both your wits and your reflexes. And though the game gives out extra lives at a reasonable rate, you'll still find yourself dying time and time again as you misstep at the wrong moment, or trap yourself with your own bomb.

But at least you won't have to endure ugly graphics as you try and try again. Bombardix has smooth, colorful graphics, that are fun to look at. Each world is a delight to see, as each has distinct objects and backgrounds to make them feel fresh. It's a pity the enemies don't really change with the scenery, but you'll still enjoy seeing what awaits you in the next world. Better still, you get some great sound and music to go with it. Bouncy tunes and different sounds for each enemy add a lot to the ambiance of the game.

The biggest flaw in this fun game is in the lack of a save game option. This means that if you die at level 20 out of 25, you have to start all the way back at the beginning. Still, since this game is all about getting the highest score, I don't count this as a major fault. You can play any of the worlds right from the start, so you don't have to worry about beating one just to get to the other.

It's also disappointing to note, that Bombardix doesn't have any multiplayer modes at all. You don't even get the option to play with two players on the same computer. The addition of multiplayer would have given an already fun game even more life.

Overall, this game is a ton of fun to play, for both young and old, and it's doubly fun if you like Bomberman-style games.