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Konami’s Bomberman for the PSP is a solid action puzzle offering that updates the series and keeps the basic elements in play.

Game modes include Normal Mode to complete 100 levels with the new story and item stock system, Classic Mode to complete 50 levels, and the Multiplayer Game Battle Mode for up to four players via Game Sharing. Normal Mode worlds include Bomber World, Desert World, Ice World, Electro World, Lava World, Spook World, and Jungle World.

New to the PSP version of Bomberman is the ability to employ collected upgrades prior to and during each level. Rather than collecting numerous upgrades and losing them after death, players can stock upgrade items and use only the items they need.

Bomberman’s timeless gameplay translates well to the PPS. The widescreen display provides a great view of the action and enemies move in patterns that adjust to bomb placement.

Items in Bomberman include the standard Fire Up, Bomb Up, and Speed Up upgrades, in addition to Full Fire for maximum blasts, Mine bomb to turn the first bomb into a mine, Dangerous bomb to explode the first bomb into a square pattern, and Penetrate for bombs that penetrate through soft blocks.

Multiplayer only items include Rubber bombs that bounce off walls when kicked, Fire down to decrease bomb power, and Bomb down to decrease the number of bombs that can be placed.

The graphics engine is solid at 30 frames per second. Bomberman and enemies are rendered in 3D in pastel colors that fit the atmosphere. The music and sound effects are cheery and similar to previous entries in the series.

Bomberman is solid action puzzle game for the PSP. The new items stock system is a welcome addition the traditional gameplay and the Game Sharing multiplayer allows for instant battles to bomb friends anytime.