Bomba is a brand new arcade avoidance game from the folks at Nitrome. Look just beyond the surface and Bomba reveals itself to be much more than a simple "don't touch the walls" game. There's strategy, there's speed, there's planning, there's even backtracking and careful timing involved. Think of it as an adventure/avoider and you'll get an idea of what to expect.
Controls are almost entirely mouse-driven save one important feature: pausing with the [spacebar]. Each level begins with the action frozen, and after you click on the critter to begin, the character becomes your cursor. Collect bomb power-ups and use the left mouse button to drop them. At any time you can use [space] to freeze the game, relinquishing the cursor to your control so you can take a breather.
The first couple of levels in Bomba are fairly straightforward. Dodge moving gears, skirt around narrow corners, and avoid moving enemies. The fun begins when bomb power-ups appear along with the fuzzy green moss. Since you can't touch anything solid, grab a bomb, drop it above the moss, and let gravity do the rest. Be sure to duck behind a corner so debris doesn't fly back and crush you. Sometimes you'll need to bomb the moss a few times in order to clear a safe path. The wider, the better!
In later levels new obstacles are introduced, such as laser barriers that allow bombs through but not you, and water that will pull bombs upwards. New power-ups also make an appearance, such as bombs that can fly! Nitrome puts everything to good use to keep the game feeling fresh even after a dozen or so levels.
Analysis: Another good looking game from Nitrome, with its signature art style and game design qualities fully intact. Bomba does a nice job blending arcade action with a more laid-back atmosphere, giving you the freedom to explore but never letting you rest on your laurels. One key factor to keep in mind is that Bomba doesn't time you, so you're free to sit back and strategize. Only when you're carrying a time-limited bomb or using a timed power-up do you have to hurry.
It's a subtle but enjoyable mix of genres, but if you're using a touch pad it won't be a walk in the park.
Cheers to Marta for sending this one in! =)
Walkthrough Guide
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Complete Walkthrough:
Don't bump into anything.
I usually don't like these kind of games, but this one is just easy enough for me to keep trying. I've gotten frustrated a few times, but I keep coming back.
Posted by: debaser80 | November 3, 2008 5:04 PM