# Neo Bomberman Introduction ## Overview *Neo Bomberman*, released on May 1, 1997, for the Neo Geo MVS by Hudson Soft and developed by Produce!, is a Japan-only arcade action-maze game. White and Black Bomber battle Professor Bagura, who kidnaps combatants during a tournament, with Atomic Bomber as his new ally (*Wikipedia*). Players clear maze levels with bombs, facing enemies and bosses (*GameFAQs*). It retains traditional *Bomberman* gameplay with vibrant Neo Geo visuals and a 4-player Battle Mode (*ArcadeSpot*: 4.0/5). ## Why Play Neo Bomberman? *Neo Bomberman* delivers classic *Bomberman* action with arcade polish. In Normal Mode, players guide White or Black Bomber through maze levels across multiple zones, using bombs to destroy enemies (e.g., Pakkun, Denden) and soft blocks to reveal exits. Power-ups like Fire Up or Remote Control and rideable enemies (e.g., Bomber Dragons) add depth (*GameFAQs*). Battle Mode supports up to 4 players, with 10 characters and 4 arenas for chaotic matches (*nfs.fandom.com*). Levels take 2-5 minutes; Normal Mode lasts 3-5 hours. Its colorful graphics, strong AI, and multiplayer shine, though the lack of a home console release limits accessibility (*Sega-16*: 9/10). X fans praise its “arcade energy” (*@RetroGamingX*), appealing to *Super Bomberman 5* and *Kunio-kun* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Underground 2*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s RPG. ## Key Features - Navigate maze levels across zones, facing Bagura and Atomic Bomber - 2 modes: Normal (1-2P co-op), Battle Mode (1-4 players) - Power-ups: Fire Up, Bomb Up, Remote Control; rideable enemies - Battle Mode with 10 characters, 4 arenas with hazards (e.g., conveyor belts) - Strategic bomb placement to defeat enemies and uncover exits - Authentic Neo Geo MVS gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Neo Geo MVS vs. Other Versions - **Neo Geo MVS (1997)**: Arcade-only, Spanish text on European systems; no AES/CD release (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Super Bomberman 5 (1997, SNES)**: *Neo Bomberman* has arcade visuals, no stage editor; *Super Bomberman 5* offers more creatures (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Mega Bomberman (1994, Genesis)**: *Neo Bomberman* has sharper graphics, no Hyper Bomb (*Sega-16*). - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Maze-based action vs. open-world racing (*GameSpot*). - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Puzzle battles vs. soccer RPG (*Wikipedia*). - **Re-releases**: None; emulated on *Nintendo Switch Online* (2021, unofficial). ## Play Neo Bomberman Online Play *Neo Bomberman* (1997, Neo Geo MVS) instantly on Classic Joy Games with arcade emulators. Also available on RetroGames.cz, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.0/5 from 100 votes), or Miniplay.com (2.6M plays). MVS carts cost $100-$300 on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Use MAME for emulation. Strategy: Use Remote Control bombs; ride Bomber Dragons for speed. Cheat: Enter “1616” at password screen for max power-ups (*GameFAQs*). Join Classic Joy Games and stop Bagura now!