# Pocket Bomberman Introduction **Release Year:** 1997 (Japan, Europe), 1998 (North America) **Platform:** Game Boy, Game Boy Color **Meta Description:** **Tags:** Action, Platformer, Single-Player, Retro ## Overview *Pocket Bomberman*, released in December 1997 for the Game Boy by Hudson Soft and in 1998 for the Game Boy Color, is a side-scrolling platformer spin-off. Bomberman, as Hero Bomber, climbs Evil Mountain to collect five Power Stones and free the Sword of the Sun from a monster’s curse (*Wikipedia*). With 25 levels across 5 worlds and a unique Jump Mode, it departs from maze-based *Bomberman* games (*GameFAQs*). Its colorful visuals (on GBC) and platforming were praised (*IGN*: 7.5/10), but repetitive gameplay was noted (*GameSpot*: 7.5/10). ## Why Play Pocket Bomberman? *Pocket Bomberman* trades mazes for platforming action. In Normal Mode, players guide Bomberman through 25 levels across 5 worlds (Forest, Ocean, Wind, Cloud, Evil), using bombs to defeat enemies (e.g., Golem, Pakkun) and reach exits (*GameFAQs*). Power-ups like Fire Up, Wing (unlimited jumps), and Remote Control enhance strategy (*HardcoreGaming101*). Jump Mode challenges players to ascend vertical shafts with constant jumping (*nfs.fandom.com*). Levels take 2-5 minutes; Normal Mode lasts 1-2 hours. Its unique mechanics appeal to *Bomberman Hero* fans, distinct from *Need for Speed: Underground 2*’s racing or *Captain Tsubasa V*’s RPG (*@RetroGamingX*). ## Key Features - Navigate 25 side-scrolling levels across 5 worlds - 2 modes: Normal (1P, story-based), Jump Mode (score-attack) - Power-ups: Fire Up, Bomb Up, Wing, Remote Control - Jump Mode with vertical platforming and boss battles - Defeat enemies and bosses to collect Power Stones - Authentic Game Boy/GBC gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: Game Boy/Game Boy Color vs. Other Versions - **Game Boy (1997)/GBC (1998)**: Side-scrolling platformer; GBC adds color palette, Japan/Europe (1997), North America (1998) (*Wikipedia*). - **Compared to Bomberman Hero (1998, N64)**: *Pocket* is 2D platforming, no multiplayer; *Hero* is 3D platforming (*GameFAQs*). - **Compared to Neo Bomberman (1997, Neo Geo)**: *Pocket* is single-player platformer; *Neo* is arcade maze-based (*Sega-16*). - **Compared to Need for Speed: Underground 2 (2004)**: Platformer vs. open-world racing (*GameSpot*). - **Compared to Captain Tsubasa V (1994, SNES)**: Platforming vs. soccer RPG (*Wikipedia*). - **Re-releases**: None; widely emulated (*Nintendo Switch Online*, unofficial). ## Play Pocket Bomberman Online Play *Pocket Bomberman* (1997, Game Boy/GBC) instantly on Classic Joy Games with Game Boy emulators. Also available on RetroGames.cz, EmulatorGames.net, OldGameShelf.com (4.0/5 from 8 votes), or ArcadeSpot.com (2.6M plays). Physical copies cost $15-$40 (cart) or $50-$120 (CIB) on eBay (*PriceCharting*). Use VisualBoyAdvance. Strategy: Use Wing for easy navigation; stack bombs for bosses. Cheat: Enter “5656” at password screen for max power-ups (*GameFAQs*). Join Classic Joy Games and unseal the Sword of the Sun now!