Bomberman Fantasy Race

Bomberman Fantasy Race[lower-alpha 1] is a racing video game developed by GraphicResearch Inc., released on August 6, 1998 in Japan for the Sony PlayStation by publisher Hudson Soft. It was released on March 31, 1999 in North America by Atlus and July 2000 in Europe by Virgin Interactive. It is a spin-off of the Bomberman series.

Bomberman Fantasy Race
European cover art
Developer(s)Graphic Research Inc.
Publisher(s)
Director(s)Masato Shibata
Producer(s)Akihiro Baba
Artist(s)Shoji Mizuno
Kozue Satoh
Composer(s)Hiroshi Tabata
SeriesBomberman
Platform(s)PlayStation
ReleasePlayStation
  • JP: August 6, 1998
  • NA: March 31, 1999
  • EU: July 2000
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

The game has been re-released for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable via PlayStation Network on August 26, 2008 in Japan and May 18, 2010 in North America for the PSone Classics series.

In Bomberman Fantasy Race, the player can select six different characters to ride on two different animal types, the Louie or the Tirra, each having unique individual skills. In the single player mode, the player must race against four CPU controlled opponents to reach first place. Creatures are able to dash, jump, and throw bombs. During the race, the player can find random items that can help or hinder their progress. Winning a race provides the player with coins which they can use to buy items, more powerful creatures, and new courses. Other modes include VS. Mode and Time Attack Mode.

Gameplay

Bomberman Fantasy Race is a 3D racing game featuring two single player modes and a two player mode. Players choose one of six Bomberman characters, then select the creature which they want to ride. There are two types of creatures, the Louie and the Tirra, and the player can eventually choose from six of each. Before starting a race, players purchase items at a shop with their prize money. The goal of the main single player mode is to finish the race ahead of the other four racers, who are controlled by the CPU. The player is rewarded with prize money (called Bomberman coins) if they reach at least third place. If the player reaches first place, the player will be able to play a bonus course that will reward him with more coins. Finishing a course in first place will unlock a mirrored version of that course.

In the two player mode, players are able to bet money on the race. The player who wins the race will earn all the money that the losing player bet before the race. The player with the least amount of money is the one who decides if a bet can be placed on a race.

In Time Attack Mode, players race against the clock to post their fastest lap times and course records. Players can save a ghost data to study their runs or exchange it with friends. The ranking screen posts the player's name, creature, and best time.

Players can look and exchange coins in the bank. The bank has ten boxes with a lit blue light if they have coins, and a red one if they are full. Players exchange hundred Copper coins for one Silver coin, and ten Silver coins for one Gold coin. When a safe in the bank is full, the coins are exchanged automatically. Coins can be used to buy new creatures at the stable, items, and courses.

Players are able to throw or drop bombs during a race. Other than using bombs to attack other opponents, players can use a bomb dash, giving their creatures an acceleration boost. Creatures are able to dash using stamina for a limited amount of time, and can also use a triangle jump by jumping off walls. During a race, players will come across panels that will give them different items which they can use to help their progress or hinder the progress of their opponents. Players can also find eggs among the course, and a creature can hold three eggs. The eggs function differently for each creature. A Louie will gain a speed boost, while a Tirra will form a barrier that will protect them from bomb explosions.

Reception

Next Generation reviewed the PlayStation version of the game, rating it three stars out of five, and stated that "For all its cuteness and quirk, the somewhat stiff digital controls and tough tracks of Bomberman Racing make it a choice for fans and racing veterans only."[3]

According to GameRankings, the game received mixed reviews, with an average score of 61% based on 8 reviews.[4] It was reviewed by IGN who said, "although it lacks a speedy adrenaline rush, and it doesn't push technical limits to the top, Bomberman Fantasy Race is a good time." It was given 6.8 out of 10.[5]

Notes
  1. Japanese: ボンバーマン ファンタジーレース, Hepburn: Bonbāman Fantajī Rēsu

References
  1. "Bomberman Fantasy Race". Game Informer. No. 71. March 1999. p. 57.
  2. GameSpot: Bomberman Fantasy Race Review
  3. "Finals". Next Generation. No. 52. Imagine Media. April 1999. p. 90.
  4. Bomberman Fantasy Race at GameRankings
  5. IGN: Bomberman Fantasy Race Review
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