Bomberman (universe)

The Bomberman () universe refers to the series' collection of characters, stages, and properties that hail from the video game franchise developed by the defunct Hudson Soft (and now owned by Konami) of primarily maze-based action and puzzle games. The Bomberman series follows the adventures of the main protagonist Bomberman, with the games usually consisting of players solving a series of levels by placing bombs in strategic positions in order to destroy foes or obstacles on numerous planets in order to keep peace on Planet Bomber and the greater universe from threats and disaster. Its series symbol is a , an item that is usually the sole method of attack in the series.
== Franchise description ==
Originally developed as a strategic maze-based computer game by Hudson Soft, debuted in 1983. Also known as Eric and the Floaters in Europe, this game laid the foundation for the series: players navigate a maze, placing bombs that explode horizontally and vertically, to destroy enemies and blocks within their range while avoiding self-destruction. Unlike later entries, Bomber Man featured an archaeologist on a quest for hidden treasures guarded by balloon-like enemies called Floaters, who would become mainstays of the franchise. Following this game, an enhanced port known as 3-D Bomberman was released featuring a first-person perspective. This marked the last appearance of the archaeologist character.
In 1985, Hudson Soft ported the original game to the Super Famicom with a complete makeover. Simply named Bomberman, this port introduced a new protagonist, created using recycled sprites from their earlier game . It also debuted iconic power-ups like Fire-Up, Bomb-Up, and Remote Control, which became staples of the series. Interestingly, the game served as a prequel to Lode Runner, with the ending showing Bomberman transforming into the Lode Runner character upon reaching the surface. Following this, Hudson Soft would produce other games for later consoles such as for the Game Boy and for the TurboGrafx-16 in 1990, the first of which would bring the series' iconic multiplayer battle mode and introduce the concept of multiple Bombermen. The following year, these elements would appear in an arcade version of Bomberman and for NES. 
Following several other releases, including and , the series took a major step with for SNES in 1993, which brought exciting new elements like the Power Glove and Pierce Bomb power-ups. The same year, introduced Louies, animal companions that became a common fixture of the series and Buggler, the most consistently appearing antagonist of the series. Super Bomberman was later followed with successors such as in 1994, which introduced the Five Dastardly Bombers, cyborg antagonists who appeared in multiple games. One of them, Pretty Bomber, later evolved into the series' leading female character.
In 1996, the Sega Saturn received , introducing the Hige Hige Bandits and Mujoe. Hudson Soft's next major project was , the first fully 3D game in the series. It reinvented the formula, replacing the grid-based movement with open 3D environments and eight-way movement, and also introduced the concept of Bomb Pumping. The next year, Hudson Soft released a more classic Bomberman experience with for PlayStation, as well as , which marked the series' only foray into 3D platforming. 1998 saw the release of , featuring a complete single-player remake of the NES port of Bomberman. 1999 brought , a sequel expanding upon its predecessor with a deeper storyline, improved graphics, and the debut of more element bombs. This game's biggest addition was Bomberman's new companion, Pommy, who acted as a helper character and could transform based on his food consumption. The game's free-roaming 3D mantle would later be succeeded by in 2002.
The early 2000's saw several minor projects and spin-offs such as the games. Seeking a more mature audience, Hudson Soft attempted to rebrand the series in 2006 with , which was critically panned upon release. Several smaller, classic-styled downloadable games would release in the years following this, such as , , and . 2008 also saw the release of for Nintendo DS, also known as Custom Battler Bomberman. In January 2011, Konami absorbed Hudson Soft and was fully merged in March 2012. This resulted in the acquisition of some famous Hudson series, with Bomberman being one of them, the series mainly continued to appear on mobile devices until 2017, when launched as a timed Nintendo Switch exclusive. It became the best-selling Bomberman game, leading to a resurgence with games such as Bombergirl, Amazing Bomberman and Super Bomberman R 2.
== In the Super Smash Flash series ==
=== In Super Smash Flash 2 ===
The Bomberman universe makes its debut in Super Smash Flash 2 and is represented by one character along with a single stage and one assist trophy.
==== Characters ====
*: A first of his kind robot, Bomberman originally worked tirelessly in an underground factory creating bombs until he heard a rumor that the first robot to escape and reach the surface would become a human. He is also a member of the intergalactic organization bent on defending the Bomber Nebula; his galaxy. Making his debut on v0.9a as a newcomer in SSF2, many of Bomberman's moves are attributed to his series as much of his moves involve bombs which have become the symbol of his franchise.
===== Assist Trophy =====
*Magnet Bomber: One of Bomberman's many former enemies. Having debuted in Super Bomberman 2, this member of the "Five Dastardly Bombers" places Magnet Bombs that target opponents that come nearby.
==== Stage ====
*Bomb Factory: A bomb factory which contains the motifs of the Bomberman maze-grid games. The Bomb Factory is a rather plain stage with soft blocks appearing in the background along with bombs which explode in their trademark + patern, heavily damaging players on the way.
== Media with elements appearing in the Super Smash Flash series ==
The following list consists of media from the Bomberman universe that appears in Super Smash Flash 2.
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*Bomberman, who debuted in this game as its main protagonist, appears as a starter character in SSF2.
*Bomberman's on-screen appearance, smash attacks, and neutral special move in SSF2 utilize bombs, which originate as his main weapon in this game.
**, Bomberman's neutral special move, directly references the way he places bombs down in this game.
**The series symbol for Bomberman in SSF2 is based on these bombs.
*The stage Bomb Factory in SSF2 is based on the grid-based maze where this game takes place and features breakable soft blocks and bombs hazards, with the latter exploding into the cross-shape that originates from this game.
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*Bomb Detonate, Bomberman's down special move in SSF2, is based on the Remote Control, which originates as an item in this game.
*Bomberman's Theme, which partially consists of a synthetic remix of the theme that plays on the first few levels in this game, plays as Bomb Factory's alternate music track in SSF2.
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*Bomberman's second costume in SSF2 is based on Black Bomberman, who debuted in this game.
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*Bomberman's third, fourth, fifth, and sixth costumes in SSF2 are based on Red Bomberman, Blue Bomberman, Green Bomberman, and Yellow Bomberman, respectively, who debuted in this game.
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*Bomberman's Theme, which partially consists of a synthetic remix of the theme that plays on the first few levels in this game, plays as Bomb Factory's main music track in SSF2.
*Bomberman's twelfth costume in SSF2 is based on his in-game sprites in this game.
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*Bomb Kick, Bomberman's side special move in SSF2, originates as an item in this game.
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*Bomberman's ninth costume in SSF2 is based on Orange Bomberman, who debuted in this game.
*The victory theme of Bomberman in SSF2 is a remix of the theme that plays at the end of battle mode for the victorious player in this game.
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*Bomberman's costumes having matching colored bombs in SSF2 originates from this game's Battle Game.
*Magnet Bomber, who debuted in this game as an antagonist, appears as an Assist Trophy in SSF2.
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*Revenge Cart, Bomberman's Final Smash in SSF2, originates as a multiplayer mechanic in this game.
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*Bomberman's tenth costume in SSF2 is based of Dr. Gray Bomber, who debuted in this manga.
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*Bomberman's ability to charge his bombs originates from the bomb pumping mechanic in this game.
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*Redial, a synthetic remix of the theme that plays on many levels in this game, first being the Battle Room of Planet Bomber's first area, plays as one of Bomb Factory's alternate music tracks in SSF2.
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*Bomberman's Revenge Cart in SSF2 includes a Skull Bomb, which originates in this game.
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*Alcatraz, a synthetic remix of the theme that plays on Lost Planet Alcatraz in this game, plays as one of Bomb Factory's alternate music tracks in SSF2.
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*Bomberman's design in SSF2 is based on his appearance in this game.
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*Jetpack, Bomberman's up special move in SSF2, originates as an item in this game.
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*Magnet Bomber's design in SSF2 is based on his appearance in this game.
**His voice samples in SSF2 are taken from this game.
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*Bomb Factory's design in SSF2 is based on the Battle 64 stage from this game.
== Trivia ==
*The Bomberman universe is one of two universes to be introduced in the Super Smash Flash series before having a minor role in the official games. It shares this distinction along with .
Category:Super Smash Flash 2
Category:Super Smash Flash series
Category:Konami