Bomberman Max: Red / Blue Challenger

The classic laying of bombs in a maze gained unexpected depth on the Game Boy Color — Bomberman Max: Red Challenger / Blue Challenger from 2000 ranks among the best the brand brought to the handheld Nintendo. Hudson Soft added elements to the tried-and-true formula here that pushed it toward adventure and collecting.

Alongside the traditional placing of bombs, destroying blocks, and eliminating enemies, the game introduces creatures called "Charaboms," which you collect, evolve, and take into battle as partners with their own abilities — a bit in the style of the monster-collecting games of that era. The levels are more branching and offer more than just bare arenas, so the campaign itself gains a surprisingly thought-out structure. On top of that, the title came out in two versions, Red and Blue, between which you can exchange content and creatures, which motivated players to connect and cooperate.

Retro enthusiasts appreciate Bomberman Max precisely for expanding the established concept without losing its brisk fun. It's one of those cases where the pocket version of a famous series didn't settle for copying the original and came up with an idea of its own.