Bomberman Live

For Xbox 360
Verdict: It's the bomb.
800 MS Points
Rating: 4½/5
The Bomberman name has for years been synonymous with madcap multiplayer action - with over 60 iterations of the franchise it's no surprise to see it turn up on Xbox Live Arcade and despite the recent dirge that was Bomberman Act Zero, it seems to have finally found its true home.
Bomberman is legendary in getting groups of friends to crowd round and shout at a TV and the 360 allows you to do this online with your long distance mates as well.
Combining simple but addictive strategy and action in a format that anyone can pick up, the Bomberman formula has rarely changed over the years - particularly so this time round as it goes back to it's 16 bit roots for a simplified re-introduction to the series.
Transposing HD 3D visuals onto the iconic 2D action, Bomberman Live offers a multitude of levels and game types to keep the action interesting while customisation options allow you to create your own game rules and design your own unique Bomberman so at least you look good blowing up.
The usual single player puzzle levels from previous outings have been ditched, streamlining it as a purely multiplayer game with the defining feature of course being online play. Supporting up to eight player games online you can duke it out with strangers and friends while Live Camera support means you get to see snapshots of your opponents pained expressions upon their demise.
The only disappointment is the lack of 16 player support like the classic Sega Saturn version but it's a bargain for the price and eight players still proves more than enough for frenetic and fun action.
For the truly competitive out there, world tournaments and leader boards exist to prove your skill with Acme style explosives but like all great multiplayer games, they're no match against four friends sat hollering round the telly and thankfully that's one feature that'll never be removed.