Bomberman '93

To do: Finish regional differences Document the Special Version Virtual Console changes

Bomberman '93 is where the series finally begins to expand beyond the template set by the original NES Bomberman, introducing unique level gimmicks, multiple different arenas in Battle Game, and more detailed level design than just "grid filled with random blocks". That being said, '93 is very overshadowed by its two immediate successors.

"Configration" Screen#

This needs some investigation. Discuss ideas and findings on the talk page. Specifically: Find a way to access this in the US version. It certainly seems like it should be accessible...

Beat the game, and at the end screen, wait for the music to fade out, then hold I and press Run. A sound effect will confirm correct entry. Now reset the game (hold Run and press Select) and start the Normal Game. The above screen, consisting of a level select, sound test, lives toggle, and powerup toggle, will appear following the opening cutscenes.

This only appears to work in the Japanese version, despite the sound effect playing and the text being present in the US version.

"Tap is not connected" Error Screen#

Connect only one Pad to the system, select "Battle Game" on the title screen, and hold Up+I+II+Select+Run while the text is blinking. Alternatively, connect a PC Engine Senyou Multi Tap, then select "Battle Game" on the title screen with Pad 1 while holding Up+I+II+Select+Run on Pad 5. This only works in the Japanese version.

This screen was intended to display if a Multi Tap is not connected to the system when attempting to enter the Battle Game, as such a screen was used in Bomberman. However, as this game allows a solo player to play the Battle Game against AI-controlled opponents, it would be redundant to display such an error screen in this game, thus the screen does not appear under normal circumstances and was disabled entirely in the North American version. If forced to appear using the code above, the Battle Game setup screen will appear shortly anyway.

Regional Differences#

This page or section needs more images. There's a whole lotta words here, but not enough pictures. Please fix this. Specifically: Grab pics for all of these.

Title Screen#

PC Engine	TurboGrafx-16

On the title screen, a (rather cheap) trademark symbol was added next to '93. "Vs Game" was changed to "Com-Link", removing the unique graphic, and the copyright date was updated to account for the later release.

Password Screen#

The password screen has no vowels in the US version, probably to keep the player from entering dirty words. The passwords from the Japanese version map directly onto the US version; A = B, B = C, C = D, D = F, and so on. Letters U through Z, which are never used in the Japanese version's password system, were simply removed.

Text Box#

The text box is 8 pixels wider in the US version, to account for the greater space needed for the English text.

Other Differences#

Bomberman's onigiri (rice ball) was replaced with a bagel in the level 3 eyecatch.

In the Japanese version of the level 4 eyecatch, Bomberman holds some sticks of imitation crab meat (helpfully labeled) in one hand, and a mug of beer in the other. In the US version, the crab sticks and beer were both removed; instead, Bomberman flashes the double-V sign. He's not a crook, folks.

Level 6's eyecatch was completely redrawn, again to remove a Japanese cultural reference. In the Japanese version, Bomberman and Grumpus have a rest under a kotatsu, a kind of heated table. In the US version, Bomberman instead takes a nap in Grumpus's lap. A lap-nap.

References#