Bombslinger

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 102 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Bombslinger Game Cover
A roguelike Bomberman? Why hasn't anyone ever thought of this?
Starting at $1.79Buy now
Get on Steam Get on itch.io Store Get on Xbox Games Store

Bombslinger is a shooter game with both single-player and multi-player modes. In the single-player mode, players control the Bombslinger, a former bandit seeking revenge for his wife's murder, by bombing their way through hordes of enemies. The local multi-player mode supports up to 4 players and includes AI bots for a classic battle experience. Procedurally generated levels and various items ensure unique gameplay in every playthrough.

  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 102 reviews
gameplay6 positive mentions
story3 negative mentions
  • Bombslinger offers a unique blend of roguelike elements with classic Bomberman gameplay, providing a fresh experience with each run.
  • The game features charming visuals and a catchy western soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere.
  • Multiplayer mode allows for fun local battles, making it a great option for playing with friends.
  • The controls are often clunky and unresponsive, leading to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • The game's difficulty can be punishing, with permadeath mechanics that may deter casual players.
  • Repetitive gameplay and limited variety in items can make the experience feel grindy and tedious over time.
  • gameplay33 mentions

    The gameplay of this bomberman-style roguelike game is generally well-received, combining classic bomberman mechanics with modern roguelike elements, such as starting perks and item systems. While the core gameplay is solid and enjoyable, some players feel that the item variety is lacking and that certain boss mechanics can be frustrating. Overall, it offers a fun and accessible experience for fans of the genre, with a unique twist that sets it apart.

    • “At its heart, this is a Bomberman-style game combining gritty western storytelling and modern roguelike gameplay.”
    • “Overall, the core gameplay elements are solid and this mashup of ideas works.”
    • “Bombslinger offers Bomberman-style gameplay with a roguelike dungeon crawl overlay.”
    • “Tbesides shops, there is no gameplay element that makes use of the 3D graphics.”
    • “The items do seem a little lacking with not many creative ideas there, mostly focusing on the core bomb gameplay.”
    • “I tried again and it was a different first boss this time, but he used this same 'mechanic' where you have to wait until he decides to use the only attack which leaves him vulnerable, which happened once right away but then didn't happen again after two minutes, and when he finally decided to expose himself again, I died.”
  • story14 mentions

    The game's story is a blend of gritty western themes and a revenge narrative, though it is criticized for being minimal and relying on familiar tropes, such as the fridging of a female character. While the upbeat western music contrasts with the darker elements of the plot, players find enjoyment in the roguelike gameplay despite the story's shortcomings. Overall, it is described as a bomberman-style game with a simplistic yet engaging story mode.

    • “For now, I played only story mode, but I love it so far.”
    • “In the story, it's not great that a lady gets fridged to start off this quest for vengeance, plus the game reminds you of that each time you start.”
    • “In short, it's a western-themed Bomberman clone with a roguelike story mode.”
    • “At its heart, this is a Bomberman-style game combining gritty western storytelling and modern roguelike gameplay.”
  • graphics11 mentions

    The game's graphics feature a nostalgic blend of retro 2D and early 3D aesthetics, characterized by edgy sprites and a unique art style that enhances its overall appeal. While some elements, like the farm zone's gray dirt, can be visually unappealing, the distinct enemy designs and pixel art contribute to a charming indie experience. However, the 3D graphics are underutilized in gameplay, leaving some players wanting more interaction with this visual style.

    • “The 2D/3D pixel art style looks great and totally works with the overall aesthetic of the game!”
    • “The enemy types and general aesthetic ensure that it isn't a clone.”
    • “The grind-y arcade style of the gameplay combined with its nostalgic art style, unique game design, and personality make for a nice indie gem.”
    • “Besides shops, there is no gameplay element that makes use of the 3D graphics.”
    • “The grindy arcade style of the gameplay combined with its nostalgic art style, unique game design, and personality make for a nice indie gem.”
  • grinding10 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of Bombslinger to be tedious and slow-paced, leading to a lack of replayability after completing the game. While some enjoy the initial challenge and unlockable items that alleviate some monotony, many feel that the overall experience is more frustrating than fun, with limited variety in builds and achievements.

    • “Bombslinger isn't fun, it's tedious and boring.”
    • “The pacing is so slow and boring because you spend so much time chewing your way through the terrain of every room bit by tedious bit with bombs.”
    • “I almost dropped the game at first, but struggled through the first couple of runs and luckily unlocked a couple of items which made the game less tedious.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    The game offers significant replayability through randomized elements such as different bosses, unlockable starting items, and procedurally generated level layouts, ensuring that each playthrough feels unique. Players appreciate the depth and permanent unlocks, making it a worthwhile experience, especially when on sale.

    • “There is a good degree of replayability with different bosses, unlockable starting items, and level layouts that are randomly generated each playthrough.”
    • “Overall, a fun little game with good depth, replayability, and permanent unlocks - definitely worth picking up on sale.”
    • “Some degree of replayability with different bosses, unlockable starting items, and level layouts randomly generated each playthrough.”
    • “Each run is randomized for more replayability.”
    • “Each run is randomized for more replayability.”
  • music4 mentions

    The music in the game features decent to good western-themed tracks that are surprisingly upbeat for a revenge narrative, though some may find it familiar. Reviewers praise the soundtrack as wonderful, enhancing the overall experience alongside the game's brutal action and humorous enemies.

    • “The soundtrack is wonderful, enhancing the overall experience of the game.”
    • “The music is decent to good western music that's strangely upbeat for this revenge story.”
    • “The sensation of the explosion is brutal, and the enemies are funny, making for an engaging atmosphere.”
  • stability2 mentions

    The game has been reported to have stability issues, with users experiencing multiple crashes and bugs during gameplay.

    • “It's a bit buggy; I had it crash a couple of times.”
  • humor2 mentions

    Reviewers highlight the humor in the game, noting that the enemies are amusing and contribute to an overall entertaining experience, despite the game's challenging bosses and intense action. The combination of humor and engaging gameplay elements enhances the enjoyment for players.

    • “The sensation of the explosion is brutal, the soundtrack is wonderful, the enemies are funny, and the bosses are difficult.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    Users express a desire for improved optimization in the final version of the game, indicating that the current state may not meet their expectations.

    • “I hope the final version will be optimized.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players find the emotional impact of the game heightened by the attachment they develop to their characters and their progress, making the loss experienced upon death feel particularly devastating. This sense of investment amplifies the overall gaming experience, blending engagement with poignant moments of loss.

    • “Building up a character with abilities, items, and weapons is engaging as you find new ways to deal with what’s put in front of you, but to have that all ripped away upon death is truly heart-breaking.”
    • “The story's emotional depth left me in tears; I felt a genuine connection to the characters and their struggles.”
    • “Every choice I made had weight, and the consequences were often gut-wrenching, making me reflect on my decisions long after I finished the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

Buy Bombslinger

Videos

Similar Games