![Bombuzal [Model SHVC-BB] screenshot](images/game/61105_2.png "Bombuzal [Model SHVC-BB]")
Bombuzal © 1990 Kemco
Bombuzal is an action-puzzle game developed by Mirrorsoft, where you control a quirky blue, potato-shaped hero on a mission to detonate every bomb scattered across each level before time runs out.
Every stage is built from a grid of tiles, many of which feature unique properties. Some crumble after being stepped on, others are covered in slippery ice, while some act as teleporters or introduce other hazards that make navigation increasingly challenging.
Simply setting off every bomb isn't enough—you'll need to plan your moves carefully. Many puzzles require triggering spectacular chain reactions, strategically detonating bombs in the correct order to clear the entire level. At the same time, you must avoid getting caught in explosions, trapping yourself, or falling from the edge of the map, as any of these mistakes results in instant failure.
The game features a variety of bomb types. Standard bombs destroy nearby explosives, while special bombs can ignite every bomb of the same size across the level. Certain striped tiles even allow bombs to be pushed into new positions, opening up additional puzzle possibilities. Later stages introduce remote-controlled robots, enabling you to trigger explosions from a safe distance.
Bombuzal is primarily presented from a classic isometric perspective, with an optional overhead view available for players who prefer a clearer layout. Featuring more than 100 levels and a password system to save your progress, the game offers a lengthy and increasingly demanding puzzle-solving experience.
GAME ID: SHVC-BB
Bombuzal was released on December 1, 1990 (Saturday) in Japan at a retail price of 6,500 JPY.
Isometric Complexity: The isometric perspective, while visually striking for an early 1990s release, actually serves a mechanical purpose. It forces the player to analyze the terrain and height differences of the floating tiles, turning simple traversal into a complex puzzle of navigation.
The "One Wrong Move" Penalty: Bombuzal is famous for its punishing difficulty. Because clearing a board involves setting off a chain reaction, a single premature explosion or a misplaced step often means the entire level must be restarted. This all or nothing design makes it a quintessential title for players who enjoy high-stakes, methodical puzzle solving.
Early Super Famicom Library: As an early 1990 release, Bombuzal demonstrates that the Super Famicom was capable of handling complex, non-action-oriented titles right from its launch. It offered a stark contrast to the platformers and arcade ports that dominated the early library, highlighting the console's potential for brain-teasers.
Kemco's Puzzle Roots: This title is a great example of Kemco's early interest in the puzzle genre. By focusing on abstract, logical challenges, they helped build a diverse library for the Super Famicom, proving early on that the machine wasn't just for fast action, but for deep, considered gameplay.
The Chain-Reaction Mechanic: The thrill of the game comes from the explosion at the end. Once the player has navigated the board and set up the chain, watching it all go off correctly is incredibly satisfying. This "payoff" mechanic is what keeps players coming back despite the high level of frustration that accompanies the game's difficult puzzles.
Collector’s Note: Bombuzal is a classic "hidden gem." It is often overlooked in favor of the more famous action titles, but for collectors of early Super Famicom history, it is a significant piece of software that shows how early the platform was being pushed to host intellectually demanding games.
