Back that thing up!

Bomberman returns to the Nintendo Wii, only this time he's bringing his A-game.  And a few of his closest friends, as the recently announced Bomberman Blast for the WiiWare downloadable service is set to bring the chaos and online multiplayer joy that only a few well placed bombs can bring.  Its not the first time that our fun helmeted friend has graced the platform, but like his debut on the original Xbox console, this newer release should erase those painful memories into blurs of euphoria.

So in essence, its a true Bomberman game with online multiplayer, Mii support, and nary a waggle-based mini-game to be found.  As though I needed any other reason to get excited!  Hudson should be commended for bringing this franchise back on track after several disastrous and profoundly inept releases, to which I'll play nice and let those of you 'in the know' to ponder to which I'm referring to.  I'm also a bit surprised that Nintendo would sanction the wanton destruction of their precious Miis, but in the heat of 8-player online mayhem, its the survival of the fittest.

No release date yet, but you can there's some hot press release blurb action, and plenty of screens at the bottom.  Cast those eyeballs down and soak it up!

REDWOOD CITY, CA – August 26, 2008 - Hudson Entertainment, the North American publishing arm for HUDSON SOFT, today announced that they are releasing Bomberman Blast, an all-new Bomberman for digital download for WiiWare™ on the Wii™. Retaining the classic features Bomberman fans have come to love such as online multiplayer battles and numerous arenas, Bomberman Blast also incorporates new gameplay elements, including the use of Mii™ support and 8-person online multiplayer – the first time for Bomberman on Wii!

“The Bomberman franchise is one of Hudson Entertainment’s most popular,” said Sabine Duvall, Vice President of Product Development at Hudson Entertainment. “We’re driven by the support of the fans and strive to provide unique new gameplay features with each new Bomberman title to please the longtime fans, as well as make the game accessible to newcomers.”

Fans of the popular series will be able to compete either solo or as part of a team against the best Bomberman players worldwide, as Bomberman Blast delivers 8-player multiplayer battles online. By using their Miis, gamers will have the opportunity to definitively prove who has the best Mii by sending them into a Bomberman Blast arena, then blowing away the competition! Now who has the best Mii?

Bomberman Blast is the perfect party game, allowing players from around the world to join in on the fun. Up to four players on the same Wii can hop online. Even more, an online leaderboard shows just how good you are! Bomberman Blast is exactly what players would expect from a Bomberman game, with more ammunition, more online battles, and now, the support of Miis!

With the release of Bomberman Blast on WiiWare, Hudson Entertainment will offer several online tournaments, including one that coincides with the game’s launch. For more information on the upcoming tournaments and to register, players can visit www.Hudsonentertainment.com.

Bomberman Blast is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.