Smart Bomb
SCORE: 71
I enjoy finding lesser known titles, and bring them to the attention of our wonderful readers. Smart Bomb is one such title on the Playstation Portable (PSP). Smart Bomb is a puzzle game with a very good story backdrop. The player is on a team that goes around stopping bombs. This is done by quickly beating certain mini games. That is sadly where Smart Bomb loses its way. Players are not given enough time to think about what they are doing. Fail a mini game, and all of them in that section need to be replayed.
The biggest issue with Smart Bomb is how often the graphics are reused. Then realize that the graphics are not very impressive in the first place, and this is a recipe for disaster. There are also violent images in this E10+ ESRB rated video game. These kinds of images are not needed in a puzzle game. I found many of the colors in Smart Bomb to be bland in nature.
The blandness of Smart Bomb continues in the audio department. The music is present in this Playstation Portable game, however it is nearly nonexistent. I found nothing remarkable, or interesting about it at all. I would have expected some thematic music to illustrate the tension when disarming a bomb. Making a mistake should have included a different sound as well.
Eidos included quite a few levels in Smart Bomb. The problem is how repetitive the levels are. I found Smart Bomb for under ten dollars, however I feel my money was wasted on this game. Only one person can play Smart Bomb at a time unless you play the Ad Hoc mode. Thing is very few people enjoy playing this game. Thankfully only one game disc is needed for the multiplayer mode.
There are quite a few different kinds of puzzle mini games in Smart Bomb. The game does not do a good job of explaining how to play them though. From time to time it would take a lot of trial and error to figure out how to successfully complete them. The frustration came into play because of the short time frame Smart Bomb gives players to complete the mini games. One mistake and it is back to the last save. So I learned to save often, and expect a lot of disappointment. The controls in some of the mini games are sluggish at best.
Smart Bomb teaches players
to quickly use their brains in solving problems. There is also a lesson
in stopping evil. I like the premise of Smart Bomb, just not the
execution. There is content that could have been left out. If there are
any sequels I hope those aspects are cleaned up. Pass on Smart Bomb
unless you are a glutton for punishment.
- Luke
Graphics: 69%
Sound: 73%
Replay/Extras: 78%
Gameplay: 60%
Family Friendly Factor: 77%
System: Playstation Portable
Publisher: Eidos/Core Design
Rating:
'E10+' for Everyone 10+
{Violence}
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