Bomberman Hero

As if Baku Bomberman wasn't enough of a departure from the 2D games, Bomberman Hero is a 3D platformer where the blazin' bomber can run, jump, grab onto ledges and do all manner of platform manoeuvres. He can still throw, kick and drop bombs, though it doesn't make it feel any closer to the old mazes and grids.

Following a storyline that's completely ripped off of Star Wars (I'm serious, the parallels are just plain comical), Bomberman forays across a variety of locales getting up to linear 3D platformer antics. He does gain access to special vehicular upgrades in certain levels that change the style of play, turning into 3D shooters with the jetpack and submarine attachments.

There's no multi-player whatsoever, though. This and the radical departure of gameplay didn't win it any favours back in the day, and it stands as a bit of an odd-one-out in the franchise.

Shogakukan published a guidebook for this game.