Bomberman World is a 1998 installment in the Bomberman franchise, and the first to be released on the PlayStation. It retains the classic series formula, although this time the player only needs to collect crystals to access the exit as opposed to defeating all of the enemies. The game is also viewed isometrically, giving the illusion of 3D.
Prior to the events of the game, the Dark Force Bombers (Earth Bomber, Cyclone Bomber, Fire Bomber, and Aqua Bomber) were sealed in Blue Crystals, buried on different planets. In the present, Buggler suddenly returns and revives the Dark Force Bombers, enhancing their powers and sending them out to conquer the four worlds. It's up to Bomberman to collect the crystal shards and stop them. The game received a Japan only strategy JRPG prequel called Bomberman Wars, which elaborated on the backstory.
There was a 1992 arcade game also called Bomberman World, which is a follow-up to the 1991 Bomberman arcade game, but is otherwise unrelated to this game.
This game provides examples of:
- Dub Name Change: For whatever reason, PAL territories received an English translation by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, with the North American localization being picked up
separately by Atlus. While they have some similarities, there are a couple of quirky differences, including voice acting. Either way, unless you saw the Japanese versions you wouldn't realize Earth, Fire and Aqua Bomber's planets were revisited from Super Bomberman 3. - Earth That Used to Be Better: Implied. Mori Mori Star — known in the PAL version of Super Bomberman 3 as Swamp Attack, in this game's Atlus translation as Planet Forest, and in Super Bomberman R as Planet Timbertree — is represented by a model of Earth here, and is apparently devoid of humans. Additionally, Earth Bomber is fought here, and he claims he can crack the Earth. Earlier Bomberman games took place on Earth before the setting was suddenly changed to Planet Bomber, so this could serve as a retcon.
- Giant Squid: Ikaringer.
- Lethal Lava Land: The Fiery Star, Ouch Star / Planet Fire.
- The Lost Woods: The Earthen Star, Mori Mori Star / Planet Forest.
- Humongous Mecha: Bassary / Bassari.
- Medieval European Fantasy: In addition to the usual Palette Swaps, there are playable bombers with costumes of this theme in Battle Game. We find out what their deal is in Bomberman Wars.
- Planet Spaceship: The Star of Darkness, Black Star / Planet Black.
- Power-Up Mount: One for each planet, although only used between boss battles.
- Quirky Miniboss Squad: The Dark Force Bombers.
- Spell My Name With An S: Bagurā has two - Buggler in the PAL version, and Burglar from Atlus. Especially confusing considering it was released at around the same time as Bomberman Hero, which called him Bagular, and Bomberman Fantasy Race, which called him Bugglar.
- Rock Monster: Gangoron.
- Spider Tank: Koji 1 / God-Header.
- Under the Sea: The Watery Star, Bubbly Star / Planet Ocean.
- When Trees Attack: Trent / Torento.
