Ponpu

Quick, fun and non-toxic online games are scarce, so I applaud the developers for their success here. It was such a joy to play, and I could have lost myself for hours in its different modes. The overall package is good, but it’s not Bomberman! Its single-player campaign lets it down, but if you want to play online, then I recommend it. If you want to take on the Duck God, buy a copy here! It’s time to pick your Ponpu and save the world you were instructed to destroy.

Ponpu presents us with a creative idea than ultimately isn’t that well executed. The Bomberman-style gameplay lacks depth, and after a handful of levels you realize the futility in deep level exploration. The multiplayer modes are a bit more achieving but are still just a short distraction. The visual style and the interesting idea are worth something, but for every positive there is also a negative. Ponpu’s wasted potential is palpable.

Although I had fun playing Ponpu, it made me want to dive back into Bomberman as it isn't quite as satisfying as Hudson's classic.

Ponpu manages to amuse the player a little, but the story mode, besides being empty and repetitive, also have performance issues every time you pick up a feather. The multiplayer does not deliver anything big as well and doesn't have any match customizations, removing all replay factor that might exist.

Ponpu is a decently fun Bomberman clone that has a distinct art style and some cool multiplayer modes. While the single-player content is nothing to write home about, you can definitely have a clucking good time with the right friends locally or online.

Ponpu doesn’t always deliver in its gameplay department and it’s far from being the spiritual successor to Bomberman we actually aren’t in a desperate need of right now, but it’s still quite fun. What really makes the game stand out is its bizarre presentation, visuals and surprisingly catchy soundtrack.

Ponpu, a Bomberman spiritual successor, offers solid fun for up to 4 players in local multiplayer. It falls short with its solo campaing, with good boss fights but insipid levels and unreliable controls. Nevertheless, it's a good choice for social gatherings, that also surprises with its daring monochromatic art design.

Even with a peculiar visual style and some good mechanics, Ponpu doesn’t stand out as a must-play game. It’s a curious reinterpretation of the Bomber Man formula with a focus on multiplayer modes, but it’s not enough. All style and no substance.

I really wanted to love Ponpu. The zany premise, delicious artwork, and Bomberman-inspired gameplay could have resulted in a triumphant indie classic. Instead, it was held back by glitches, occasionally sloppy game design, and a lack of real progress. But when you consider this was only the second time mobile developer Purple Tree tried their hand at consoles, I can moderate some of my frustration. If you’re a fan of Bomberman looking for something weird, then this still might be the game for you. As for myself, I find myself eagerly awaiting the next game from Purple Tree, and hoping it patches over any annoying imperfections.

Ponpu is weird, wacky and regularly wonderful. It’s a slick take on Bomberman that understands what made the original games so great and evolves it for the modern day. It’s a shame that the multiplayer modes are undermined by ineffective identifying marks that make it difficult to see who’s who. Thankfully a decent sized and suitably challenging single player campaign makes up for that.