The best part of this game is the linkplay, which is what it is advertised for. This actually happens to be my only reason for using link features other than actually transfering files. Unlike the many BASIC games where link doesn't work at all, or link crashes the calc, linkplay is handled incredibly well in this game. You don't have to start both calcs at the same time, in fact the other calculator doesn't even have to be running Bomberkids yet. And the best part is that if the link cable comes disconnected during link play, the game can actually be recovered if no one gives up and presses MODE. What's also nice is that if your friend doesn't have the game, you can simply send it to him, OR play with 2 people on one calc, no linking required.

Playing with 4 people is another experience in itself. I tried it once, with a few friends on the bus ride home, and it worked pretty well. However, I would recommend using two 84+'s when playing 3 or 4 player link, because it is quite hard to play with an 84+ vs. an 83+ connected by a stubby link cable over the back of a bus seat :).

Actual gameplay: The gameplay itself is rather intuitive, much like the Bomberman game on the SNES. However, the thing I miss the most is the traditional powerups. This game uses unorthodox powerups such as the Spade, Grabber, and Stunner, but not the traditional powerups Bomb Glove, Bomb Kick, and Remote Control, the latter I miss the most (it allows you to set off your bombs at will). The method of switching through your weapons was also a little weird, but we got used to it. Also, the Grabber was hard to figure out, but a Grabber in the wrong hands is a Grabber in winning hands.

The one thing I wish this game had was a CPU opponent. I understand that playing with 2 players is actually easier than creating an AI, but it is a little sad not being able to play by yourself. Sometimes I just turn on Bomberkids for the heck of it and play by myself, with 2P just sitting there in the bottom right corner, not doing a thing, and I feel a little depressed that I don't have a good fight.

But overall, Bomberkids deserves an 8/10. Download if you have friends who also are into the calculator gaming craze.

For those who have never played a Bomberman game, the premise is simple: Blow up your opponent(s) by trapping him with bombs so that he can't escape the blast, while making sure you leave an escape path for yourself. However, there are also breakable blocks on the playfield that you can (and usually must) destroy, for better or for worse, and Bomberkids has a wide array of other tools at your disposal, like stunners, grabbers, and the ever-present bomb upgrades. In this version, you can't play a one-player game, as there is no computer A.I., but that's what you have your other games for! =)

I wasn't expecting much in the way of graphics from a Bomberman clone, but Bomberkids doesn't disappoint. Its graphics, while simple, still manage to look snazzy even at the tiny tile size the game uses. The bomb explosions are a pretty cool animation effect, too.

The gameplay, like any other good calculator game, is where things really shine. In the absence of a link cable, you can play with two people on one calculator, though it plays infinitely better if you have one by which you can play a "linked" game. If you're feeling adventurous, you can put two people on one or both calculators, creating three-player or even four-player bombing extravaganzas. The controls for each player are fully configurable, so if the default controls cause your friends to close in on you claustrophobically, go ahead and change them! The only possible quip with the link play is that you can really screw up your calculator if you unplug the cable before both parties have safely exited the game, but it's pretty easy to remember to do that.

The graphics in "Bomberkids" won't look pretty at first. The title screen is very plain, as is the "Options" menu. However, after you get past these eyesores, you'll discover an incredibly detailed multiplayer game. "Bomberkids" has everything "Bomberman" had: blocks, bombs, items, incredibly realistic bomb blasts, and detailed characters.

"Bomberkids" is, unfortunately, only multiplayer. You can't play it by yourself. This is, however, the only flaw in the game as far as I'm concerned. If you have a friend and a graph-link, you can play this game for hours. You can even play with 4 players, if you want to share calculators. If you've never played "Bomberman" or any of its sequels, the game consists of "bombing" characters who attempt to either kill themselves or computer-controlled enemies. "Bomberkids" only allows the player vs. player battle mode. But this alone sets "Bomberkids" on a pedestal above other multi player games.

You will keep this game on your calculator forever. You never know when you will need to be entertained, and playing with friends is a lot more fun than playing by yourself. This is worth the memory it takes up.

The controls are numerous, but necessary. Obviously, because of the power-ups in the game, you will have to use more buttons than just "2ND" and the arrow keys. Like I said, though, it's worth it. :)

"Bomberkids" gets a 9/10. Hooray! :)