Overview
Bombuzal is a puzzle game originally developed by Image Works for several North American and European home computers such as the Amiga, the Atari ST and the Commodore 64. The goal is to clear each stage of all its bombs by detonating them while also keeping clear of the deadly blasts. The game's original title is a play on the word "bamboozle", meaning to trick, mystify or confound someone.
Mirrorsoft's port developed for SNES was released in 1990 under its original title in Japan, but the game was renamed "Ka-blooey" for a 1992 US release. Bombuzal holds the distinction of being the third game to be released on Super Famicom, as well as being the console's first port of a preexisting title.
Gameplay
Bombuzal must detonate all the bombs in a single level without dying in order to advance to the next level. The bombs vary in size; however, usually only the smallest variety can be manually detonated by players if they wish to survive the blast. Instead, medium- and large-size bombs must be detonated from a distance via chain reaction. The player can switch between two viewing modes: an isometric view of the field for gameplay, as well as a top-down overview of the entire stage.
As stages progress, puzzle solutions become increasingly difficult and often hinge on a single correct course of action, similar to other computer puzzle games like Sokoban or Puzznic. Failure to execute the proper sequence of movements and detonations usually requires restarting a stage, as the player will often end up trapped on tiles with bombs remaining and no escape route. In later levels, hazards such as fragile floors, slippery ice tiles and roving enemies are gradually added.
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