It seems that no console is complete these days without at least one token Bomberman game. The multiplayer classic has become a staple of the games industry, with a new outing for the bomb-dropping hero in every generation. Bomberman's translation into 3D remains controversial among some fans – the pure brilliance of the 2D maze gameplay was obscured somewhat by graphical updates and gameplay changes. Yet this new version of Bomberman on the DS – cleverly entitled Bomberman – appears to return the franchise to its roots.

Screenshots from the game revealed the classic 16-bit top-down maze that made the original games a hit. Graphically the game is (and never was) anything special to look at, with simple colourful sprites and backgrounds, but this is an old-school title and gameplay is everything.

Bomberman's single player mode involves fighting through about 100 themed mazes against a variety of different enemies. Anyone who has played a Bomberman game before knows what to expect – enemies ranging from standard bomb fodder, to baddies that can float through blocks and big bosses. As in previous versions, detonating a bomb too close to the level exit will unleash a number of extra baddies that have to be destroyed before moving on.

Hudson Soft's latest game will make full use of the DS's network capabilities, and up to 8 players can compete over a wireless LAN connection – and only one game card is required. The potential for classic Bomberman with friends is limitless and will undoubtedly provide the most enjoyable gameplay. Also, the dual screen set-up of the handheld allows the player to fight it out in large mazes spanning both displays, while the touch screen enables easy access to in-game menus. Power-ups can be added to your inventory on the touch screen and with one touch can be deployed. This develops the tactical element of the series, with the player deciding when and how to use additional speed, extra bombs and more powerful explosions. Somewhat bizarrely, the stylus can be used to inflate balloons before the start of a level, determining the power-ups you'll receive in-game, or to get rid of curses that affect your character. This seems like an unnecessary addition and a strange use of the DS capabilities.

The game also makes use of the DS microphone, with voice recognition allowing players to carry out a number of commands, including detonating bombs or using a shield.

It's good to see that Hudson Soft has gone back to basics, but at the same time made innovative use of the attributes of a new handheld. Classic Bomberman – no 3D adventuring or platforming here – combined with wireless LAN capabilities, clever use of the touch screen as an inventory for power-ups, and the microphone used for game commands and insults, all make this an exciting title for DS owners.

With Bomberman exploding onto DS on July 7th expect to hear more about the game very soon.