What's better than a Bomberman ripoff? The sequal to a Bomberman ripoff. Playing with Fire 2 is an updated and expanded version of a simple blow up the opposition in an arena game. The only differences between this game series and Bomberman is that: this is free online, the graphics are completely different, and there are no bombs, just sticks of dynamite. This version and its precursor are single player, while the third installment is multiplayer only.
This game is painfully easy at times. Occasionally the computer will blow itself up while you still can't reach that player. But it is also nice to play a non-stressful game every once in a while. I especially like to play this game in the time before I go to bed and at work, times where I just want to be relaxed.
There are a few annoying parts of this game. The music is redundant and incredibly annoying. Thankfully there is a button to mute music and sound effects. I never play with either of them on because it takes away the relaxing feel of the game. Besides, I prefer to add my own soundtrack. This version of the game has a lives system, meaning touching the 'blast' once won't kill the player, but it is unclear as to exactly how many times a player can do this without actually dying. It seems to most often be the third one kills, but it seems at other times to be 2,4, or even as many as 5. I much prefer a clear objective so I know exactly what I have to do. There are also four arenas to choose from, but only the traditional one (see picture) is really worth playing to me. One has an annoying line of what I will call keg powder that ignites whenever a blast touches it. Another has teleporting squares with the other having no boxes and every player starts out with the same power-ups that usually only come from items.
I would play the multiplayer version except that I like the ability to walk away or switch windows in between rounds. Actually I would love a pause button, especially since I do occasionally play this at work. The single player aspect changes game strategy because of how unintelligent the computer players are. When playing against people that fully understand the benefit of getting items I try to stay away from them and blow up as many boxes as possible for the best chance of getting items. However, since the computers frequently only get items when they happen to run into them, it is more beneficial to work your way to their
area so you can also collect whatever the boxes they blow up reveal.
This type of game suits me well because console video games usually require at least an hour's commitment to really feel satisfied or accomplish anything. Usually I just want to play a game to relax with the option of only playing for a short amount of time. Also, with this game I can also listen to whatever music I want. With more intense games I find it more beneficial to stick with what is given to increase the dramatic feel of the game to stay more engaged.
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