BOOM SE (Brainstorm Software) 42 Euro
Game title: BOOM - Special Edition
Game description: BOOM – Special Edition is an updated release of an early ’90s Commodore 64 horizontally scrolling shoot ’em up. The game is set on the planet Blue Moon, a colony overrun by mutated enemies using advanced technology. Players pilot a single combat ship through seven stages, each divided into two sections and ending with a large boss encounter. The core gameplay focuses on fixed, horizontally scrolling stages with dense enemy placement and patterned attacks. Progression relies on learning enemy behaviour, stage layouts, and boss mechanics through repetition. Multiple difficulty settings are included, adjusting enemy speed and behaviour, but the overall design remains firmly rooted in traditional, old-school shooter conventions. The most notable mechanical change in the Special Edition is the introduction of a ship energy system. Unlike the original version, which used instant-death collisions, players now have an energy bar that allows them to absorb damage before losing a life. A powerful boost (beam) shot is also central to the combat system, particularly during boss encounters, where it is required to inflict significant damage. Presentation has been enhanced with a redesigned title screen and new level introduction screens that establish setting and tone before each stage. Performance improvements include faster loading and smoother gameplay compared to the original release. The game features a SID soundtrack that provides atmospheric accompaniment during gameplay.
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Production - 83%
83%
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Fun - 60%
60%
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Depth - 75%
75%
Summary
While BOOM – Special Edition is clearly more playable than the original, it remains a demanding and relatively inaccessible shooter. Even with difficulty settings in place, the screen often feels overcrowded, and the overall challenge level is high. Initial play sessions can be off-putting, and enjoyment tends to come only after a period of persistence and adaptation.
The newly implemented energy system is essential. It transforms what was previously an unplayable experience into one that can be pushed through, allowing mistakes to be absorbed rather than immediately punished. Without this change, BOOM would still struggle to justify its design. However, difficulty remains high, and the game never truly opens itself up to more casual players.
Boss encounters are visually impressive at first, but their design leans heavily on the boost shot mechanic. Because the standard weapon is largely ineffective, these fights can become tedious and occasionally frustrating, relying more on repetition than variety or tactical choice.
The in-game music is functional but unremarkable. It supports the action adequately without becoming a memorable or defining element of the experience.
Ultimately, BOOM – Special Edition feels like a respectful restoration rather than a modern standard-bearer. It is interesting to experience and satisfying to see made playable, but it lacks the accessibility, flow, and replay appeal found in stronger modern Commodore 64 shooters such as Soul Force. This is a title worth playing to understand its legacy, but not one that strongly invites a return visit.
Overall
73%User Review
( votes)Pros
* Energy system makes the game playable
* Polished title and level intro screens
* Faster loading and smoother performance
* Faithful old-school shooter design
Cons
* High difficulty and cramped gameplay
* Boss fights over-rely on boost shot
* Standard weapon feels weak
* Graphics can look harsh in earlier levels
Additional Screenshots
Interesting review. Some comments:
– Killing the boss with the beam is completely normal in R-Type, Katakis, X-Out etc., not sure why you mention it here.
– Boom has an upgrade system, the purple upgrade makes the normal shot stronger – in fact so strong that you don’t need the beam in higher levels any more to kill the end boss!
– You kinda seem to say that it’s a bit disappointing in comparison to Soul Force. I think it’s the other way round – Boom is over 30 years old (the special edition just added some things) and for that, it holds up pretty well against the much newer Soul Force, which is amazing!
– The music is not stellar right, but you don’t mention the same applies to Soul Force. For a 30 years old game it may be ok to have ‘mediocre’ music but for a 2020 game like Soul Force, that in-game music was a real letdown.
– You seem to imply it is too difficult… seriously? On ‘Easy’ it’s a walk in the park, and someone on YouTube (Magisthan) just finished it on ‘Insane’ level.