BUBBLE BOBBLE 4 FRIENDS / DEVELOPER: TAITO / PUBLISHER: ININ GAMES / PLATFORM: SWITCH / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
First released in 1986, the original Bubble Bobble has undeniably become something of a cult classic. Starring bubble-blowing dragons, Bub and Bob, its challenging action-packed gameplay was a huge draw in the arcades, and home console ports proved equally successful. Countless re-releases, sequels and spinoffs appeared over the following 30+ years, ensuring Bub and Bob’s addictive multiplayer madness has never been too far from gamers’ minds.
Fast forward to modern times, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends was released exclusively in Europe in late 2019 and has now been available in the US and Japan. Developed by the original series creators TAITO, BB4F takes everything you know and love from the old days, refines and polishes the gameplay, gives the whole thing a shiny graphical overhaul and attempts to bring the series bang up to date with modern expectations.
If you’re familiar with the originals, you know what to expect – 100 single-screen platforming levels filled with monsters that need to be trapped in bubbles and then popped to destroy them for good. BB4F allows up to four people to play together, although it’s entirely cooperative – you’re all fighting to clear the screen together – but there’s a slight competitive element in chasing for power ups like lightning bolts and bombs, and grabbing all the food that rains down at the end of each level makes for a mad dash to get the highest scores.
It’s likely that you’ll be able to run through the game in an hour or two, but BB4F adds some longevity with the inclusion of the original Bubble Bobble arcade game, and there’s some free downloadable content on the way which is set to add some extra levels and new / returning characters. BB4F brings a huge dose of comforting nostalgia, something that many are no doubt looking for right now. If an updated blast from the past might help you through the coming days and weeks, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends might just hit the spot!
