Classic video games of the 1980s are definitely still in high demand. Many gamers resort to collecting old favorites physically, while others resort to digital re-releases on current generation hardware. While retro titles are returning in their original form, many are also receiving enhanced sequels. Last year’s BurgerTime Party! marked the seven-year return of arcade hit BurgerTime. BurgerTime Party! took the original’s gameplay and revamped it for modern audiences and included new multiplayer modes. Developer Taito followed suit, releasing Bubble Bobble 4 Friends in Europe late last year. A whopping 11 years after its predecessor, Bubble Bobble’s newest entry finally hit the states.
For those unaware, Bubble Bobble is an action platformer, first releasing in arcades in 1986. Players control either a green dragon named Bub or a blue one named Bob and must save their girlfriends from the Cave of Monsters. Bub and Bob must tackle 100 stages by encasing enemies into bubbles and popping them. Gaining massive success, Bubble Bobble was promptly ported over to home consoles. In the franchises’ 34-year run, there have been over 20 different sequels and spinoffs. The latest mainline Bubble Bobble entry was 2009’s Bubble Bobble Neo! for Xbox 360. Thankfully, Bubble Bobble’s 10-year hiatus came to an end, with Bubble Bobble 4 Friends.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is played from the perspective of a toy version of Bub which is reflected in the game’s overall art style. Characters and enemies all have a bright and glossy look to them. Platforms range from cardboard boxes to toy bricks. The background is of a deeply moonlit bedroom. The 3D visuals really pop with this art style, and it feels fitting for the franchise. The miniature world contained in a bedroom is reminiscent of Yoshi’s Crafted World. That game’s aesthetics gave off a hand-crafted feel, whereas Bubble Bobble 4 Friends differs slightly. This game’s world is surrounded by objects typically found in a child’s bedroom. Each stage is contained in between two giant bookshelves, which is a nice touch. All in all, the graphics look great both docked and in handheld mode!
As with most Bubble Bobble entries, it doesn’t really have much of a narrative. The game opens up to toy versions of Bub and Bonner, the wicked magician more commonly known as Drunk, laying on a child’s bed. When an inexplicable light engulfs the child’s bedroom, inanimate objects begin to come to life. Upon awakening, jealousy permeates Bonner. Bub, being the child’s favorite toy, is then beaten by the enraged magician. He then proceeds to throw Bub off the bed, challenging him for dominance. From there it’s up to Bub, Bob, and their girlfriends Peb and Pab to put Bonner in his place. There really isn’t much else on the story front, but it honestly doesn’t matter. The logistics of Bonner’s plan isn’t necessary to enjoy the arcadey goodness that Bubble Bobble 4 Friends has to offer.
The heart of Bubble Bobble 4 Friends lies within its main mode and its five worlds. Each world contains nine stages and one boss stage. Stages transition similarly to previous entries in the series. Once all of the main mode’s levels are completed, a harder mode is unlocked. This mode remixes the main mode’s stages and substantially ups the difficulty. This stretches Bubble Bobble 4 Friends level count from 50 to 100. While completing these two modes can be done in a short amount of time, the game retains replayability in its scoring system. Maybe I’m just bad at Bubble Bobble, but I found attempting a 3-Star rating on each world to be fairly difficult.
Thankfully, the mechanics don’t deviate too far from past games either. Players control their mini dragon using either the analog stick or the directional buttons. Jumping is mapped to X and B, while blowing bubbles uses Y and A. Bubble Bobble 4 Friends does offer a new feature exclusive to the title, skills. Skills grant special abilities that change up how the game can be played. The first skill unlocked is Long Shot, which increases the distance bubbles can be launched. Another obtained later-on is Bomb Bubble, which causes bubbles to explode after some time. In order to unlock skills, players must complete a world. If they manage to collect letter bubbles spread around the levels, forming the word “EXTEND” the skill is upgraded. These upgrades essentially make the ability more powerful or allow it more use.
In addition to unlockable abilities, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends allows up to four-player cooperative play. Two-player co-op is nothing new for the series, as even the original game offered it. Adding two more characters to the fray, however, makes for a frantic time. The three additional players take control of Bob, Peb, and Pal respectively. Unfortunately, I haven’t had much hands-on with this feature due to current world events and social distancing. That said, the little bit I was able to play was a blast! As soon as the opportunity arises, I’m definitely looking forward to getting three friends together.
On the sound front, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends’ music is pretty great. Most of the levels’ tracks are remixed versions of classic tunes and good ones at that! While simplistic in nature, it’s iconic to fans of the series. The sound effects are also essentially retro remixes, which again, fit well with the theme. The uplifting music in combination with the colorful graphics mesh incredibly well.
Another welcomed addition to Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the bonus Arcade of Memories mode. This mode includes a full version of the original 1986 Bubble Bobble game. This is reminiscent of Taito’s mobile release Bubble Bobble Double, which also included the original. From what I can tell, this is a direct arcade port and it runs incredibly well. I like how this mode takes place inside an actual Bubble Bobble arcade cabinet, within this child’s room. It’s a nice touch that did not go unappreciated.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with the famous bubble dragons. Bubble Bobble 4 Friends surprised me with its tight gameplay, charming graphics, and elevating music. Taito’s latest creation is an example of a retro revival done right and a release this caliber was an awesome way to celebrate the franchise’s 34-year legacy.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is available now exclusively on the Nintendo Switch for $49.99 USD. For more information on Bubble Bobble 4 Friends and to purchase it digitally, visit the official eShop page. More information can also be found on publisher ININ Game’s official Bubble Bobble 4 Friends website. A digital copy of the game was provided for the purpose of review.
