PGC NEWS

The gaming landscape has evolved dramatically. Today, owning multiple gaming devices, from consoles and handhelds to PCs, is commonplace. However, just 30 years ago, arcade machines dominated the scene. These massive cabinets, often occupying several square feet, offered a single gaming experience, a stark contrast to the hundreds of titles available on today’s portable devices. Yet, the arcade’s vibrant lights, energetic music, the clatter of coins, and the excited shouts of players still hold a unique allure.

For arcade veterans, the name Bubble Bobble evokes a sense of nostalgia. Debuting in 1986, this Taito classic, with its adorable bubble-blowing dinosaurs (actually dragons), quickly captured the hearts of players, particularly female gamers, a rarity at the time. Now, Bubble Bobble returns in a polished HD remake, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron is Back!, available on Nintendo Switch and PS4. This updated version promises classic gameplay and levels with a modern graphical overhaul. But can a 34-year-old game, even with a fresh coat of paint, still resonate with today’s players? Let’s dive in and find out.

What Makes Bubble Bobble 4 Friends Fun

Charming Gameplay in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends

Meaningful Improvements

Designed during the golden age of arcade games, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends prioritizes immediate, uncomplicated gameplay. Even newcomers can quickly grasp the controls and mechanics. The game features 100 levels, each tasking players with eliminating all enemies. You control a chubby dragon capable of blowing bubbles. Enemies trapped within these bubbles can be popped by bumping into them or using the spikes on the dragon’s back. Popping adjacent bubbles creates satisfying chain reactions, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay.

The levels are designed with platforms for navigation and enemy engagement. Some areas require players to utilize bubbles as temporary platforms, adding a unique interactive element.

Even newcomers can quickly grasp the controls and mechanics of Bubble Bobble 4 Friends.

Utilizing Bubbles for Platform Navigation enhances the original experience by introducing unlockable skills. Players can acquire abilities like long-range bubbles and special bubbles with unique effects. Collecting letter tiles to form words and upgrade skills adds replay value. The recent update, released on November 17, 2020, introduced an additional 100 levels, doubling the content and providing fresh challenges. The return of the final boss, Baron, with a revamped design and unique skillset, is a welcome addition.

Where Bubble Bobble 4 Friends Falls Short

A Retro Game at Heart

It’s undeniable that Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a remastered version of a 34-year-old game. The gaming industry has evolved drastically in terms of technology, quality, and design philosophy. Even a few years can make a noticeable difference, let alone three decades.

Bubble Bobble was initially designed for a female audience and couples frequenting arcades. The cute and whimsical aesthetic, with its abundance of plushies, bubbles, and sweets, might not appeal to all modern gamers, especially those seeking a more mature experience.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a remastered version of a 34-year-old game.

Furthermore, arcade games, known for their less precise controls, often didn’t demand high levels of dexterity. Consequently, the level design in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends might feel overly simplistic and lacking in challenge for modern gamers. The boss battles, while visually charming, are disappointingly easy. Their predictable attack patterns and lack of threat make quick work of them, especially in multiplayer mode.

Finally, true to its arcade roots, levels in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends are short, averaging around five minutes to complete. While challenges like achieving the longest chain or collecting hidden items exist, the game lacks substantial content to keep players engaged long-term.

Game Information

• Developer: Taito
• Publisher: Arc System Works
• Genre: Action
• Release Date: November 19, 2019
• Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch