Bubble Bobble
Reviewed by Mariner
Bubble Bobble is a rather odd game. You control some lizard like thing,
and you try to capture monsters in bubbles. Once you do, you must ram
into the bubbles to kill them. When you're finished, you move on to the
next level for 99 levels. That's it. Exciting? Fun? Surprisingly, it is.
Graphics: 6 out of 10
For an NES game, they're ok, but nothing more. The background is
simply black, and the borders are forgettable tiles (although they do
change with each level). Enemy sprites are pretty simple, although Mr
Bubbles or whoever looks relatively detailed. The various items look
worse than the enemies do. Basically, there is nothing graphically to
distinguish this game from other old NES games.
Music and Sound: 6 out of 10
Sound isn't too bad. The music isn't as annoying as some other NES
games, but there's not much you can do with it. Sound effects are
merely decent. Don't worry about muting your TV when playing this,
as you won't be missing much.
Game Challenge: 8 out of 10
The game is quite challenging. Obviously, there's a learning curve, but
there's not much difference between levels 20-40 or so. The game
features one hit kills, but you restart immediately, so all enemies
killed remain killed. Fortunately, there's a password system, so you
basically get unlimited continues. However, some levels are downright
impossible. Level 56 or 57 (not sure which) in particular is quite
annoying, and you may be better off simply finding the password for
the next level. Besides a few levels like this, the game does not become
frustrating. One can generally figure out what is necessary to beat a
level and work ones way into perfecting it. The game is challenging
without frustrating, which is a delicate balance very few games can reach.
Game Play-Fun: 7.5 out of 10
It's pretty fun. There's a fair amount of depth for the two buttons
you push. For instance, you can jump on your bubbles to get higher
up. The bubbles sometimes float around in predetermined paths, so
you have to find some ways to get up to high places. Also, random
weapons appear in bubbles that you have to break open to unleash.
And then one can also release bonus items, including one that lets
you skip a few stages. The levels are each one screen, but you can
fall through the floor to get to the ceiling. There are various kinds
of enemies, including flying ones and Space Invaders like enemies that
shoot downward at you. There are 99 levels, with different styles and
strategies for each. To put it as simply as possible, it's fun.
Replayability: 7 out of 10
Some. It's a pick up and play type of game, giving it better replay than
RPGs for instance. The vast amount of levels insure you that you won't
memorize the game, so you won't get bored. There is a password that
allows you to choose your level, which improves replay value. It's the
type of game that you may pick up every once in a while when you're
bored out of your skull.
Story: 1 out of 10
I threw this one in here because I am quite confused. In the beginning,
the game tells you that you are about to embark on a fantastic story.
Yet, despite my countless hours of playing the game, I have yet to figure
out what this fantastic story is. I suppose that's the way NES games are.
Overall: 7.2 out of 10
It's a simple, fun, and unique game, but nothing more. There's nothing
terribly exciting about it, but it's mindless fun, much like Tetris. I
recommend you may want to try it out, but don't go out of your
way to do so.