- Release Date: 1994
- Genre: Puzzle
- Style: Action Puzzle
- Similar Games: Puzzle Bobble 2 (IBM PC Compatible)
Game Description
After their success with Bubble Bobble in arcades and various home systems, Taito decided to develop another puzzle game with a different style, using the two lovable dinosaur characters from Bubble Bobble. The result is Puzzle Bobble, a game that will be reminiscent to fans of the Bubble Bobble series.Like Bubble Bobble, the gameplay revolves around popping bubbles. But this time the bubbles come in different colors and are arranged in different groupings hanging from the top of the screen. Bubbles attached to the ceiling, whether directly or indirectly through a chain of bubbles, remain fixed. The goal is to eliminate all the bubbles by either popping them (using a bubble launcher at the bottom of the screen) or by breaking their link to the ceiling. Puzzle Bobble puts pressure on players by having the ceiling periodically drop down, forcing them to eliminate bubbles with due haste. If the bubble formation ever reaches the bottom of the screen, the game is over.
Bubbles can be popped if players shoot their bubble so they create groupings of three or more similarly colored bubbles. Players can shoot bubbles directly up, or can bounce them off the sides of the screen to fit in tight spots near the top. Extra points are awarded for speedy completion of levels, giving players an incentive to go for the harder to complete chain reactions. If players take too long while aiming a bubble, the game will initiate a countdown. After this countdown expires, the game will automatically launch that bubble.
~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Roots & Influences
Puzzle Bobble breaks new ground in the action puzzle genre while using the lovable dinosaur characters from Taito's old favorite, Bubble Bobble.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Overall
Like all great puzzle games, the beautifully simple premise of Puzzle Bobble gradually draws you into an underlying complexity that will keep you playing for a long time. The first two or three levels are meant to be introductory learning phases, giving you a chance to adapt to the gameplay. But from there on you'll have to make some hard choices, and that's where the game is most enjoyable. You may be able to beat a level with two expertly placed ricochet shots, or you may go for the more conservative method of clearing bubbles from the bottom up. The game lets you finish levels either way, but reckless bubble shooting may clog up the screen. And if you play conservatively you'll always be under pressure from the slowly dropping roof.The graphics are charmingly adorable. When you move your joystick around, a cute little
The game's music and sound effects are similarly cute and functional. There are a few cheerful, bouncy songs, as well as a harsh bubble-hitting sound that frequently overpowers the muted music.
Puzzle Bobble is incredibly addictive, and you'll lose chunks of your life just because you won't be able to stop yourself from going for just one more stage. If you have a reasonable degree of self control and don't mind being glued to a game for hours upon hours, Puzzle Bobble is one of the finest action puzzle games you'll come across on any platform.
~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Enjoyment
Puzzle Bobble is frighteningly addictive and very enjoyable.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Graphics
The graphics manage to convey a distinctly cheerful mood.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Sound
There are entirely too few sound effects in Puzzle Bobble.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Replay Value
You'll face the same level progressions each time you play, but you can try to use alternative strategies.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
Review: Documentation
The manual does a decent job explaining the simple game mechanics.~ Kyle Knight, All Game Guide
