Bubble Bobble

Your Commodore ( ) (100%)

[Budget re-release] Loads of graphics and trinkly music and jingles, all adds up to a classic game that should not be missed at this budget price. Great fun! Recommended!

Zzap! (98 out of 100) (98%)

[Re-release Round-up] At this price the game is an absolute steal, and anyone who missed out on it back then would have to be rather silly not to get hold it now.

Zzap! (97 out of 100) (97%)

A superlative conversion which retains all of the fun and features of the original.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (958 out of 1000) (96%)

For a largely non-violent and (some would say) rather twee game, Bubble Bobble really is amazingly addictive stuff. Pleasing graphics and great music add to its appeal, but with such a playable game Firebird had to be onto a winner.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (958 out of 1000) (96%)

A very lively game taking advantage of the Atari ST's smooth movement and speed making the game pleasant to play and the best conversion of the Taito hit. The animation of the ST complements the colourful sprites and the 100 screens, each with their own pattern of play. The music is simple for the ST, but lively - livelyness being the key word in describing this arcade hit.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (958 out of 1000) (96%)

The Amiga version of this arcade classic is still just as addictive, frustrating and playable as the other versions. Bubble Bobble is one of the best arcade conversions we're probably ever likely to see.

Defunct Games (95 out of 100) (95%)

Overall, Bubble Bobble is a timeless classic that is always worthy to acquire - no matter for what system - if you didn't own a copy of it yet. In the library of games for the Game Gear it especially stands out as an incredibly fun game to which you will always return once in a while.

Commodore User (94 out of 100) (94%)

[Budget re-release] Great fun still - they don't make 'em like this anymore! Re-release of the month!

Games Machine, The (UK) (94 out of 100) (94%)

ST Bubble Bobble is amazingly close to the arcade original, everything from the introductory screen to the extended jingle is there, and the two player Bub/Bob partnership captures all the fun of the cute coin-op. Cliché or not, Bubble Bobble is easily one of the best coin-op conversions on the ST so far.

Games Machine, The (UK) (93 out of 100) (93%)

Undoubtedly, Bubble Bobble ranks high amongst the arcade conversions available for home machines.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (92 out of 100) (92%)

[Budget re-release] Bubble Bobble ranks as one of the best Spectrum coin-op conversions of all time, boasting pleasant graphics and extremely addictive gameplay. If you have so much as an ounce of sense in your body you'll rush out and buy this now!

Commodore Force (92 out of 100) (92%)

Bub and Bob's first computer outing is one of the C64's most classic arcade romps.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (915 out of 1000) (92%)

[Retest] Still plays well, but looks a bit old now.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (915 out of 1000) (92%)

Still plays well, but looks a bit old now.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (915 out of 1000) (92%)

[Retest] Still plays well, but looks a bit old now.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (915 out of 1000) (92%)

[Retest] Still plays well, but looks a bit old now.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (915 out of 1000) (92%)

Still plays well, but looks a bit old now.

Atari ST User (91 out of 100) (91%)

Best with two players, this is a simple and effective game that no self-respecting games player should be without.

Hardcore Gaming 101 (9 out of 10) (90%)

Before anyone ever disses a game for being "Too Cute" again, they better play Bubble Bobble. Besides, all "Too Cute" means is that the characters have an Anime look or the game is starring animals anyway. Definately pick this one up!

HonestGamers (Staff reviews only) (9 out of 10) (90%)

I will admit to being absolutely biased about this game. I have been playing Bubble Bobble for upwards of two decades and I have very fond memories of doing so with my cousin on cool summer evenings at family barbecues. I get nostalgic for the bright, colourful graphics and happy, energetic chiptunes. Still, even now that I’m in my late 20s, I find myself returning to Bubble Bobble regularly. Nostalgia aside, it must have some legitimately good qualities if it keeps bringing me back after all those years, right? Right.

Jaded Gamer, The (90 out of 100) (90%)

Graphically the game is no great shakes, but it doesn't really have to be. You can easily distinguish yourself from one of the many types of monsters, and the level colors change enough to make you feel like you're not just spinning your wheels. A simple game from a simpler time that manages to keep itself feeling fun. Throw in the fact that this game is even more fun with a second player, and you have yourself one of the classics of a bygone era. If the game is available to you, make sure you grab it -- and a friend -- and enjoy.

All Game Guide ( ) (90%)

Bubble Bobble is a game you play once, and *need* to play again, and again, and again. It doesn't matter if you've finished it before - heck! The adventures of Bub and Bob, the dinosaurs, are among the best challenges ever offered to the gaming world. What intrigues me is that the game, so simple in design, can captivate my attention for so long.

Ultimate Nintendo: Guide to the NES Library ( ) (90%)

The game has many secret warps, hidden bonus levels, and even different endings, the best of which can only be obtained by completing the game in the incredibly fun, cooperative, two-player mode. The only tune in the game is thankfully fun and catchy and will definitely get stuck in players’ heads for days. This is a fantastic game for wasting a rainy afternoon with a friend.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (9 out of 10) (90%)

It's unlikely you'll ever discover or master all the features in Bubble Bobble. If you're not finding ways to dodge Baron von Blubba or finding the best place on the screen to burst a group of bubbles, you'll be working out how to collect all the fruits and treasure on the screen before the time runs out. The game's as addictive as bubble gum and as long lasting.

Computer and Video Games (CVG) (9 out of 10) (90%)

The game is as addictive as bubble gum and as long lasting.

Commodore Force (90 out of 100) (90%)

The excellent Rodland clearly takes inspiration from this classic, and why not? The difficulty level's just about spot-on, and the two-player option's great - co-operate to wipe out the baddies, then double-cross your partner to get the power-ups! Still as spritely as a spring chicken, despite its advanced years.

Crash! (90 out of 100) (90%)

Bubble Bobble is so much fun! The graphics are cute, and though it's quite easy to play it's remarkably addictive. Having seen the other versions, I was convinced that the Spectrum game was going to be a letdown - but far from it. Bubble Bobble is excellent, pretty, enjoyable, addictive, simple, exemplary and a strongly-recommended buy.

Your Sinclair (90 out of 100) (90%)

[Budget re-release] The small but detailed monochrome graphics make the action easy on the eyes, and in the best tradition of cute games there are a whole load of surprises to discover. Yup, if you haven't guessed by now, this is Megagame material. On your own you'll find it playable enough - team up with another Spec-chum and it's a riot!

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10) (90%)

Time may not have been kind to its utilitarian looks, but if you can play one level of Bubble Bobble and not feel a glimmer of joy then you are dead inside. Plus, of course, this means we may yet see Rainbow Islands on the VC, and that's something we should all close our eyes and wish really hard for.

ST Action (88 out of 100) (88%)

So old it's got grey hair sprouting from its insides! Ancient platform game that is still good to give the kids when you fancy a pint.

Crash! (88 out of 100) (88%)

[Budget re-release] In short, Bubble Bobble is one of the playable platform games around!

Games Machine, The (UK) (88 out of 100) (88%)

Firebird could hardly fail - Bubble Bobble is probably one of the easiest coin-ops to convert to the Spectrum with its definite platform shapes and restricted use of colour, and is ideally suited to the machine's capabilities.

Amiga Power (87 out of 100) (87%)

[Budget re-release] Quite simply, if you don't already own this buy it now. A perfect £7.99 game - its only weakness is that it's so much better in two player mode than one.

64'er (13 out of 15) (87%)

Sehr gefallen hat uns bei diesem Spiel die Grafik. Die Saurier und Gegner sind schön gezeichnet und toll animiert. Auch bei einer großen Anzahl von Objekten auf dem Bildschirm wird das Spiel nicht langsamer. Die Musik und Soundeffekte sind hervorragend gelungen und passen voll zur Atmosphäre des Spiels. Daß zwei Spieler gleichzeitig antreten können, um im Team oder gegeneinander zu spielen, soll besonders hervorgehoben werden.

Mean Machines (85 out of 100) (85%)

Bubble Bobble was a real hoot in the arcades, and the computer versions were pretty good, too, but there's something about the NES version - it's too hard! The difficulty level is way too high - but there is a handy password option to leap straight to later screens. The overall playability is weakened by this, but not so much as to put you right off. The graphics are very nice, a bit plain in places, but again, they don't exactly follow the coin-op to the letter, and the sound is a jolly tune which gets a bit annoying after a while. Overall, a fun game which takes a bit of practice getting into, but once you've got it sussed, you'll be stuck to your screens for many an hour.

Jeuxvideo.com (17 out of 20) (85%)

Bubble Bobble premier du nom pose admirablement les bases d'une franchise qui aurait pu devenir culte si certaines de ses suites ne s'étaient pas égarées. Son gameplay jouissif et sans cesse renouvelé, son univers rose bonbon au level design efficace parvient grâce à cette version Nes à attirer, en plus des garçons, le public féminin qui préfère jouer tranquillement à la maison plutôt que dans les salles enfumées. Bubble Bobble est et restera dans les mémoires comme l'un des meilleurs jeux d'arcade jouables à deux simultanément.

Tilt (17 out of 20) (85%)

Ce grand classique d'arcade de Taito bénéficie d'une réalisation irréprochable sur cette console. De nombreux tableaux et une excellent jouabilité vous garantissent de longues heures de jeu et aucun amateur de plates-formes ne voudrait rater un programme aussi passionnant.

Jeuxvideo.com (17 out of 20) (85%)

Bubble Bobble premier du nom pose admirablement les bases d'une franchise qui aurait pu devenir culte si certaines de ses suites ne s'étaient pas égarées. Son gameplay jouissif et sans cesse renouvelé, son univers rose bonbon au level design efficace parvient grâce à cette version Nes à attirer, en plus des garçons, le public féminin qui préfère jouer tranquillement à la maison plutôt que dans les salles enfumées. Bubble Bobble est et restera dans les mémoires comme l'un des meilleurs jeux d'arcade jouables à deux simultanément.

CU Amiga (84 out of 100) (84%)

As a one player game it proves to be extremely playable, but opens up more as a two-player game. There's a lot to do and some very nasty screens, and it comes with my wholehearted recommendation.

Video Game Critic, The (B+) (83%)

The game has a Dig Dug vibe that I find appealing. Power-ups spice up the action, including one that wipes out all enemies on the screen. A pleasant musical theme plays throughout the game. Bubble Bobble seems simplistic at first, but there's actually quite a bit of technique involved. Some gamers consider Bubble Bobble to be an NES classic, and they may be right.

Retro Archives (16.5 out of 20) (82%)

Pour un joueur cherchant la version arcade de Bubble Bobble à domicile, avec une pléthore d’options en sus, difficile de bouder cette version FM Towns assurée par Taito eux-mêmes. Seul le contenu de l’itération Master System peut rivaliser, pour tout le reste, c’est pratiquement le Graal.

Retro Archives (16.5 out of 20) (82%)

Comme toujours, le Sharp X68000 nous offre ce qu’on attendait de lui, avec une des meilleures versions de Bubble Bobble tous supports confondus. Vous pouvez foncer.

neXGam (8.1 out of 10) (81%)

Ein wahrer 8-Bit Klassiker, der auch heute noch durch seine liebevolle Optik und ein unverwüstliches Spielprinzip besticht. Und da er zudem mittlerweile über die Virtual Console für geschlagene 500 Wii Points zu haben ist, dürfen auch Retrofreunde ohne den originalen 8-Bit Schuhkarton ihren Spaß mit Bub und Bob haben!

Amstrad Action (81 out of 100) (81%)

A good conversion that retains the addictiveness of the arcade.

Info ( ) (80%)

The theme? Primal. Eat your enemy (or anything else in sight) and gain its strength. Rack up points and you are rewarded with a higher level of baddies & goodies to eat. If you've played PacMan Burger Time, or any of a thousand other games and had a good time, you're all primed to enjoy this one too. Bon Appetit!

Commodore User (8 out of 10) (80%)

It is very simple and immense fun to play. All that was needed was a software company not to cock it up in converting it. Firebird have succeeded in doing that with ease and turned in a game just as playable as its coin op mentor.

Power Play (8 out of 10) (80%)

Die Amiga-Adaption des flotten Geschicklichkeits-Spiel ist weitgehend mit der sehr guten Atari ST-Version identisch. Der Sound wurde allerdings noch ein wenig aufgepeppt. Diese Umsetzung ist eines der Topspiele für den Amiga. Vor allem zu zweit macht Bubble Bobble einen Heidenspaß: 100 Levels, viele versteckte Extras und die niedliche Grafik sind die Stärken dieses pfiffigen Plattform-Spiels.

Video Chums (8 out of 10) (80%)

Bubble Bobble remains one of the best arcade games from the '80s and it holds up beautifully today. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a Bub to go with your Bob and start blowing some bubbles!

GameSpot (8 out of 10) (80%)

Reptilian beasts of myth are supposed to belch vicious flames from their mouths. Yet with Bubble Bobble, Taito somehow made it completely awesome for dragons to spit bubbles instead. A platform action arcade game that was ported to many home systems, the version released on the Nintendo Entertainment System is available on the Wii's Virtual Console service and shows off just how well its hectic, points-hoarding gameplay has aged.

Nintendo Life ( ) (80%)

With Bubble Bobble’s simultaneous 2-player gameplay, 100 stages of increasing difficulty and manic platform gameplay this is certainly one of the better games from the NES console.

Classic-games.net (8 out of 10) (80%)

Bubble Bobble is a great game that has held up just fine. Aside from requiring two-players to see its conclusion I have few complaints. Fun mechanics together with great level design make this one a great addition to any NES library.

Just Games Retro ( ) (80%)

Yeah, Bubble Bobble doesn’t get the longest review by any stretch, but I still feel I’ve touched upon everything that makes it so great. It’s a game that I’m sure a lot of our readers have played before, and I imagine those same people will read this review and remember “oh, yeah, that game was GREAT”. If you haven’t played it, I definitely recommend tracking it down and giving it a try; it’s really a textbook example of “simple to learn, tough to master”, and the simplicity means that anybody, even people who don’t much care for video games, can pop it in and get into it, and the fun factor is such that they’ll be just as enthralled with it as hardcore gamers. Bubble Bobble has earned my stamp of approval, and if you fire it up right now, I’ll be it gets yours as well.

Retrogaming History (8 out of 10) (80%)

Bubble Bobble per MSX2 è uno di quei titoli che si giocano all'infinito, anche dopo averlo terminato c'è sempre qualcosa di nuovo da vedere (un livello, una stanza, un'arma, etc...) ed anche quando avrete visto tutto quello che c'è da vedere, continuerete a giocarci per battere il vostro precedente record. Come conversione, poi, è perfettamente riuscita e si lascia giocare con lo stesso entusiasmo di quando l'abbiamo visto per la prima volta. Imperdibile!

Nintendo Acción (80 out of 100) (80%)

Divertidos y dicharacheros, Bub y Bob te harán pasar un montón de ratos divertidos.

Sinclair User (8 out of 10) (80%)

Nauseatingly cute conversion that is nonetheless horribly addictive. definitely has love- hate potential.

Power Play (8 out of 10) (80%)

Die Atari ST-Version ist wohl die optimale Umsetzung des Bubble Bobble-Automaten. Guter Sound, tolle, detaillierte Grafik und alle Extras der Spielhallen-Version haben mich begeistert. Dank der schönen Grafik spielt sich die ST-Version besser als die 8-bit-Versionen, denn Monster und Extras sind viel schneller zu erkennen. Besonders toll finde ich auch, daß 2 Saurier gleichzeitig spielen können. Ob im Teamwork oder gegeneinander, das Spiel zu zweit mach am meisten Spaß.

Atari ST User (8 out of 10) (80%)

Bubble Bobble is an addictive and varied all-action arcade game. Its non-violent scenario and unaggressive content should widen the game's appeal to a larger audience, yet it manages to retain all the challenge and excitement that the hardened arcade player craves. Definitely one to buy.

Total!! UK Magazine (80 out of 100) (80%)

Still, Bubble Bobble is tremendous fun with two players and even though you can finish it quickly, I'm sure you won't mind getting it out to have a brief bubble-blowing beastie-bash any old time.

Retro Archives (16 out of 20) (80%)

Bubble Bobble présente, à bien des niveaux, les caractéristiques du bon petit jeu de plateforme des années 80, au principe assimilable en une poignée de secondes, et dont on pense qu’on aura fait le tour au terme de dix minutes de jeu. Grave erreur! Sous ses dehors mignons et sa jouabilité simplissime, le logiciel imaginé par Taito dissimule en fait une vraie technicité, et franchir les cent niveaux du jeu vous demandera de maîtriser à la perfection des subtilités bien dissimulées qui peuvent changer votre façon de jouer du tout au tout. Si les joueurs occasionnels seront sans doute heureux de s’y essayer le temps de quelques parties, de préférence à deux, ceux qui mordront au concept pourront littéralement passer des semaines à découvrir les mille et une façons d’aborder un titre mettant bien plus la réflexion à contribution qu’il n’y parait au premier abord. Essayez et vous comprendrez.

Happy Computer (80 out of 100) (80%)

Zugegeben, es gibt Programme die, technisch eindrucksvoller sind, aber es gibt wenige Titel, die sich so toll spielen. Für mich ist Bubble Bobble der potientielle Nachfolger von Bomb Jack und Boulder Dash. Schade ist nur, daß es für einen Spieler allein ganz schön schwer werden kann. Was mir besonders gut gefallen hat, ist die Animation der Saurier. Von mir bekommen Bub und Bob den Titel "Netteste Sprites des Jahres".

Retro Archives (15.5 out of 20) (78%)

Face à un jeu techniquement pas très exigeant comme Bubble Bobble, on ne peut s’empêcher de penser que l’Amiga aurait pu proposer une version pratiquement identique au pixel près à celle de l’arcade – mais on n’était qu’en 1987, et la machine de Commodore était encore en rodage. Force est de constater, malgré tout, que la version proposée ici est déjà bluffante pour l’époque et que les différences dans les sensations de jeu restent de l’ordre du détail.

Retro Archives (15.5 out of 20) (78%)

D’accord, on a perdu quelques couleurs et deux ou trois détails, mais il est vraiment difficile, même avec la pire mauvaise foi du monde, de trouver de gros défauts à ce Bubble Bobble sur NES. La jouabilité, irréprochable, reproduit parfaitement les sensations de l’arcade, et l’inclusion d’un système de mot de passe est un vrai gain. Un très bon moyen de découvrir le jeu.

Retro Archives (15.5 out of 20) (78%)

On attendait de Bubble Bobble sur Atari ST une prestation à la hauteur de celle observée sur Amiga, et c’est très précisément ce qu’on obtient. Même la musique reste d’une qualité qui n’a pas à rougir de la comparaison avec celle de la machine de Commodore. Comme le reste est jouable, fluide et fidèle à la borne d’arcade, aucune raison de se plaindre.

Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) (31 out of 40) (78%)

It is very reminiscent of the old games when the emphasis was on good game play and fun. Sometimes it's better to just stick to simplicity rather than just pretty graphics. The Link Option is also a big plus for an already good game. It's well done.

Retro Archives (15.5 out of 20) (78%)

On en serait presque venu à oublier que c’était possible en 1989, mais Bubble Bobble s’avère en fait est une très bonne adaptation d’un jeu d’arcade sur PC. Alors certes, l’étape de configuration est un peu lourde, et on peut se montrer frustré de voir le titre programmé par Novalogic ne pas encore tirer profit des cartes VGA, n’empêche que ça reste une des meilleures conversions d’arcade qu’on ait pu voir sur la machine d’IBM pendant toutes les années 80. Tout de même.

Retro Archives (15 out of 20) (75%)

Bien programmé, un MSX 2 était une bonne machine, et ce portage de Bubble Bobble à peu près inattaquable vient nous le rappeler. On a beau perdre quelques couleurs sur les sprites, le plaisir de jeu n’y perd clairement pas grand chose comparé à la version arcade. Une très bonne surprise.

Mag'64 (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Aus heutiger Sicht wirkt „Bubble Bobble“ vielleicht etwas altbacken und antiquiert. Wer sich dieses Spiel herunterlädt, weiß jedoch, worauf er sich einlässt: Und zwar auf einen kurzweiligen Geschicklichkeitstitel, der vor allem zu zweit Freude bereitet und zwischendurch immer wieder für eine Runde gut ist. Zudem verfügt dieser Klassiker über einen gewissen „Originalitätsbonus“ (es ist eben „Bubble Bobble“), dessen Charme gerade Nostalgiker erliegen werden. Die stören sich auch nicht an den detailarmen Hintergründen und dem Passwort-System.

Raze (75 out of 100) (75%)

The screen scrolls smoothly as you move, but that doesn't account for the loss in playability. It's more of a guessing game as you try to figure out what is beyond your view.

IGN (7.5 out of 10) (75%)

Fans of the long-running puzzle series Bust-a-Move will no doubt recognize the characters of Bub and Bob – this is the game that first introduced the pair, years ago. And though some of the follow-ups to this original Bubble Bobble were less than stellar, and though some of the most recent of those follow-ups have been extremely less than stellar, there's no denying the lasting value and simple playability of this first ever adventure for the two little dinos. If you've got a boyfriend or girlfriend, invest the 500 Wii Points for a download of Bubble Bobble and ask him or her to play it along you – the two of you will have a blast. And if you don't have any significant other, well, download it even faster. You'll want to have it on hand and ready when the opportunity arises for you to pass that second Wiimote to your potential Player 2.

Questicle.net (B) (75%)

Alright, yes, it’s obvious the game was made for co-op. Otherwise, Taito wouldn’t have made the good ending available solely for two brave warriors trudging through two-hundred levels of bubble paste and smeared vegetable carcasses. But if this is the case, I’m going to go out on a limb and say they shouldn’t have even added a one-player mode. Then again, in 1988, one couldn’t get better replay value for their money. Two-hundred levels?! Even if one-hundred are just harder repeats, that’s good stuff. Argh, I don’t know. I’m conflicted and tired. The game’s boring, but it’s probably really awesome if I play the way drunken Taito developers want me to. BAM!

Raze (74 out of 100) (74%)

The sad thing about this version is that while it follows the layout of the original almost exactly, it just isn't fast enough to be playable in sufficient amounts for hardcore (?) fans. However, once you get used it, it's not that bad, and novices won't even notice the difference.

ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (8.8 out of 12) (73%)

Weiterhin sind die Levels jetzt mehrere Bildschirme groß, scrollen natürlich und haben mit den Original-Levels nix mehr zu tun; einzig original ist der gut umgesetzte Sound, Da lohnt sich das Zugreifen auch für alte Bubble-Bobble-Fans!

ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (8.8 out of 12) (73%)

Viele, viele Sonderboni, Extrawaffen und der verflixt clevere, plattformmäßige Aufbau der Levels sorgen für ungemein langen Spielsaß. Das Spiel ist zudem technisch blitzsauber umgesetzt worden und bietet ein paar neue Levels. Bubble Bobble muß man gespielt haben!

Amiga Joker (72 out of 100) (72%)

Spielerisch steht Bubble Bobble somit heute noch gut da, wofür neben dem vorzüglichen Gameplay auch die toll gemachte Steuerung verantwortlich ist. Die abwechslungsreiche Begleitmusik hat ebenfalls wenig von ihrem Glanz eingebüßt, lediglich die Grafik wirkt anno 1993 reichlich blockig. Schön also, daß dieses Spiel nach wie vor erhältlich ist, und das sogar zum Budgetpreis von 29 Saurierzähnen.

1UP! (71 out of 100) (71%)

Digne représentant du genre "action-puzzle", grosso modo réflexes et réflexion, Bubble Bobble est aussi le créateur d'un style dans cette catégorie: son style, que définissent des graphismes simples et mignons, des personnages simples et mignons, des musiques simplettes et mignonettes, et des énigmes simples et vachement dures. Tous ces éléments dans une succession de tableaux et voilà, vous-y êtes, c'est le style Bubble Bobble. Ca ne casse pas des briques, mais n'allez pas dire ça aux fans prisonniers de leur bulle, ils vous traiteraient d'imbécile et d'illettré du jeu vidéo. Il est vrai que le jeu peut devenir très prenant par moments, mais d'autres l'ont fait mieux que lui. Sa difficulté en yo-yo saura toutefois séduire ceux qui aiment se fracturer les nerfs sur des situations vicieuses mais pastel. Celles que compte le jeu demandent du temps pour s'en remettre.

Commodore User (7 out of 10) (70%)

Bubble Bobble is a competent conversion of a highly enjoyable arcade game and, apart from the aforementioned irritants, a very accurate one. An extremely playable game which will appeal to a variety of ages.

Official Nintendo Magazine (70 out of 100) (70%)

Bubble Bobble was revolutionised for DS but it's the original that still remains the best. The fact is, Bubble Bobble was a bit of an arcade classic back in the day and spawned the likes of Rainbow Islands and the Bust-A-Move games. In the game, you destroy enemies by spitting bubbles at them, trapping them in said bubbles and jumping on them to burst them. And people say games today are violent. Worth a go, but beware, the twee music will eat away at your soul.

All Game Guide ( ) (70%)

Gameplay is simplistic in design, but nicely balanced, and the graphics are colorfully clean. The music is repetitive, but not a deterrent for gamers looking for a smooth, enjoyable challenge. The game generated numerous sequels and spin-offs, including Rainbow Islands -- The Story Of Bubble Bobble 2 (1987).

Retro Gamer ( ) (70%)

Unlike the versions of the original game, which had static, non-scrolling, full-screen levels, the size of mobile phone screens means scrolling is inevitable. And while you don’t always know where you’re leaping to, this doesn’t particularly distract from the action. Neither does the method of control, which is simple and easy to pick up. For the price, it’s a bargain.

Pocket Gamer UK (7 out of 10) (70%)

Not all old games are good games, but a select few are so good they seem able to transcend time. Bubble Bobble largely achieves this lofty goal. Give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

RetroGame Man (7 out of 10) (70%)

Graphics are charming but nothing fancy with colourful levels and enemies and static black backgrounds. The sound and music is fun and captures the mood of the game but does not go beyond this. Overall, this game is a simple but fun cooperative puzzle-platform game. After 20 or 30 levels, it can become a but repetitive, but is still fun for short bursts.

All Game Guide ( ) (70%)

Bubble Bobble takes only a minute to learn, but many hours to win. It is fun to play for a little while at a time which is perfect for a portable game.

Amstar (14 out of 20) (70%)

Doté de graphismes de bonne qualité et présentant toujours un intérêt de jeu puisque vous pouvez progresser grâce aux mots de passe, il faut noter qu'il est possible de jouer à 2 avec Bubble Bobble.

Power Play (69 out of 100) (69%)

Grafisch präsentiert sich das Plattformspiel recht bieder. Außerdem flackern die schnuckligen Sprites stellenweise arg. Trotzdem: wer auf unkomplizierte Ideen mit hohem spielerischem Nährwert steht, wird mit diesem "Rainbow Islands"-Vorläufer gut bedient.

Video Games (69 out of 100) (69%)

Die NES-Version ist spielerisch recht gut umgesetzt worden. Die Entwickler haben das Scrolling, das bei der GameBoy-Version gewisse Nachteile offenbarte, glücklicherweise wieder fallengelassen. Gegner und Levels gleichen sehr dem Automaten. Einzig die Extras erscheinen etwas spärlich. Schon bei mehr als 3-4 Blasen fängt die Grafik an zu flackern, und die Bewegungen der Gegner sind teilweise ruckelig. Insgesamt überwiegt aber die gute Spielbarkeit.

ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (8.2 out of 12) (68%)

Bubble Bobble ist ein sehr unterhaltsames Spielchen, denn es bietet trotz (oder gerade wegen?) seiner simplen (aber originellen) Idee viel Abwechslung. Gerade die vielen kleinen Feinheiten des Games machen das Spielen wirklich zur Lust - und das vor allem Dingen beim Spielhallenoriginal. Leider Gottes hat das Game nämlich bei der Umsetzung einiges abspecken müssen. Am besten hat mir von den 8-Bit-Versionen die C64-Fassung gefallen, denn hier stimmt die Grafik und der Sound: beides kommt der Vorlage sehr nahe. Leider ist die Animation etwas zu langsam geraten, denn die Aktionen sind teilweise so lahm, daß der Spaß etwas verloren geht.

Video Games (68 out of 100) (68%)

Eine Handvoll Extras und die taktischen Anforderungen der einzelnen Levels sorgen bei dieser Bubble-Bobble-Version für ein abwechlungsreiches Spielvergnügen. Sehr gut gelungen ist das Scrolling. Trotzdem liegt hier das Hauptproblem des Moduls: Man sieht immer nur einen Teil des Gesamtbildschirms. Öfters gerät man in die unangenehme Situation, sich in die Tiefen stürzen zu müssen, ohne zu wissen, ob unten ein Gegner lauert. Nur die Gunst des Drachenschutzengels oder Auswendiglernen entscheiden dann über den Verlust eines Bildschirmlebens. Wegen dieses Mankos ist das Modul “nur“ solide Mittelklasse.

Power Play (67 out of 100) (67%)

Die Spielbarkeit der neuen Version ist tadellos und leidet nicht allzu sehr unter der Schwarzweißgrafik. Wenn Euch ein spritziges Plattformspiel noch in Eurer Game-Boy-Sammlung gefehlt hat, ist das unverwüstliche Bubble Bobble durchaus geeignet, diese Lücke zu füllen.

Retro Spirit, The (4 out of 6) (67%)

Bubble Bobble er likevel mer enn summen av delene det er bygd opp av. Det representerte en enorm bølge over hele verden da det først dukket opp og deler arkade-tronen med de store, Bomberman og Arkanoid, som en av de mest betydningsfulle og bemerkningsverdige spillene noensinne. Det er kanskje på tide å børste støv av den gamle joysticken for å redde to bittesmå drager som desperat trenger din hjelp? Bobl i vei!

Retro Archives (12.5 out of 20) (62%)

S’il fallait résumer Bubble Bobble sur Commodore 64 en une ligne, ce serait la suivante: « Tout ce qu’aurait dû être la version CPC ». Non seulement rien n’a été sacrifié – ni la musique, ni le mode deux joueurs – mais en plus la réalisation est très correcte, le contenu intact et la jouabilité réussie. Autant dire qu’on tient là un jeu qui a dû ravir plus de monde du côté de Commodore que de celui d’Amstrad.

Play Time (61 out of 100) (61%)

Die sind allerdings nicht gerade mit schöner Grafik gesegnet, sondern eher schlicht in mageren Pixeln gehalten und reizen die Möglichkeiten des NES bei weitem nicht aus. Auch flackern die Sprites - ebenso wie beim Sega Master System - erheblich, wenn eine größere Anzahl von Blasen und Gegnern auf dem Screen ist. Die Musik ist sicherlich ebenfalls keine große Meisterleistung. Die vorhandene Paßwortfunktion erlaubt es, die schon geschafften Level zu überspringen. Die Motivation ist, vor allem im Zweispielermodus sehr hoch, da das gegenseitige Abluchsen von Bonusgegenständen, die im Spiel reichlich vorhanden sind, enormen Spaß macht. Ein, trotz der veralteten Grafik, gutes Game, das immer wieder spielenswert ist.

Nintendo Magasinet (Sweden) (3 out of 5) (60%)

Bubble Bobble är alltid kul. Det var det redan för flera år sedan när vi först spelade det på Amigan. Men den här versionen lämnar lite övrigt att önska. Det faktum att du inte kan se hela banan på skärmen samtidigt gör att du inte alltid vet vad som komma skall och var fienderna befinner sig.

ASM (Aktueller Software Markt) (7.2 out of 12) (60%)

Beim Spectrum stimmt die Geschwindigkeit, der Rest scheint mir allerdings stark zusammengeschustert zu sein. Die Grafik ist lieblos, die Animation zuweilen recht "sprunghaft" und der Sound nur beim 128k Specci erträglich.

Retro Archives (12 out of 20) (60%)

Programmé correctement, le ZX Spectrum est capable de proposer des adaptations ludiques très honnêtes, et Bubble Bobble en est un bon exemple. En dépit des limitations techniques inhérentes à la machine de Sinclair, on pourra difficilement trouver un reproche sérieux à formuler à l’encontre de cette version, qui préserve tout ce qui fait la force du jeu.

Player One (60 out of 100) (60%)

En clair, à moins d'être un inconditionnel du jeu de café ou d'avoir un petit cousin vraiment jeune, vous n'êtes pas obligé d'acheter Bubble Bobble. Il y a bien trop d'autres bons jeux sur Nintendo.

Game Hoard, The (4 out of 7) (57%)

The cute and colorful adventure of Bub and Bob is, for the most part, a breezy and somewhat plain platforming adventure with a bunch of interesting items to tinker with and level layouts that do their job well enough. The later stages do ask a lot of the players though as they start asking for tight puzzle solving and perfect movement, but for the most part, the enemy-bubbling action is brisk thanks to the small levels, that size meaning they can present a quirky platform arrangement or power-up to play with as brief but interesting focuses. Bubble Bobble is charmingly saccharine and balances a simple premise with a wide variety of items to keep your interest, but it’s certainly more of a pastime than something to invest a heavy amount of time into, especially because it wants you to do far too much to see the game’s underwhelming true ending.

Retro Archives (11 out of 20) (55%)

Faire tenir chaque niveau de Bubble Bobble sur l’écran d’une console portable, c’est un peu comme faire rentrer un éléphant dans une niche à chien: un sacré défi. Même si cette version Game Gear l’a finalement plutôt bien relevé – en ayant le bon goût, au passage, de ne pas galvauder le mode deux joueurs – il faut reconnaître qu’on reste assez loin de l’expérience originale. Une curiosité, malgré tout.

Your Amiga (54 out of 100) (54%)

The idea for Bubble Bobble is suitably wacky, but then what do you expect from Taito? The two characters Bub and Bob are a hit in the arcades and even though this version hardly uses the Amiga's capabilities to the full there are some nice features that are not on the Atari ST version.

ACE (Advanced Computer Entertainment) (510 out of 1000) (51%)

Also, the levels have been completely redesigned to go along with this new display format, and to top it all it doesn't even feel much like the original. Fans of the original may well be pleased (the original music has survived intact), but for everyone else, it's a bit of a duffer really.

Retro Archives (10 out of 20) (50%)

L’Apple II fait ce qu’il peut, mais ce n’est pas toujours suffisant. Sans être scandaleux à aucun niveau, le portage de Bubble Bobble sur cette machine doit tout simplement composer avec des limitations techniques qui rend l’expérience plus fastidieuse que sur la plupart des autres systèmes. On était sans doute tout à fait capable de s’amuser sur cette version à la fin des années 80. Aujourd’hui, en revanche…

Popular Computing Weekly (10 out of 20) (50%)

Bubble Bobble is mildly entertaining in a monotonous kind of way. It is fine for the younger games player but otherwise it lacks the kind of polish which would convince you it was really running on an Atari ST.

Retro Archives (10 out of 20) (50%)

Pour ce qui est des qualités de ce Bubble Bobble sur Amstrad CPC, on retiendra le fait qu’il conserve l’essentiel du contenu de la version arcade, à commencer par l’indispensable mode deux joueurs, et que le titre reste relativement jouable. Au rang des défauts, on pourra citer tout le reste, à commencer par une réalisation sans éclat et une musique purement et simplement abandonnée dans le processus. Reste un jeu fonctionnel, mais pas grand chose de plus.

Retro Archives (9.5 out of 20) (48%)

Patatras! Un écran trop petit, un mode deux joueurs qui disparait, et c’est tout le concept de Bubble Bobble qui s’effondre. Désormais contraint de se déplacer à l’aveuglette en évitant des ennemis sans savoir où ils se trouvent, le joueur solitaire s’agace, s’ennuie, et finit assez rapidement par ranger le jeu dans sa boîte sans plus nourrir l’ambition de l’en sortir un jour. Une vraie sortie de route pour la Game Boy.

GameCola.net (3.8 out of 10) (38%)

I don’t know. But, Bubble Bobble is a pretty dumb game. Sorry, guys.

Australian Commodore and Amiga Review N/A

Graphics and music in Bubble Bobble are very much in the classic arcade style of Mr Do, in fact the nasties look a bit like escapees from the superb game to which I was introduced back in 1985 and which I'm still playing a lot. (...) I'll be alternating it now with Bubble Bobble however as I can see more potential fun in this new one. Do yourself a favour and get it soon but be warned, it's seriously addictive!

Australian Commodore and Amiga Review N/A

I feel that the Amiga version plays better and smoother than the C-64 version, the graphics and sound are better as you'd expect. I can't define it exactly but the Amiga version just "feels" better although I'm playing it the hard way now. My C-64 library includes a version with infinite lives' you see... There's a lot more which you can only learn by playing the game and I recommend that you go out and buy it straightaway. You won't regret it.

Crash! N/A

A deceptively simple game that proves very addictive and lots of fun to play. A high cuteness factor combined with a neat and bouncy tune that would fit with a children's TV show makes Bubble Bobble very compelling. Invest a few coins as soon as you can . . .