Bubble Bobble Part 2

Bubble Bobble, an NES standard, is back in a sequel that features the same classic game play. However, by today's standards, it seems somewhat dated.

Thar She Blows

You remember Bubble Bobble. In each of the game's one-screen stages, you trap and destroy all of the little critters hopping around. To do this, your Dinos use their bubble-blowing ability to trap the creatures, and then burst their bubbles to destroy them. Luckily, the Dinosaurs have new bubble-blowing skills: They can hold their breath to float in the air and let fly with a stream of Super Bubbles.

Sound simple? It's not. In addition to the strange enemies that leap, fly, and even command the powers of the elements, the obstacles in each stage include platforms and mazes of all different kinds. If you even get touched by an enemy, you lose a life, which is unfortunate since the dinosaurs are pretty limited to awkward jumping and walking movements that you can't control with any precision at all. (Can you say "frustration," gamers?)

Just as in the original game, power-ups abound, appearing randomly as well as whenever you trap and pop an enemy. In addition to scoring points by grabbing tasty food snacks, you can earn all kinds of special abilities, like faster speed and greater bubble- blowing distance.

Busted Bubbles

Although Bubble Bobble's colors are crisp and vibrant, the tiny little sprites and two-dimensional, one-screen stages look pretty dated. The backgrounds are nonexistent and the enemies, although again faithful to the original, seem dull in comparison to current NB standouts like Kirby's Adventure. Bubble Bobble's sounds are repetitive, but not annoying enough to really notice.

Even though it's simple, Bubble Bobble's game play is fairly challenging. Unfortunately, it's that kind of frustrating challenge that's a combination of imprecise controls and repetitive play. Once you've figured out the way past a stage, it's boring to play it over and over again, which you'll have to do to get through the game since there are no passwords. For the most fun, try the two-player Simultaneous Mode, where you can concentrate on discovering interesting power-ups and special items.

Tiny Bubbles

Most longtime gamers have fond memories of Bubble Bobble. Unfortunately, revisiting this game is like visiting a place you haven't seen since you were a little kid. It seems smaller and it's not as much fun as you remembered. Fans of the original might try this one just for old times' sake, but it may be better to leave this strictly average fare untouched and keep your memories of the original intact.

Blow it but don't pop it in Bubble Bobble 2 from Taito for the NES.

You've been magically turned into that bubble-blowing dragon again. This time you're off to save your girlfriend who has been kidnapped by the wicked wizard. Your skills include blowing bubbles and floating through air. The two-player simultaneous option has been replaced by alternating players one and two. Get ready to burst some bubbles!

You knew it was bound to happen. Taito has made a radical new sequel to the popular NES and arcade game Bubble Bobble. Featuring tons of new levels and secrets, fans of the first game will go ga-ga over this cart. You have been turned into a bubble-blowing dinosaur again, and your girl has been kidnapped! You must save her, but can you? That is the eternal question... The graphics are superb, showing that there is still a lot of life left in the NES. The multitude of levels feature different and unique backgrounds. Traps and treasures are found everywhere if you look hard enough. Special item bubbles will appear on certain levels, which will certainly help you, if you learn how to use them! This is no kid's game! There is enough action and strategy to make anyone sweat bullets. Unfortunately the two-player simultaneous play has been replaced by alternating the first and second players. Still, all the fun of the original Bubble Bobble is here. Can you get your girlfriend back from the wizard? Whatever you do, don't blow it!