Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron's Workshop

Welcome to Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron's Workshop! Get ready for an adorable action-puzzle game as you take control of two friendly little creatures Bub and Bob as they use some impressive bubble-blowing abilities to conquer enemies and progress through some unique stages. In this version of the game, the Baron is Back with the Baron’s Workshop expansion that kicks the fun up to a whole new level and introduces some new and improved level design. If you are interested in a game positively bubbling with energy then this is a game worth looking into.

Game Modes

There are two main ways to play in this game: story mode and workshop mode. I’d say that’s it but there’s a bit more nuance to it than that. Let me explain.

Story Mode

Main Story - In story mode, you have a few options in regard to the gameplay. There is the Main Story itself, which is couch co-op, and has you jumping around the world blowing bubbles and defeating enemies. Be creative with it and have a good time. You’ll need to finish each stage in order to unlock hard mode with different enemies and stage designs. Arcade of Memories – This is a solid call back to the 1986 arcade game Bubble Bobble. This game mode lets you jump back in time to the original game and play through it. Maybe you remember it, maybe its brand new to you and you want to see what things were like back then. Interestingly, there are secret commands and hidden tricks scattered throughout, so it’s not so simple as what you can just see on screen.

Arcade of the Future – Should you finish the main story in Normal Mode, you will be entitled to unlock 100 more stages that are, quite frankly, crazy hard. This also has up to four player’s co-op but is way more brutal than the other modes. There are no continues so when you fail, you fail. There is a training mode which lets you try the stage out first but the stringent time limits will keep you on your toes while begging you to never make a mistake.

Workshop Mode

The second game mode is workshop mode. Here you will be able to create your own stages, place blocks, enemies and bubble wind to make stages of such supreme difficulty it puts all others to shame. Here you can download and enjoy other people’s custom maps while you upload your own for their enjoyment.

Gameplay

The gameplay here has seen a big improvement from the previous iteration of the game. The controls are much tighter and more responsive than before. There interesting powerups, considerations for difficulty increases and a generally more engrossing play style. Utilize special attacks like in a game of Candy Crush mixed with Super Mario Brothers.

Visuals

Visually, this game is pretty fantastic. Everything looks crisp and clean with defined but soft edges, providing clear and concise gameplay with a family friendly art style. There is something very reminiscent of Super Smash Brothers. Ultimate here and you’ll see what I mean when you play it.

Pros

• Responsive controls
• Lots of gameplay
• Great Visuals

Cons

• Can become repetitive after a while