Get Started...
Android
iOS
Mac
Switch
Switch 2
PC
PS4
PS5
Xbox One
Xbox X|S
Please enter a valid email address
Please choose a platform
:
How does your child play this? Alone, with friends, with family? How did they discover it and what kept them coming back for more?
:
:
To verify your input please enter your email to create an account.
Email:
Play Overview
Bubble Bobble (1986) is a running and jumping game where you control a small dragon that can blow and jump on bubbles. It rose to popularity in the arcades when released in 1986. In each of the 100 levels, you and another player defeat each enemy by trapping them in bubbles and popping them.
Bubble Bobble is one of Taito's biggest arcade successes and inspired the creation of many spin-off games. In addition to the Bubble Symphony and Bubble Memories arcade follow-ups and a range of Evolution and Remakes, this includes:
For families, the Bubble Bobble games offer a combination of fun running, jumping and popping action. But with the combination of hidden air currents that direct the bubbles and the plethora of mysterious collectables, the game offers surprising strategy and longevity.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Bubble Bobble 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 3 weeks ago.
Bubble Bobble is one of Taito's biggest arcade successes and inspired the creation of many spin-off games. In addition to the Bubble Symphony and Bubble Memories arcade follow-ups and a range of Evolution and Remakes, this includes:
- Bubble Bobble (1986)
- Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 (1987)
- Parasol Stars (1991) TurboGrafx-16, NES, Amiga, Atari ST, and Game Boy.
- Bubble Bobble Plus! (2009) Wii and Xbox 360
- Bubble Bobble 4 Friends (2019) Remake on Nintendo Switch, including the original game.
- Bubble Bobble (Arcade Archives) (2016) on Switch, PlayStation 4
For families, the Bubble Bobble games offer a combination of fun running, jumping and popping action. But with the combination of hidden air currents that direct the bubbles and the plethora of mysterious collectables, the game offers surprising strategy and longevity.
Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Bubble Bobble 3 years ago. It was re-examined by Thom Robertson and updated 3 weeks ago.
There are lots of games similar to Bubble Bobble. Here are some we picked for you:
Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 2 hours and 3 hours to complete. In addition to the time it takes to complete the game, players revisit each level to maximise their scores through a range of techniques. These include not dying to gain special power-ups. Also, trapping all the enemies in bubbles at the same time and then bursting them together awards a large score multiplier.
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
This game has helped players develop their Knowledge as part of the following pathways:
This game has been the inspiration for the following activities:
Visit Arcades
TRIP
Age Ratings
Skill Level
8+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game.
Our Game Pathways reveal how 12-year-olds play this game:
- 12-year-old: Structured Play
Costs
Game Details
Release Date: 01/10/1986, updated in 2016
Price: 65% Off
Out Now: 3DS and 2DS, DS, PS4, Switch and iOS
Skill Rating: 8+ year-olds
Players: 1-2
Genres: Action, Platform (Collecting and Simulation)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: 2D Side-On and Pixels
 |
Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships. |
© 2025 Family Gaming Database