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Video Game Bubble Bobble Review
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.

Our examiner, Andy Robertson, first checked Bubble Bobble 2 years ago. It was re-examined by Jo Robertson and updated 7 months ago.

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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Bubble Bobble 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:
  • 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 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 the combination of hidden air currents that direct the bubbles and the plethora of mysterious collectables the game offers surprising strategy and longevity.
 

BenefitsBenefits

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:

Play StylePlay Style

This is an Action and Platform game with Collecting and Simulation elements. You can play with 1 to 2 players in the same room, but you can’t play it online. You can play 4 players on some of the more recent incarnations of the game.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

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.

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

This game has been rated PEGI 3.

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:

CostsCosts

Bubble Bobble usually costs £5.79 to £35.99.
 

Arcade Archives Bubble Bobble

PlayStation Store PS4 £5.79

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron Is Back!

PlayStation Store PS4 £34.99
Switch Store Switch £35.99

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends: The Baron's Workshop

Steam Store PC £30.99

Bubble Bobble

XBox Store Xbox One -
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.

DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 01/10/1986, updated in 2016

Out Now: 3DS and 2DS, DS, PS4, Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One and iOS

Content Rating: PEGI 3

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

Developer: Taito (@Taito)


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Taming Gaming Book 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.

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