Classic arcade game fans were extremely excited when developer Taito announced at E3 2010 that a Bubble Bobble game would be coming to the App Store. They then revealed at this year’s Tokyo Game Show that the game would be called Bubble Bobble Double, and would feature an authentic port of the original arcade game as well as a new style game based on the Bubble Bobble universe. Just a couple of days ago, Taito tweeted a short gameplay video of this new mode, and later tweeted another video of the classic mode in action. Earlier today, Bubble Bobble Double [$4.99] went live in the App Store. After giving both game modes a thorough spin, I’m definitely left with mixed feelings.
On one hand, it’s incredible to have the original Bubble Bobble arcade game with me at any time on my device. All one hundred of the original levels are here, with the original music and sound effects that are so near and dear to many gamers’ hearts. The problem is that all this nostalgia is represented on a tiny game screen with virtual controls that leave a lot to be desired. I understand Taito’s dilemma though, as thumbs would just block too much of the gameplay if they had the game running on a larger portion of the screen. There is a zoom option but it really only makes the screen marginally bigger, and while the game is still very playable it’s harder to enjoy on the small screen.
The virtual controls themselves work alright, it’s just that Bubble Bobble is a game that really requires tactile feedback while playing. It can be really frustrating trying to focus on the onscreen action and end up losing a life because my finger slipped off of the virtual d-pad, or that I accidentally hit jump instead of shooting a bubble. Again, it’s not unplayable by any means, just not ideal. One cool aspect of the classic mode is that you can choose to bring the second player into the game at any time. This player is controlled by AI and helps you defeat the enemies on each level. For a game that was really at its best with two players in the arcade, this is a neat addition, although I’d love to see an actual two-player mode via WiFi or Bluetooth.
The new mode found in Bubble Bobble Double is where the package kind of falls flat. Here, your character sits in a fixed position as enemies attack in various formations from every angle. Tapping an enemy puts them in a bubble, and tapping them again pops that bubble thus defeating the enemy and giving you a fruit bonus. The blast from the bubble popping can destroy other enemies near it, similar to how chain reactions are caused in games like Splode [$1.99] or Sneezies [99¢/Lite]. Enemies trapped in bubbles can also be flicked around the screen to get them near other enemies to set up combos, or combine with others trapped in bubbles to create an even bigger bubble to pop.
The new mode has plenty of levels, collectable items, and online leaderboards through OpenFeint. The problem is that it’s just not very much fun. Gameplay consists of mostly mindless tapping, and enemies enter the screen too quickly to really utilize any kind of strategy by flicking them around and creating combos. Most levels can be completed easily by just frantically double tapping every enemy, and you’re really only ever in danger if you do try to go for elaborate scoring opportunities. After playing through some of the zones in this new mode, I honestly just wasn’t compelled to keep going.
The classic mode in Bubble Bobble Double can still be a lot of fun despite its shortcomings. The ability to continue as many times as you want or start a new game from any previously beaten level are nice touches, and the pseudo two-player aspect actually adds to the experience. As for the new mode, it’s just plain underwhelming compared to the timeless gameplay and design found in the original game. Depending on how big a fan of Bubble Bobble you are, you may find Bubble Bobble Double a solid purchase. I’ve easily spent much more than the price of this game both in arcades and on home console versions over the years, and I’ll make do with the less than ideal screen size and controls just to enjoy the game over again. But if you were looking for an innovative twist on a classic game like what was found in Taito’s Space Invaders Infinity Gene [$4.99/Lite], then you’ll most likely be left disappointed.
If I could play any of the Dizzy games, it'd be instant purchase.
So let's who complains first about the lack of Retina display support...
(I'm joking, for the sarcasm impaired.)
I hope they get some better games. Those are rather poor, if my memory serves me correctly. Manic Miner please.
Chuckie Egg poor? Harrier Attack Poor? Harrier Attack? Harrier Attack? Poor?
And the original Grand Theft Auto, Turbo Esprit. An absolute classic. As is Saboteur - Durrell were just a fantastic software house. Compare this to the lame games that come with Manomio's C64 emulator - this is a great compilation.
The video says they have "officially licenced" games… in quotes. So they are pirated?
Call me when they've got Spyhunter! :)
I found the controls a bit difficult. A proper joystick would be better than the rather awkward key layout.
My uncle said he used to re-programme harrier attack so it dropped sheep!
We really need a game controller for these emus, preferably one that attaches to your iOS device. I know there's a jailbreak one coming, but I want one for these AppStore emus. Having said that, the Pandora one did make mention of an eventually software app that would make it work with AppStore apps too (though you need to be jailbroken). So I may go that route. I presume it does this by simulating taps, and you can set where it virtually taps for each button. I guess that would do the trick, but that Pandora controller thingy sure is hideous.
Yeah a dedicated controller would be good but not practical if you are out and about. Its gonna take a company a bit of time and development for them to be able to make one that's gonna appeal to everyone and also encourage people to buy it. Would be nice to get more precise controls but I personally wouldn't sacrifice portability and also wouldn't wanna be Carrying an extra bit of hardware around with me to play games.
Turbo Esprit! Instant sale, i was hoping for elite too though I'm not sure how playable that would be.
Made up to see this is out. Come on remnants of Imagine, Bring me "TARGET: RENEGADE"!!
AWESOME. Just need an AMSTRAD CPC version!
Much better than the other ZX Spectrum collection that rears its ugly head when you search on the App Store for ZX. Steer clear of that one! ZX Nostalgia Adventure addition is just a load of text adventure games that ive not even heard of lumbered together. And its £1.19!
This is spot on. Really does feel like the good old speccy is back! Nice one developers.
I think the responsiveness of the controls could be tweaked a bit but otherwise this is great. (noticed landscape mode listed in the review - doh!)
And if the developers update the App as much as they say they will then this will just grow into a real Retro Speccy Treat!
Wonder how this would run on the iPad! :)
Also have any of you clicked on MORE GAMES yet in the app and visited the iphone.elite-systems.co.uk site on your iPhone. There's a little sample of SMB which runs in the iPhones Safari Brower ok, if not a little slow. Just goes to show what can be done!