Puzzle Bobble: Everybubble! - Game Review
1Puzzle Bobble: Everybubble! - Game Review
Hey, it's Veteran Game here, back with another in-depth game review, and this time we're diving into "Puzzle Bobble: Everybubble!"
Let's get one thing straight – Puzzle Bobble has been a staple in the puzzle genre since time immemorial, with more sequels than we can shake a stick at. I usually stick to the first two titles, my personal safe bubble, if you will.
But what's interesting about this franchise is its simple, yet addictive formula. You can add new bubbles, power-ups, characters, but the game's core remains the same. So, why is Everybubble the best iteration I’ve played? The answer lies in two simple words: cooperative play.
Not the first game in the series to introduce co-op – hello, Bust-a-Move Bash on Wii – but Everybubble brings thoughtfulness into the cooperative experience, and trust me, it makes a world of difference.
For the uninitiated, Puzzle Bobble is a match-3 bubble popping game with roots in Bubble Bobble, the legendary arcade title featuring bubble-spitting lizards. And Everybubble stays true to its origins while adding intriguing elements, even if it assumes you're all caught up with the storyline.
Storywise, we're dealing with a bubble flood on the Rainbow Islands, courtesy of the Miniroons' pact with Grumple Grommit. That's right – never trust someone called Super Drunk in Japanese. Just a veteran gamer tip for you.
Now, Everybubble sports two game modes. First, there's the puzzle mode where you bust bubbles as swiftly as possible to clear the field. In some cases, you're tasked with liberating trapped Chack'ns. Then there's the survival mode, with an ever-increasing number of bubbles that you need to fend off as long as you can. Blubba's Tower offers a solo take on this, but the real fun is in competitive play.
Yet, the showstopper here is the co-op. The story mode presents an ever-increasing complexity of obstacles and power-ups, each level scaling for 1 to 4 players. This multiple player dynamic turns what could be a chaotic affair into a delightful puzzle-solving experience. Even with varied skill levels among players, teamwork and strategy can help you achieve high scores and progress in the game.
Not a fan of human interaction? Well, Everybubble has you covered with its CPU-controlled bubblers, though you can't strategize or playfully punish them for their mistakes.
Everybubble also introduces a rather curious mode: Puzzle Bobble Vs. Space Invaders. While it doesn't outshine the main game modes, it's a fun side diversion. However, if you're hoping for online co-op play, you're out of luck.
Aesthetic-wise, the game might be a bit divisive. Its sugary sweet visuals and characters' Japanese exclamations are almost overpoweringly adorable. The actual graphics are serviceable but don't really stand out. The bubble-tossing dinosaurs might irk purists who preferred the old-school bubble launchers.
Nevertheless, despite minor gripes, Puzzle Bobble Everybubble is a stellar entry in the series. Its cooperative story mode is a brilliant addition that could make this game a must-have for fans of the franchise. Essentially, it's just more Puzzle Bobble – but when it's this good, who can complain?
Whether you're a veteran Bubble Bobble player or just looking for a new puzzle game to dig into, Puzzle Bobble: Everybubble is definitely worth a look. So, don your bubble-launching gloves, gather your friends, and get ready for some bubble popping madness!