The Bubble Bobble series initially launched in 1886 from Taito, with few changes in the sequels. The series finally hit the Nintendo Switch with Bubble Bobble 4 Friends.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends makes it evident in the title that this is a four-player co-op game. It is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch with no plans to release the title on other devices.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the first Bubble Bobble game of any type since it was included in the 2011 Nintendo 3DS title Bust-a-Move Universe.
Publisher ININ Games provided a summary of the game: “One night, a child’s room became enfolded by a miraculous light and every object under its rays suddenly came to life – including the child’s most favorite toy, the little dragon called Bub. Full of jealousy, the wicked magician Bonner challenges the friendly dragon to battle.”
The gameplay is simple: up to four players can control characters Bub, Bob, Peb, and Pab. Players share eight lives to complete each level. Players have to defeat the enemies by first encasing them in a bubble and then popping the bubble. While the gameplay seems easy, once several characters and enemies share the screen, the game can become fast-paced and confusing, but still offers lots of fun with friends.
Besides bubbles, players can collect special power-ups, which range from granting extra lives or unlock new powers that can clear the stage faster. After completing ten stages, there is a challenging boss fight. There are around 100 levels total that range in difficulty.
Since everyone playing will have different skill levels, Taito wanted to make it easier for everyone involved. If a level is failed three times, players will have the power of invincibility to complete the level.
The newest game was first released in Europe and then North America and is rated for all ages. Taito Executive Hiroshi Uemura explained that the game had a more significant appeal in Europe, which is why the game launched in that location first.
While the game sounds fun with a group of friends across the globe, online play is unavailable.
It was previously believed that Bubble Bobble 4 Friends would not be released outside of Europe and North America. Taito recently announced they were releasing the game in Japan in February 2020.
