Bubble Bobble Recommendations?

[Pezcore343]

So I've been wanting to play Bubble Bobble, but I don't own any of the many incarnations of the game. I know there is a version on the NES, the Gameboy, GBA, and 2 on NDS. Does anyone have a recommendation as to which one I should look into? I was thinking the NES one so I could do two player, but if one of the DS or GBA ones is good I'd rather have it portable.

[Xander]

In my humble opinion Bubble Bobble is the pinacle of co-op gaming. Get it for the NES and find a friend to play it. You cannot even get the good ending by playing alone.

[DigitalSpace]

The NES version is the best home port, though the port on Taito Legends (PS2/Xbox) isn't too bad. The best portable version is Old & New on the GBA.

[Pezcore343]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll probably end up getting both NES and GBA versions. I really prefer those type of games to be portable, but it seems like such a good game for multiplayer.

[kedawa]

I really liked the SMS and Amiga versions.

[FantasiaWHT]

You didn't mention it, but avoid the PS1 incarnation. It has a game-killing bug that occasionally (from my experience, like 1/3 or 1/4 of the time) kicks in somewhere in the 60's with the level with no floor, and level 99 has some weird shape change in it that makes it way more difficult than it should be.

[carlcarlson]

In my humble opinion Bubble Bobble is the pinacle of co-op gaming. Get it for the NES and find a friend to play it. You cannot even get the good ending by playing alone.

That's not entirely true. You can bring in Player 2 at any time by pressing Start. Just wait until the end boss is almost dead and then bring him in.

I would recommend Bubble Bobble Part 2 for the NES as it's better in just about every way... except co-op! I have no clue why the changed it for this sequel, but they royally screwed it up.

[Icarus Moonsight]

You might want to check out Parasol Stars. It's right good fun... and technically Bubble Bobble 3.

[Xian042]

back in the late 80's, me and a buddy rented Bubble Bobble from a Pharmacy that was walking distance from us. We rented it as a goof because it looked childish but we had rented every game they had twice already. We fired it up and an uncountable amount of hours later we became Bubble Bobble believers.

Fast forward to a couple months ago.

My girlfriend ended up having to watch her nephew and we had him stay over with us. I told him I had TONS of video games to play. He is still little and the most kid friendly and easy games I had were the old school compilations. I got the Capcom and Taito sets for PS2. After trying a bunch, I said hey, lets play Bubble Bobble! He whined a little becuase he never heard of it, but I convinced him. Two and a half hours later, my girlfriend woke up and realized we were still up playing and made us go to bed. A new generation Bubble Bobble believer was born.

So, I naturally suggest the NES version or the Taito Legends version on PS2. I can't speak for the GBA version because I"ve never played.

[theChad]

Is it possible to get Bubble Bobble for NES on demand without paying $15-20 for it? I've hunted high and low and the one time I found it in the wild, the guy was like "It's $25" so I set it right back down He goes, "It's a very rare game, you could sell it for $40 on eBay" and I told him I just wanted to play it. Bleh.

[krooper13]

The Master System version is suberb, the colour is so vibrant and it is a great little 2 player game.

[LiquidPolicenaut]

You didn't mention it, but avoid the PS1 incarnation. It has a game-killing bug that occasionally (from my experience, like 1/3 or 1/4 of the time) kicks in somewhere in the 60's with the level with no floor, and level 99 has some weird shape change in it that makes it way more difficult than it should be.

What?? I actually really enjoy the PS1 version! I never experienced the problems you came across and think it's a pretty good port...

[Icarus Moonsight]

Is it possible to get Bubble Bobble for NES on demand without paying $15-20 for it? I've hunted high and low and the one time I found it in the wild, the guy was like "It's $25" so I set it right back down He goes, "It's a very rare game, you could sell it for $40 on eBay" and I told him I just wanted to play it. Bleh.

Plenty on the bay. Some ending in a few hours that are $3-5.

[kupomogli]

If you own a PS2, XBOX, or PC buy Taito Legends. Arcade version of Bubble Bobble is easily the best of them.

If you own a GB you can get Bubble Bobble Old and New which is pretty much the arcade version for the GB. Plays just like the arcade version but not as good due to scrolling.

I'll also recommend Taito Legends 2 for the XBOX or PC for Bubble Symphony. Kindof bs that both versions don't have all the games. Each version(PS2/XBOX) gets four games the other doesn't get. I guess if you're a shmup fan the PS2 version gets one extra than the XBOX version.

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

I have played a few versions. The Bubble Bobble series holds a special meaning to me because it is one of the only games my wife enjoys, and the co-op game gameplay is spectacular.

Here's how I would rank the ones I've played:

1) Bubble Bobble 1 (NES): This version of the game has an extra "cutness" the others don't have. Beware, the last guy is difficult and will kill you over and over again.

2) Bubble Bobble (Game Gear): It looks fantastic on the Game Gear. The music does reset at every level, which can get annoying. You must have two cartridges to play two-player.

3) Bubble Bobble (Sega Saturn): I believe this version is an emulation of the arcade, which is great, but I always found myself going back to the NES. The game also comes with Rainbow Islands, a similiar game.

4) Bubble Bobble Part 2 (NES): Don't get this mixed up with Rainbow Islandsf or the NES, which says "Bubble Bobble sequel" on the packaging. Part 2 is an expensive and hard to find game. The graphics are much nicer than the first game, and there are new gameplay mechanics. However, the main flaw is that there is no co-op. I only recommend it if you plan on playing alone.

[TheDomesticInstitution]

I'll also recommend Taito Legends 2 for the XBOX or PC for Bubble Symphony. Kindof bs that both versions don't have all the games. Each version(PS2/XBOX) gets four games the other doesn't get. I guess if you're a shmup fan the PS2 version gets one extra than the XBOX version.

I was about to chime up and say that you can't get Taito Legends 2 for the XBOC, because I've looked for it. Apparently the UK release of the game can be played on unmodified US NTSC XBOXs. Very cool. I'll try and find a reasonably priced copy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taito_Legends_2


Just to be sure, the entry does say "citation needed." Has anyone here played Taito Legends 2 on an NTSC XBOX?

[TheDomesticInstitution]

Double Post. Sorry...

[JSoup]

Might want to look into Bubble Bobble World that should be hitting WiiWare in a few months.

[Spottedkitty]

If you own a GB you can get Bubble Bobble Old and New which is pretty much the arcade version for the GB. Plays just like the arcade version but not as good due to scrolling.

You can press the top left shoulder button on the GBA and it'll "shrink" the screen so you can see everything. Makes things much nicer!

[Icarus Moonsight]

Old and New does co-op with two carts and a link cable too. At least that stayed intact.

Just popped open my copy of Bubble Bobble Double Shot for DS because of this thread. It's ok, but I don't know. The changing characters between green, red and blue to capture the colored enemies kinda broke the gameplay IMO. I wouldn't say it's bad, just try it first.