Written by for on March 29, 2019.Taito's arcade library remains one of the most impressive in gaming history so let's revisit 2 of their most iconic series and see which one offers better bubble-busting games. There have been a lot of Bubble Bobble and Bust-A-Move games; this is just a few!
Arcade originalsBubble Bobble debuted back in 1986 and it's just as fun to boot up nowadays. The simple single-screen platforming gameplay where you blow bubbles to trap enemies then hop on top to watch them fly across the screen only to turn into collectible score items is so satisfying, especially while playing cooperatively with a friend. Years later in 1994, Bust-A-Move released which included the same adorable characters (Bub and Bob) yet it's a completely different kind of game. Although the single-screen concept remains, this time you fire bubbles up a playfield in order to clear the screen by matching similarly coloured bubbles.
This puzzle formula has been emulated dozens of times yet it all started with Bust-A-Move. Both games feature super-catchy soundtracks and are great fun in multiplayer. However, the original Bust-A-Move is extremely barebones while Bubble Bobble can remain fun for hours so it wins for best debut title. Arcade sequelsThere haven't been many arcade sequels to these games but the ones that have released add layers of fun to the original formulas. For starters, 1994's Bubble Symphony (AKA Bubble Bobble II) boasts beautiful colourful visuals that are much more detailed than the original. Plus, being able to play as 4 distinct characters with their own attributes, select which set of stages to tackle next, and charge your bubble shots is awesome.
Bust-A-Move-4 is bursting onto the scene with more advanced gameplay, and tons of new features. It's a challenge for the whole family!. Bury opponents with the devastating new Chain Reactions. Keep the bubbles in balance with the new Pulley Mechanism. Rank yourself with the comprehensive Ranking System. Mar 13, 2017 This page contains a list of cheats, codes, Easter eggs, tips, and other secrets for Bust-A-Move 4 for PlayStation.If you've discovered a cheat you'd like to add to the page, or have a correction.
Finally, Bubble Memories: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is a mildly disappointing sequel as it features only 2 characters and doesn't differentiate itself much from the other games but it does have some pretty cool boss fights.Meanwhile, Bust-A-Move had 4 arcade sequels. Bust-A-Move 2 introduced a non-linear campaign structure and the ability to play against CPU players and Bust-A-Move 3 added a character select, rainbow bubbles, node-based puzzles, endurance challenges, and had a very unique visual style. Bust-A-Move 4 went above and beyond by including pulley-based stages, the ability to perform chain reactions, and some welcome new modes. Last but not least, the Japan-exclusive Super Bust-A-Move includes different sized bubbles, new kinds of blocks, and even a co-op mode. It goes without saying but Bust-A-Move clearly wins when it comes to arcade sequels.
Bub sure loves to gloat in Bubble Bobble Console revivalsAside from the arcade games that started these fantastic series, there have been tons of console games as well, many of which were attempted revivals of the franchises. Although I could go on about these all day, I'll just discuss the highlights. In the mid-'00s, both Bubble Bobble Revolution for DS and Bubble Bobble Evolution for PSP released. The former actually had an infamous game-ending bug at level 30 but I sent my copy to the publisher and got a replacement fixed version in return.
Anyway, neither of these games are that good but a couple of years later, Bubble Bobble Double Shot for DS brought back the classic gameplay in a rather fun way. Finally, Bubble Bobble Plus / Neo for Wii / Xbox 360 did a good job of recreating the classic game with swanky new 3D visuals.Nintendo's DS also had a couple of Bust-A-Move games.
The simply titled Bust-A-Move DS was a decent portable game that featured fun use of the touchscreen to charge and aim shots while Space Bust-A-Move has more traditional gameplay yet includes a fun and quirky story campaign. The Wii had a couple of games, too, in the form of the somewhat basic Bust-A-Move Plus and the silly fast-paced 8 player Bust-A-Move Bash. One of the weirdest console games is Ultra Bust-A-Move for Xbox as it has trippy visuals and doesn't even include Bub or Bob. One of my favourite console adaptations of the series is Super Bust-A-Move (not to be confused with the arcade game of the same name) along with its sequel and GameCube port ( Bust-A-Move 3000). The amount of fun to be had in those games is virtually unmatched in the puzzle genre. After all is said and done, it's clear that Bust-A-Move has the better console releases. MultiplayerBefore wrapping this up and deciding on an overall winner, I figured I should discuss how fun each of these franchises are to play with a friend.
It's difficult to decide because they are both extremely enjoyable. Bubble Bobble is one of the best cooperative games ever made as far as I'm concerned yet Bust-A-Move provides a ton of competitive puzzle fun, sometimes for more than 2 players. That being said, the cheerful vibe of the original Bubble Bobble with its intuitive and immediately gratifying gameplay makes playing it with a friend a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience so I have to give it the win here but you really can't go wrong with either. Bub plays a friendly game of Bust-A-Move with a chumWell, this certainly went on longer than I thought it would so perhaps I should just pick a winner now and that winner is. Winner Bust-A-MoveBubble Bobble is a top-notch cooperative arcade experience that still holds up beautifully in this day and age. However, the simplicity of Bust-A-Move makes it one of the best puzzle series ever created and with so many sequels, original console releases, and enjoyable clones over the years; I feel it deserves to win here by a slight margin.
With all of that in mind, I sure miss Taito and would take yet another revival of their arcade catalogue over any modern game, that's for sure.That's just my opinion. Related.Reviews.Top 10s.Articles.23:42.Sections on this page:, and.You may also be interested in these:, and.Discover more.Filed under: ›. Larx (larxinostic): Both great picks.
I nonetheless side with Bust-a-Move hard; it has stayed my absolute favorite (yes, #1 favorite) arcade title to play. Each visit to a Round 1, I plunk down in front of a Puzzle Bobble cabinet to sink in a round or two.: Taito wins regardless!Tylerh1701: Oh no way! Co-op Bubble Bobble with my brother is one of my favorite early gaming memories. The game itself is so much better than any silly bubble launcher! I do like Bust-A-Move enough, but its not even close to Bubble Bobble!A.J.
Maciejewski (crazyaejay): Yeah, Taito's the best.A.J. Maciejewski (crazyaejay): No way, Jose!.
BUST A MOVE 4 FOR GAMEBOY COLOR FAQ, V1.0By Michael T. TylerUnpublished work Copyright, June 8, 1999, Michael T.
TylerThis Bust A Move 4 for Gameboy Color guide is for private and personal use only. It can only bereproduced electronically, and if placed on a web page or site, may be altered as long as thisdisclaimer and the above copyright notice appears in full. This guide is not to be used for anycommercial, profitable and/or promotional purposes; this includes being used by publishers ofmagazines, guides, books, etc. Or being incorporated into magazines, etc. Thisincludes such gaming magazines such as Expert Gamer, Game Cave or the likes. This guide wascreated and is owned by me, Michael T. Any and all copyrightsand trademarks are acknowledged that are not specifically mentioned in this FAQ, includingthose belonging to Acclaim, Crawfish Interactive, Taito and Nintendo.
Anyone else other thanMichael T. Tyler claiming this FAQ as their own work will face a serious lawsuit.TABLE OF CONTENTS1) FAQ History1.1 Version 1.02) Introduction & His Story2.1 Introduction to Puzzle Bobble (Bub & Bob 101)2.2 The Story. So Far3) Controls3.1 Button Configuration4) Game Basics4.1 Objective4.2 Special Bubbles4.3 Basic Strategies5) Game Modes & Strategy5.1 Arcade5.1.1 Objective5.1.2 Mode Description5.1.3 Level Map5.1.4 The Pulley System5.1.5 Level Hints5.1.6 Ending5.2 Vs. Computer5.2.1Objective5.2.2 Mode Description5.2.3 Playable Characters5.2.4 Hidden Characters5.2.5 Attack Patterns & Vs.
Strategy5.3 Challenge5.3.1 Objective5.3.2 Mode Description5.3.3 Ranking Process & Stage Evaluation5.3.4 Level Descriptions5.3.5 Level Strategy5.4 Options6) Scoring System6.1 Scoring Table7) Codes7.1 In Game Codes8) Other Resources8.1 Related Websites9) Thanks9.1 Special Thanks1) FAQ History1.1 Version 1.0-Everything that is not included in later editions!2) Introduction & His Story2.1 Introduction to Puzzle Bobble (Bub & Bob 101)-. To be added in future update.2.2 The Story. Thus Far-Planet BubbleLuna is where the twin brothers Bub and Bob live. This planet was very peaceful andcalm until a momentous incident occured. Today, no sun resides over the planet BubbleLuna.
Infact, there will be no sun rise tomorrow morning, or the morning after, or the morning afterthat. For now darkness and night continues without end. It is now believed that the fairy ofthe night, Cleon, probably stole the planet's magnificent light source, the Rainbow, as orderedby Full-Moon Madame Luna. Without the rainbow, Bub and Bob's world is without light. Ultimately,Madame Luna feared the Rainbow would be taken from her, so she divided it into seven (7)different colored light bubbles, and dispersed the light bubbles throught the universe.' We must get light back on our planet!'
Bub abd Bob embarked on a universal-wide journey in aneffort to retrieve the seven lost light bubbles. If Planet Luna is to ever see the light of dayagain, and everyone is to live happily ever after, they must succeed in their quest. Above two paragraphs copyright 1999 Acclaim.3) Controls3.1 Button Configuration-A = fire bubbleB = centers launcherLEFT, RIGHT = move launcher right or leftSTART = pause gameSELECT + START + A + B = reset game to title screen4) Game Basics4.1 Objective-To eliminate bubbles by touching three or more bubbles of the same color to drop them. The morebubbles dropped, the higher your score. Continue to eliminate bubbles until all are gone. Thegame is over once a color or star bubble crossed the line towards the bottom of the playfield.Look under game modes for specific objectives and miscleanous information.4.2 Special Bubbles-. Anti-gravity block - A block that floats upward.
Fulcrum Block - Eliminated only once all attached bubbles are zapped into infinity!. Jama-Block - Can not be eliminated, only dropped.
Rainbow Bubble - Turns to color of attached bubbles that are popped. Star Bubble: Eliminates all bubbles of same color it is shot with.
For example, shooting ablue bubble on a star bubble eliminates all blue bubbles within the playing field. Cool, isn'tit?4.3 Basic Strategies-. Will be highly detailed in upcoming versions.5) Game Modes & Strategy5.1 Arcade Mode-5.1.1 ObjectiveThe objective of arcade mode is to eliminate all bubbles in playing field to advance to nextround.5.1.2 Mode DescriptionAs in Mortal Kombat, you are allowed to choose your destiny with three difficulty levels. Had to sneak that lame joke in there!) The difficulty level always shows a guideline andlasts only five rounds. To defeat arcade mode in normal or expert difficulty, all 30 rounds mustbe completed before running out of credits. A guideline is not shown unless you lost in a certainround and continued.5.1.3 Level MapLev. X Y Z / / / / / /Lev.
O P Q R S T / / / / /Lev. J K L M N / / / /Lev. F G H I / / /Lev.
C D E / /Lev. A B /Start. Credit: Marco Marzolla, Bust A Move 2 Levels FAQ5.1.4 The Pulley SystemBeware, oh beware of the unbalanced pulleys! Here is an explanation of the pulley system fromthe Puzzle Bobble 4 FAQ by Carl Chavez, the Bub and Bob guru:'A pulley consists of two anchor blocks attached to a rope. If each anchor has an equivalentnumber of bubbles attached to it, the pulley is balanced.
If you add bubbles to one side, itpulls that bubble cluster down and moves the other up.All. bubbles attached to the bubblecluster will be dropped if the anchor bubble is dropped, even if they're touching otherbubbles. The pulley will stop moving if the anchor's bubble cluster is connected to eitheranother pulley anchor's bubble cluster, its own pulley anchor's bubble cluster, or to astationary anchor.5.1.5 Level Hints. To be added in future update for the more difficult levels.5.1.6 EndingYou are congratulated and the more puzzles code is shown. Afterwards, the credits roll.5.2 Vs.
Computer-5.2.1 ObjectiveA winner is only declared once the opponent has a bubble crossing the bottom borderline of theplaying field.5.2.2 Mode DescriptionFor anyone familiar with the Playstation version of BAM4, the vs. Computer mode in the GBCversion is the same as the Win A Contest mode in BAM4 for PSX.
With 16 or more wins, youcomplete an illustration of your character. Along the way, characters can be unlocked whenyou face one and defeat it. Unfortunately the game does not save high scores or unlockedcharacters, so they must be earned each time the GBC is turned on. UGH!5.2.3 Playable Characters:. Bub - The hero of our wonderful story! Has a bubbly personality. (Get it, bubbly!) Hasattack pattern for beginners.
Alkanet - A princess from Planet Freeze. Attacks mainly with rainbow bubbles. Marino - The son of Queen Naleto of planet Wavy.
Prepares for battle since Kingdom of the Seawas roughed by the incident. Has an aggresive attack pattern. Kurol - A baby donning costumes prom planet Grrrrmm. Uses agreesive pattern in battle. Tam-Tam - The Lord Protector of planet Navajo. He can be nice, nasty or just plain Nicety!His attack pattern remains a mystery.
Cleon - See section 2.2 She wishes to overthrow Madame Luna to assume title Conquerer of theUniverse. Attack pattern is versatile and aggresive. G - No.
G is an old man from planet Ordeuax. Has an attack pattern for beginners. Brumb - My personal character of choice to humiliate competition. He is an evil, mad sorcererfrom planet Marzuk.
Has a very aggresive attack pattern. Develon - A cute dragon from planet Diable and is the arch-rival of Bub and Bob. A verybalanced character.
Gigant - A cheif secutiry robot guard at a ruined castle on planet Gothic. Most aggresivecharcter in game.5.2.4 Hidden Characters.
Will be added in next faq update.5.2.5 Attack Patterns & Vs. StrategyAbbreviations are as follows: R = red, B = blue, Bo = bright ornage, Lo = light orange, G =green, Ra = rainbow, St = star and F = fulcrum block. Bub - Bub's arsenal mainly consists of same colored bubbles.
Never panic if bubbles areclosing in on the bottom of the playing field. Due to Bub's attack pattern and the chainreaction system, hope is never lost, especially when the right bubble comes at the rightmoment. Attack pattern:-R R Lo Bo G B BR R Lo Bo G B B-.
Alkanet - Simply pop through the rainbow bubbles by popping three or more blue bubbles at once.Alkanet's attack also contains a star bubble and when popped at the proper moment will spell nearinstant defeat for Alkanet. Attack pattern:-B Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra BB Ra Ra St Ra Ra Ra-. Marino - Battle using the same strategy as against Alkanet. The only differnce is that Marinodoes not use a star bubble.
Attack pattern:-Ra Ra G Ra Ra Ra RaRa Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra B-. Kurol - Offers a unique attack pattern. As with the three previous characters, never panic!With the right colored bubble at the correct moment, Kurol can be tossed to a major disadvantage.Attack pattern:-R R Bo Lo G B BRa Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra Ra-.
Tam-Tam - Use similar strategy as battling Bub. Bub and Tam Tam's attack pattern are very close.Attack pattern:-R R Bo Lo G B BR Bo Bo Lo G G B-. Cleon - The Fairy of the Night poses a serious threat except with one fatal flaw.
Cleon'sarsenal includes a star bubble. Be very careful and make sure to eliminate jama blocks ASAP.Otherwise, your game might as well be over! Attack pattern:-R Lo Ra St Ra Ja BG Lo R Bo B G Lo-. G - G's attack pattern is a modified version of Bub and Tam-Tam's. As usual, never panic whenbattling G because huge chain reaction combos are waiting to happen when battling this oldgeezer! Attack pattern:-R G R Bo B G BB Bo B G R Bo R-.
Bramb - Bramb is quite possibly the toughest of playable character to defeat. His attackpattern contains not one, but two jama blocks and no star or rainbow bubbles. This makesaccuracy and major chain reactions a very important to perform while battling Bramb. It isimperative to not panic against this tough adversary.
Attack pattern:-R Ja R G Bo G BR G Bo G B Ja B-. Develon - With an attack similar to Bub, Develon's a true pushover. Attack pattern:-R R Lo Bo G B BR Lo Lo Bo G G B-.
Gigant - Although no special bubbles appear in Gigant's arsenal, his misclanneous mixupof color bubbles can add tons of misery to opponents. Like Brumb one major chain reaction byGiant can cause an opponent nightmares. Attack pattern:-Bo G B Bo B G BoG Bo B G B Bo G-5.3 Challenge-5.3.1 ObjectiveTo receive the highest ranking possible.5.3.2 Mode DescriptionAfter clearing a specific number of rounds, you are evaluated based on speed, accuracy andtechnique.
There are five stages, each composing of five rounds except the third which isone long round.5.3.3 Ranking System & Stage EvaluationThe GBC BAM4 version of the ranking system is totally opposite of the PSX version. However, 20ranking levels still remain. The worst ranking is 10th Class. Other notable rankings include1st Class, 1st Honor and Expert (Best). Each stage ranks you on a scale from A (best) to F(worst).
If you fail to clear a certain stage, your grade is lowered by one letter.5.3.4 Stage DescriptionsEach level judges you based on certain aspects of gameplay. For instance level 2 tests you on time.Below are excerpts taken directly from the BAM4 game. All passages are copyright 1999 Acclaim.
Level 1'Let's clear!' 'Let's clear five rounds.' 'Even if you fail, you can still go to the next stage.' . Level 2'Hurry up! 'Hurry as quickly as you can.'
. Level 3'Rapidly advancing'Burst the advancing bubbles.' 'How far can you go?' . Level 4'Burst as many as you can'Burst as many possible at one time.' 'If you become too greedy, you'll fail!'
. Level 5'Don't use too many bubbles.' 'Try not to shoot too many of your bubbles.' 'Aim as accurately as you can.' 5.3.5 Level StrategyAlways remember that you always automatically advance to the next round of place regardlessif you clear it or not.
Also, each character has his or her own round configuration, but eachround is similar for every character. You will not see pulleys on stage 1, round 1.Strategy will be added in upcoming editions of this FAQ for stages 1, 2, 4 and 5. Stage 3 Strategy - Note that this one long continous screen.
It normally takes at least fourto five minutes to complete and each character has a unique configuration. For example, Kurol'sstage 3 includes a ton of star bubbles while Bub's contains many colored bubbles. Specificcharacter strategies will updated in upcoming FAQ updates.6) Scoring System6.1 Scoring Table-Each bubble is worth 10 points when it pops.
The table below gives bonus point value for extrabubbles popped:Dropped Bubbles Points1 202 403 804 1605 3206 6407 9 50 4105 327600A Bonus is also given between 0 and 500,000 for finishing within 28 seconds, unlike the PSXversion where a bonus is given for round completion within 65 seconds. Don't ask why Acclaimis so lazy.
A more detailed time bonus breakdown will appear in the next update.7) Codes7.1 In Game Codes-The following code must be entered at the title screen. A small pink-orangish creature willappear in the bottom right hand corner to confirm correct code entry. Extra Puzzles: A, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, A8) Releated Bub and Bob Sites8.1 Websites-. To be added in future FAQ updates! For right now visit bubandbob.com, I personally guarantee,you will not be disappointed!9) Credits & Thanks9.1 Special Credits & Thanks-.
Special thanks to Acclaim for having plenty of great options. However, a special gas face(otherwise known as the Bozak) shout out goes to Acclaim for screwing up the color scheme. Carl Chavez for his wonderful Bub and Bob website and FAQ located bubandbob.com.
Game FAQs and Just the FAQs for their magnificent FAQ sites. To me, for completely wasting my valuable time!. Credit goes to Kao Megura for most of opening disclaimer. No thanks to Internet thieves and plagarisers. You cut-up cucumber heads suck seriousposterior.
And if I catch any plagarisers claiming my work as their own, you definitely haven'theard of Smoking Joe Morrissey!(c) 1999. Unpublished Works, Michael T.