Bubble Bobble 4 Friends Reviews
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the kind of the game that doesn’t break any boundaries, as it didn’t need to. All Taito needed to do is bring one of its most famous franchises of all time back to the spotlight and make it accessible to a brand new generation of gamers. By doing so on a console that is perfect for a little and cutesy multiplayer game like this, they succeeded.
In the end, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a mediocre platforming experience. Inconsistent level design and restrictive ability access holds this game back from being a truly enjoyable experience. I will continue to remember Bub and Bob fondly from my youth, but this outing does little to build upon the legacy.
For veterans of the Bubble Bobble series, this is a worthy follow up to the classics. For newcomers, the accessibility options, like the lack of a serious penalty for dying, make this one of the easiest places in the series to jump in. If you don't mind the light amount of content, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is an excellent pickup.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends fails to bust a move and find any justification for its high price point. It lacks in length, it lacks in features, and even lacks a leaderboard, an oversight for this kind of game. While it is an enjoyable title with a few friends, there are plenty more affordable multiplayer arcade-style games available for even a quarter of the price.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a pleasant callback to yesteryear, with just enough changed to keep it from simply retreading old ground. It is a little short if one charges through, points be damned, but it’s still several hours long at least.
Besides these more difficult levels and the arcade version of Bubble Bobble, there isn’t a lot of staying power in this new entry. You’ll still be delighted by it during the brief time you spend with it, thanks to adorable 3D visuals and sharp music. It’s just a shame that there’s so little to do here, especially after such a long wait for a new entry in the series.
While it's great to see the franchise persist and I could probably play the original for the umpteenth time, there isn't much to be excited with here. Most of the stages are pretty easy, special bubbles only make a difference if you're lacking in skill or want to maximize points and there is only so far you can go with the concept. Less skilled or younger players will probably feel at home, as will anyone that just wants to constantly try to build on perfection. If that is you, you'll probably love it but everyone else it's an okay game that isn't bad to play with others.
WORTH CONSIDERING - This is a game that everybody should get some enjoyment out of, but odds are you’ll spend much more time playing the included arcade port. One day I hope to see the quality sequel diehard fans deserve, but for now I am happy to be able to get my Bubble Bobble fix on the Switch. I still had a good time playing through it, and was satisfied completing it, but the original is still light years ahead of this.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the type of game the Nintendo Switch was made for.
Playing Bubble Bobble 4 Friends will make you appreciate just how well certain classic gameplay formulas have held up over the decades. From its charming presentation to its enjoyable multiplayer implementation, retro and modern gamers will find a lot to love here.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a simple and comfortable arcade platformer that is quite fun for its short runtime.
The retail price may not justify the amount of gameplay time that will satisfy the experience to the fullest but Bubble Bobble 4 Friends features a series first, 4 player simultaneous multiplayer. The Bubble Bobble franchis has had a national impact in the heart of gamers who lived through the Korean arcade culture. Those gamers will welcome the bonus feature of the original first iteration of the franchise. Another great family fun game great for parties and gatherings.
Review in Korean | Read full review
The game’s brevity aside, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a blast while it lasts. I love the new upgradable skills, which add an extra layer of depth to the arcade antics without trying to reinvent the wheel. And the ability to participate in multiplayer mayhem with four players makes Taito’s latest offering one of the most enjoyable party games to find its way to the Switch to date.
A quaint little arcade platformer that makes up for a lack of staying power with plenty of vintage arcade fun.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is an unfortunate step backward. It's a fun, but very vanilla entry in the long-running series. The launch content doesn't match the launch price, nor does it compare favorably with other arcade games available on the Switch eShop.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the best-playing entry in the long-running series.
I found this game difficult to enjoy. It just doesn't do enough to keep you entertained and, at points, I struggled to even want to try to finish it. The repetitive nature of the game may appeal to some and while this type of game may have been "milestone" back in the '80s, nowadays we always hope for more bang for our buck. I would wait until it's on sale before purchasing as I just can't justify the £35 price tag.
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the new part of this long-running Taito franchise. With a cooperative game oriented approach, and new mechanics and skills, the game guarantees us simple and direct fun, although it is true that it can be short, and easy, at least the first round, although ININ Games has taken into account the customers feedback and is preparing a free expansion with more levels and the return of Baron von Blubba, a classic, and a good move by the studio.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is spectacular and it does have a lot to offer those willing to jump in and give it a whirl. But speaking of giving it a chance: Let’s talk about performance for just a second. Just remember to try out the new various bubble abilities you will get as you play. Our favorite? The lightning bubble that shocks a single row and takes out any enemies it can with an electrical shock.
Taito’s latest creation is an example of a retro revival done right and a release this caliber was an awesome way to celebrate the franchise’s 34-year legacy.