Bubble Bobble

Released in 1986 by Taito, Bubble Bobble introduced players to one of gaming's most endearing duos—Bub and Bob, two adorable dragons with the power to trap enemies in bubbles. What began as a simple arcade game would go on to become one of the most beloved titles of its era, spawning numerous sequels and spiritual successors.

The Bubble Dragons' Quest

The premise was charmingly simple yet emotionally resonant: two human brothers had been transformed into dragons by the evil Baron von Blubba. To return to human form and rescue their girlfriends, they would need to battle through 100 increasingly difficult stages in the Cave of Monsters.

As Bub (green) and Bob (blue), players could:

• Blow bubbles to trap enemies
• Pop bubbles to defeat trapped foes
• Collect fruit and treasures for points
• Use special bubbles for powerful effects

This accessible yet nuanced gameplay loop created an experience that was, as the game itself declared, "a bubble of fun to be enjoyed by all the family!"

Two-Player Cooperative Magic

Where Bubble Bobble truly shined was in its cooperative two-player mode:

• Both players needed to survive to progress to the next level
• Players could use teamwork to trap and pop enemies more efficiently
• The "true ending" was only accessible in two-player mode
• The shared experience created bonds between siblings, friends, and parents and children

This cooperative emphasis made Bubble Bobble a go-to game for arcade bonding, perfectly balancing competition for high scores with the need to work together.

Level Design: Brilliant in Simplicity

Each of the 100 single-screen levels was meticulously crafted:

• Platforms arranged in increasingly complex patterns
• Water and fire that added hazards and strategic elements
• Air currents that affected bubble and player movement
• Secret rooms with special items and challenges

The game's difficulty curve was masterfully designed, starting with straightforward levels before gradually introducing new concepts and challenges that tested even veteran players.

The Soundtrack That Never Leaves You

Composer Tadashi Kimijima created one of gaming's most iconic and memorable tunes for Bubble Bobble. The main theme—a cheerful, bouncy melody that played continuously throughout the game—has an almost hypnotic quality. Even decades later, most players can instantly recall and hum the tune after hearing just a few notes.

Power-Ups and Special Bubbles

The game's variety came from its impressive array of power-ups:

• Cross bubbles that unleashed lightning across the screen
• Fire bubbles that sent flames horizontally
• Water bubbles that created devastating downpours
• Star bubbles that collected all items on screen
• Candy that increased movement speed
• Potions that filled the screen with bubbles

Learning when and how to use these power-ups added a layer of strategy to the seemingly simple gameplay.

EXTEND Bubbles and the Letter Collection

One of the game's most ingenious features was the EXTEND system. By collecting bubbles containing the letters E-X-T-E-N-D, players could earn extra lives. This added a treasure-hunting element to each level, encouraging exploration and risk-taking rather than just enemy elimination.

Secrets and Hidden Mechanics

Bubble Bobble was deceptively deep, with numerous secrets:

• Special routes could be accessed by popping bubbles in specific orders
• Diamond items appeared under specific conditions
• The game tracked "anger points" when players took too long on a level, sending out tougher enemies
• Certain levels contained hidden doors to warp zones and bonus areas

These secrets created a rich playground for experimentation and discovery, with players sharing tips and tricks long before the internet made game guides commonplace.

The True Ending

Perhaps most legendary was Bubble Bobble's insistence on cooperation for the complete experience. Only by playing through the entire game with two players could the "true" happy ending be achieved. This ending revealed that the second set of girlfriends belonged to the parents of Bub and Bob, adding a surprisingly touching multigenerational element to the story.

Legacy of the Bubbles

Bubble Bobble's influence extends far beyond its original release. The game:

• Launched a franchise including Rainbow Islands and Puzzle Bobble (Bust-a-Move)
• Pioneered cooperative gameplay mechanics
• Demonstrated that cute aesthetics could accompany challenging gameplay
• Proved that simple mechanics, when polished to perfection, could create timeless experiences

In arcades filled with space shooters, racing games, and beat 'em ups, Bubble Bobble stood out with its colorful world, cooperative focus, and accessible yet deep gameplay. It remains a testament to an era when a game built around blowing bubbles could capture the hearts and quarters of players worldwide.

"Now, it is beginning of a fantastic story! Let us make a journey to the cave of monsters! Good luck!"