Bust-A-Move Universe

There are other, just as capable ways to get your Bust-A-Move fix on the go, especially if own an iOS device, where you can get two different Bust-A-Move games for much cheaper. Or, y'know, the thousands of clones that are also available. But in any case, why not go with the real deal?

With its lower price point, Bust-A-Move Universe was supposed to be a no-brainer for puzzle fans to pick up alongside their new 3DS consoles. The core of the game is still brilliant in its design and just as addictive as it ever was. However, the lack of modes and the reduction in difficulty has created a title that feels like a huge step backward for the franchise. If you don't mind the lack of multiplayer and are perfectly content with what's available here, try renting Universe. Otherwise, it's best to wait around and see if a new version will rectify the mistakes in this one.

Puzzle Bobble Universe is really entertaining. It's funny and challenging, but only for 88 levels, because there aren't more levels in the game. Also the missing multiplayer modes, the lack of innovation and the pure 3d feeling are lowering the score. If you like Puzzle Bobble, the game is pretty nice, but you don't need a 3DS. The game could easily be published on the DS/DSi with nearly no losses on graphical details.

A fun game, but one where you'll struggle to get your money's worth. [May 2011, p.88]

Puzzle Bobble Universe is still a fantastic puzzle effort at heart, yet due to it being a considerably cut down version of its older brother, sadly it is hard to recommend this - especially since the Nintendo 3DS is backwards compatible with the regular DS, meaning Puzzle Bobble Galaxy will play just fine on the 3D portable.

Bust-A-Move Universe has some serious negative sides (like being way too short and having no multiplayer), but the core gameplay is as solid as ever.

The time-tested bubble popping gameplay on its own is still enjoyable, but leaves a bit to be desired after going through the rounds. Unless you're a devout fan of the series, I'd say get mileage on your shiny new 3DS somewhere else as this version of Bust-A-Move is far from being the definitive package.

Despite its challenging and addictive gameplay, this offering is simply too thin to deserve a rock solid recommendation unless the other 3DS titles aren't what you're looking for.

Puzzle Bobble Universe's main faults lie in the lack of content and uninspired 3D effects. However, the gameplay will still be fun and appealing to a lot of gamers, especially those that haven't had the chance to experience a Puzzle Bobble game before.

The absence of a multiplayer mode is not justifiable by any means, and puzzle mode is incredibly short and unchallenging. But gameplay keeps being fun and addictive.

Puzzle Bobble Universe offers familiar bubble popping gameplay, but with a distinct lack of game modes.

As for the 3D, it's completely unnecessary and we turned it off quickly. Bust-A-Move is a 2D game through and through, and not only does 3D not add anything to the experience whatsoever, but it didn't look that great either.

A very thin package that feels almost aggressively old-school through its distinct lack of features. While the core game is addictive as ever, the puzzles end too soon and the rest of the content is so underwhelming that you'll wonder how much time it actually spent in the kitchen.

Bust-A-Move Universe is a lot like its bubble-bursting predecessors, except it costs more and delivers less.

You'll complete the game within a couple of hours, with little more to do than unlock self-gratifying awards.

Even at the discounted price of 30 dollars, this is clearly the wrong move to bust on a new platform.

Bust-A-Move Universe is a great puzzle game, but unless you're a big fan of the series or a die-hard puzzle fanatic, this is a senseless purchase. You can find similar games online for free or, inevitably, for much cheaper on the 3DS download platforms (when they launch).

An oldie but a goodie. Alas, also a shortie. [May 2011, p.50]

Considering that the 3D visuals and the two game modes don't raise the bar as many had hoped and expected, Puzzle Bobble Universe will only appeal to real hardcore fans of the series. If you're not among them, look for one of the many flash versions of the game available through the web.

Puzzle Bobble Universe has a great lack of content and it's missing both multiplayer and regular leaderboards. The game is also very easy to beat, extremely short and a bit hacky feel in the control, although some of the core gaming is still fairly solid.

The pre-historic puzzle-animals Bub and Bob shoot bubbles in three different dimensions this time, which really says it all. The game has no multiplayer modes, doesn't use the unique 3D-capabilities and can be finished in a few hours. The game simply isn't worth your money.

Easy to understand and addictive in small portions, but extremely short on content and no multiplayer.

The 3D effect itself, cheerfully rotating its wheels in the background, does absolutely nothing. [Issue#108, p.116]

Bust-A-Move Universe – from the puzzles to the music – feels stale. There simply are not enough new features to warrant purchasing it.

A tiny game that costs full price.

Bust-A-Move Universe stops just shy of being an irredeemably terrible game, but it's certainly not good.

We have played many times this game. It hasn't news and the use of the bad 3D is an excuse to sell it. Short, ugly and boring. It's not the funny puzzle that it was.

Quotation forthcoming.