Bubble Bobble 4 Friends

If you've got a group of people that you want to play with, or if you want to replay the original game, then you should check out the new update. But I came out of this review with more critiques than I realized while playing. Turns out, some of my favorite parts were just playing the game with my kids, but the game itself. In the end, the game is flawed, but it's trying, and that's all we can really ask for.

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. Those who prefer complex plots and modern design may be a bit disappointed, but anyone who likes a more arcadey sort of game should enjoy it.

With an emphasis on local multiplayer up to four people, this is an experience that will deliver a lot of fun, addictive gameplay to those who pick it up. While its content could be broader and the soundtrack could use improvements, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is nevertheless a good choice for those looking for a compelling multiplayer experience.

You’ll be done with the 50 stages in just under a couple hours, at which point you’ll unlock remixed and slightly more challenging versions of those stages. 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.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is a fun and approachable multiplayer game for players of all ages and a wonderful recreation of an old school classic. With that said, the Nintendo eShop price tag that accompanies it can be pretty hard to swallow, especially when you consider that most players with a bit of gaming experience will have it beat in a couple of hours at best. Perfecting its three-star demands will certainly add a few more hours to the clock, but it seems like a rather easy post to lean on when there’s far more potential in building upon the jetstream mechanics to contribute towards a higher level count.

The best Bubble Bobble game in over two decades and while it isn’t quite as perfectly formed as the original it is one of the best couch co-op games of the year.

It’s always good to have classic franchises like this back, even if it doesn’t bring anything new to the table. If you miss this series, you’ll have a as good time with it.

There’s not much to dislike in Bubble Bobble 4 Friends if you’re looking for some simple yet solid arcade action. Whether you play alone or with friends, there’s fun to be had, and with 100 levels to get through, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. Its modern facelift looks great, but it is little more than an old classic in disguise.

A friendly return to the franchise, but clearly too short. Specially recommended for the younger members of the family.

A decade after the release of Bubble Bobble Plus!, the beloved Taito saga is back with a new iteration designed exclusively for Switch. Maybe Bubble Bobble 4 Friends it is not the best entry at all in this franchise, but at least the 4 players cooperative mode is really fun.

Short and minimalistic arcade-snack that shows its entertainment value mainly in a party situation.

So while I'd recommend Bubble Bobble 4 Friends, I'd recommend waiting for a price drop, even if you're a longtime fan. United Games Entertainment GmbH really dropped the ball on this game's price, and it's pretty sad that I can't give it my wholehearted recommendation because of that.

I appreciate how easy Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is to pick up and play. I’d recommend it to fans of chasing high-scores in the arcade, especially if you liked the original Bubble Bobble. However, past the nostalgia, there’s nothing that will keep you playing for much longer after you get through this incredibly short experience. Throw in the high price tag, and I’d say that you’re better off blowing a few quarters at an actual arcade then bringing this experience home with you.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is 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 exactly what you expected it to be regarding it’s name and legacy. The problem is that it doesn’t try to be anything more than just a family friendly game. And besides that, it lasts just for a few hours and costs a lot for what it provides.

A decent update that isn't quite challenging enough or long enough to justify it's high price point.

A charming and entertaining resurrection for a much-loved retro series, with a fun multiplayer mode and clever level design. It’s a very short adventure, though, which makes its premium price point difficult to justify.

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 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 will appeal to younger audiences. Older players will have to have very rose-tinted specs to appreciate this over previous versions.

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is more Bubble Bobble. One that was possibly intended for a new generation whilst also appealing to the old. Unfortunately though, it is unlikely to provide a memorable experience for either.