1. General Analysis
Bubble Bobble is a platformer where players control two bubble-blowing dragons named Bub and Bob. The objective is simple, players go through single-screen levels, trapping enemies in bubbles and then popping them to progress. Bubble Bobble has unique gameplay mechanics, but it shares similarities with classic arcade titles such as: Mario Bros, BurgerTime, and Mr.Do!.
Bubble Bobble's success in the arcade market was remarkable, with the approval from both players and critics alike, being the 5th best-selling game in Japan in 1986. Its popularity led to various ports and adaptations for home consoles and computer systems. The game's success is evident, and it is reflected in its inclusion in numerous “Best of” lists of arcade gaming.
The game uses the Taito Bubble Bobble Hardware, made specifically for this arcade game and released in 1986.
This hardware is structured in:
- CPU: 2x Zilog Z80 @ 6 MHz
- Sound Chip: Z80 @ 4 MHz
- Additional CPU: M68705 @ 2MHz
- Additional Sound Chip: YM2203
- MCU: Motorola M6801 @ 4 MHz
Zilog Z80 - Hardware
Monitor:
- Orientation: Horizontal
- Type: Raster - Standard Resolution
- CRT: Color
- Video Resolution: 256x224
- FPS: 60 Hz
Controls:
- Number of Players Supported: 1-2 Players
- Control Panel Layout: Multiple Players
- Controls x Player: Button (x2), Joystick (x1)
Cabinet Style: Upright/Standard
Cabinet Machine
Taito Corporation logo
Bubble bobble was created by Fukio Mitsuji, a Japanese video game designer working for Taito Corporation. Mitsuji, known for his innovative and creative game designs, conceptualized Bubble Bobble as a follow-up to his earlier work, "Chack'n Pop". The arcade version of Bubble Bobble ran on Taito's custom arcade hardware. This hardware configuration provided the necessary processing and graphics capabilities to deliver the game's charming visuals and addictive gameplay.
Bubble bobble has been re-released multiple times. Versions:
| Game | Platform | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Bubble Bobble | Arcade | 1986 |
| Final Bubble Bobble | Sega Master System | 1988 |
| Bubble Bobble Part 2 | NES | 1993 |
| Bubble Bobble Junior | Game Boy | 1993 |
| Bubble Symphony | Arcade | 1994 |
| Bubble Memories | Arcade | 1996 |
| Classic Bubble Bobble | Game Boy Color | 1999 |
| Bubble Bobble: Old & New | Game Boy Advance | 2002 |
| Bubble Bobble Revolution | Nintendo DS | 2005 |
| Bubble Bobble Evolution | PlayStation Portable | 2006 |
| Bubble Bobble Double Shot | Nintendo DS | 2007 |
| Bubble Bobble Neo! | Xbox360 | 2009 |
| Bubble Bobble Plus! | Wii | 2009 |
| Bubble Bobble Double | iOS | 2010 |
| Bubble Bobble 4 Friends | Nintendo Switch | 2019 |