Review: Bubble Bobble 4 Friends (Nintendo Switch)

The popular dragons Bub and Bob are back! Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the latest game in the legendary Bubble Bobble series from Taito.

Pros:

  • Cutesy cartoon graphics.
  • 653mb download size.
  • Two control layouts.
  • Simple controls.
  • Gameplay-trap enemies in bubbles then pop them to eliminate them.
  • How to play pop up and section.
  • Classic soundtrack.
  • Four-player local support.
  • Memory album-watch unlocked cutscenes and intros.
  • Power ups-earn and assign before playing. It can be things like speed bubbles or timed bomb bubbles.
  • Customisation-earn/wear new costumes.
  • Each area on the map is 10 levels and a boss fight.
  • Big boss encounters.
  • Combo “chain” counter.
  • Unlimited continues/level restarts.
  • Invincibility-get game over 3 times on the one level to get a choice to turn invincibility on.
  • Bubbles-bounce on, pop by jumping down.
  • Puzzle elements throughout.
  • Easy to learn.
  • It contains the original Bubble Bobble 8 bit version.
  • Collect EXTEND across the levels for new powerups and earn 1-3 stars for the levels.
  • Fun to play.
  • Solid gameplay.
  • Levels contain special effect bubbles and interactions.

Cons:

  • No touchscreen support.
  • Can’t play in handheld and must play with a Joycon or pad.
  • One hit deaths.
  • Some bad level designs.
  • Can’t save progress mid-level.
  • No online leaderboards.
  • On bigger levels the camera pans right out and makes it really hard to see.

  • 8/10
    Graphics - 8/10
  • 7/10
    Sound - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Accessibility - 7/10
  • 7/10
    Length - 7/10
  • 8/10
    Fun Factor - 8/10
7.4/10

Summary

Bubble Bobble is back but not as you know it! So it keeps the core gameplay of catching enemies in bubbles then popping them for a score, but they add in special power bubbles like bombs and the like. It makes the game play a little more differently with an almost puzzle overtone to it. Levels grow in size and skill as you progress and boss fights are a nice addition if a bit infuriating. For the lesser skilled player the invincibility perk is nice and you have no repercussions from using it. In what feels like a bargaining chip of sorts, you do have the original Bubble Bobble in all its 8 bit glory available from the off. Multiplayer adds a bit more life to the game but with no way to save progress mid level and the general slow pace of it all, Bubble Bobble is indeed back but just not how you remember it at  all.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!