Nerdicus NES Review #102 : Bubble Bobble Part 2

Title : Bubble Bobble Part 2

Publisher : Taito

Genre : Platform

Players : 1 / 2 Player

Release Date : 1993

Estimated Value (as of today's date) : $150-$250

If you were one of the lucky few to have owned this game when it came out back in 1993, I truly hope that you decided to hold on to it. Forget about the fact that this game is basically remake of the first game, the real treasure-factor about this game is thanks to how rare it is.

This game was one of the final titles released for the NES, and when that comes to mind you know the amount of games actually sent out for production were limited. It was the end of the NES era, and most gamers have moved on to the 16-bit systems. If you want to get your hands on Bubble Bobble 2, be prepared to shell out quite a bit of cash. You're talking around $150-$250 for just a loose cart, and in upwards of $500 for a fully boxed game.

I'm happy to say that the copy I owned......was lost during a move.........it was just a loose cart, but do you see that in the corner of my eye? That's a tear....

Anyway, there really wasn't anything too special about this game, and in fact besides the graphical improvements the game play remained the same. Still, you can't go wrong with Bubble Bobble, even if there is a little bit of conflict as to what the names of the dragons are this time around. Are they Bub and Bob, or are they Cubby and Rubby!? I DON'T KNOW!!

But let's find out.

Here we go. More bubble blowing madness. And once again someone's girlfriend gets kidnapped. I mean, is there that little creativity back in the 80's and 90's that video games always had to have someone get kidnapped. And why the hell are you a kid, who turns into a dragon that blows bubbles. Maybe, I should just stop questioning these sort of things.

As I've said, there's not much different with this game from the first one. You do have the ability to float a little bit higher by holding down the B button to charge your bubble up and float to the top, but the concept remains the same. Bubble-ize all the enemies, steal their loot, and move on to the next level.

You've also got the introduction of elemental bubbles to inflict different damage depending on the enemy. And speaking of enemies, a lot of the same ones return but there are some fresh faces included in the mix.

This game did implement the use of a new health system, where you can be hit numerous times and collect hearts to restore health. It does allow you to be more reckless in each level, as it was more unforgiving in the first game when dealing with enemies.

There are "boss fights" in this game, and while insanely easy they do offer a nice little reward if you beat them. After each boss, you're entitled to take part in a little bit of a mini game. That's right, you'll be able to play Basketball, Volleyball or a Gem Collection game. Why? Because it's fun, that's why.

The one thing that DID annoy me was the fact that they altered the way co-op mode works. Instead of being able to have 2 players on the screen at once, now the first player and second player alternates levels. What's the fun in that? I want co-op to be co-op..not the old switcheroo. Shame on you, Taito.

Other than that, it's visually a lot more appealing than the first, and the music remains irritatingly addictive. I'm seriously not going to be able to stop humming this damn theme song again.

Ah, well.....another classic, but doesn't have the same OOMPH as the first. Still, you can't knock it for keeping a successful formula the same. At least they TRIED to introduce a few new, albeit uninspired elements. Oh, and good luck finding it. If you do, let me know...me want....

Final Score (out of 5) :

Until next time. Keep on gaming!

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