Bubble Bobble - Old and New (GBA) (Bubble Bobble - Old and New (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Bubble Bobble - Old and New (GBA)
Date:	28/04/09 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Comparable to original arcade release

Disadvantages: "New" mode

"Bubble Bobble: Old and New" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2003 by Empire Interactive. It is based on the popular 1980s arcade classic "Bubble Bobble". In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The gameplay of this title is a remaster of the original arcade console. In it, players control a dragon known as "Bub" (first player) or "Bob" (second player) on a mission of over 100 levels to eliminate evil forces and collect objects, notably items of food, for additional points. It is a platform title with players jumping through the various ledges and other supports to gain access to the enemies who either fly or remain on the ground. Eliminating the enemies is done through releasing a bubble from the mouth of a dragon which suspends the enemy for a short while. From there, the player jumps into the bubble which "pops" it and destroys the contents inside which usually leaves behind a tasty treat for the player's score. These food items have no impact on actual gameplay besides point accumulation. There is no health system and touching the enemy is fatal for the player and will see his character lose one in-game life.

The idea of "Old" and "New" is somewhat deceptive to the buyer. Both versions of the game are identical in play but offer distinct graphical differences. The "old" is the original artwork, gameplay and audio implements which are identical to the arcade classic but the "new" is a revamped character and level design to suit later graphical technologies. The characters are given a more slender and healthy appearance and the enemies appear more aggressive than their original "friendlier" appearance. Both are appealing visually though the game is forced to make use of the Advance's scaling feature which requires the player to "zoom out" to fit all of the gameplay onto the display. This reduces the size of the characters dramatically but allows full view of enemy locations. Audio is identical to the original release and features one very catchy musical score and simple sound effects throughout.

As a fan of the original arcade release, I would recommend Old and New to prospective buyers. It retains the charm of the late 80s game and allows easy accessibility in a more modern world.

Summary: Thumbs up