After all these years, Taito’s Bubble Bobble series continues to soldier on. How could it not? Ever since its introduction in the 80s, it’s become a staple for the company. Combining cute visuals with dizzying challenge and co-op shenanigans, its bubble blowing goodness continues to hold strong. So…how does it fare with the franchise’s latest release, Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons?
Not bad, but there are some caveats to consider. The game has a roguelite approach with its level design, rather than the general static levels you’re used to. But each one is filled with enemies waiting to be trapped and popped, along with helpful power-ups. That said, I do feel the challenge level is a bit high, especially considering your character dies from one hit. Even an accidental touch.
However, those that jump into the challenge will welcome the upgrades within grasp. And the game does have cute written all over it when it comes to presentation – perhaps the brightest we’ve seen in the series to date. And, last but not least, it’s nice to have the classic Saturn adventure Bubble Symphony included, in perfect form.
People worn out on the Bubble Bobble formula aren’t likely to come back for Sugar Dungeons, as its ongoing grind and difficulty may turn off potential bubble blasters. But die-hard fans of the series shouldn’t miss it, especially for the opportunity to snag Bubble Symphony for a great price. Plus it’s always fun in co-op, provided you and your fellow bubbler are on the same page.
Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons Isn’t Always Sweet To Players
The first thing you’ll notice about Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons is its unskippable “training” stage. You’ll learn the basics here, but it feels unnecessary if you’re familiar with the series. That said, it helps to relearn the tactics, as you’re then thrown right into sugar dungeon territory.
It’s here that the enemies come at you fast and quick in ever-changing roguelite style levels. It’s a neat approach, but can also throw you off unexpectedly, especially in later levels. And some might find frustration over losing the stage with even the slightest touch from an enemy. That’s par for the course of the series, though, and you can always restart and try again – from the start of the dungeon.
At least the fundamentals of Bubble Bobble is intact with Sugar Dungeons. The game still feels like a vintage entry in the series, and there’s a fair amount of neat tactics here. That includes using “skill bubbles” to destroy enemies in groups. That’ll bump up your score pretty nicely. And the upgrades are cool, even if they don’t last long.
The main game will take some time to beat. But there’s one cool extra included – a perfectly emulated version of the Saturn game Bubble Symphony. This is easily one of the best games in the franchise, and it continues to hold up well. Plus you can play local co-op with a friend, and you know games like this thrive with a buddy in tow.
Sugar Dungeons could use a little bit of tweaking to be fair to rookie players, I feel. But there’s a lot of bubble-blowing goodness here if you dig in. Plus the two-player action never gets old; and I do enjoy seeing Bubble Symphony open up to a bigger audience.
How Does Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons Perform With Its Presentation?
I feel Sugar Dungeons goes a step above what Bubble Bobble 4 Friends offered years ago. It definitely looks much better in the visual department, especially with its castle design. Plus some of these enemies – as adorable as they are – offer a great deal of variety. Of course, the main heroes delight as well.
As for Bubble Symphony, what else can be said, It looks perfect, like its Saturn counterpart. And the stages do get frantic, but they’re tried and true to the original game. Fans will likely dive into this included bonus sooner rather than later.
Music-wise, Bubble Bobble sounds about right. Melodies are smooth, like being played in some kind of amusement park. And the sound effects aren’t annoying, as Taito has calmed down a bit from annoying character sounds. Well, most of them anyway. And Symphony still has a rad soundtrack as well.
Well, Blow Me Down, It’s More Bubble Bobble
How you approach Bubble Bobble: Sugar Dungeons depends on how much of a fan you are. Newcomers might be turned off by the game’s roguelite approach and challenging difficulty. However, veterans that know and love this series will dive right in, and indulge in every upgrade. Plus it looks and sounds possibly the best the series has to date – but it keeps the cuteness.
And, again, Bubble Symphony is a wonderful bonus that’s thrown into the package. It goes for top dollar on eBay, so having an alternate version for a much more affordable price isn’t bad at all. Sugar Dungeons may be somewhat sour at times, but those who stick with it will find a sweet treat.
GAMERHUB RATING: 3.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Arc System Works for providing us with review codes for the games! Bubble Bobble: Sugar Dungeons is available now for Steam/PC, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch!
Need more retro gaming goodness? Check out our review of Rally Arcade Classics!
