It almost seems like Parasol Stars is the “forgotten” chapter of the Bubble Bobble saga.
Granted, it has very little to do with the original Bub and Bob game with its appearance and gameplay. But its tone is on the same level, and darn it to heck if it’s such a blast to play. Who remembers the Turbo-Grafx 16 port?!
Now ININ Games has brought the title back to full glory on modern consoles. It goes for a meager ten-dollar price tag and features lots of options. But, more importantly, it’s still enjoyable after all these years – especially with a friend.
While a Bubble Bobble trilogy of some kind would have been a better option, it’s great to see Parasol Stars get some love in its own right.
Clearing the Screen
While different in gameplay over the previous Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands titles, Parasol Stars has similar principles. You have to clear a screen of enemies, using your umbrella in creative ways. This includes picking up foes and hurling them at others, as well as collecting bubbles and blocking attacks. You can also activate super weapons if you’re savvy enough – perfect for clearing out multiple enemies.
There are some deeper strategies here that can pay off, like stringing together hit enemies or collecting more fruit to boost your score. Then, at the end of each string of stages, you face a much more challenging boss. These encounters are actually a great deal of fun, and very well done to say the least.
ININ Games has done a bang-up job restoring this Taito classic to its full glory. It’s never played better than it does here, and the challenge ramps up quite naturally. Plus it’s got plenty of modern trademark ININ features, including rewind, a save/load system, screen options and more. And, of course, you can play with a friend locally, either competitively or cooperatively. It all depends if you want to be nice or not. (Us? Well…depends on the day, really.)
Overall, Parasol Stars is a wonderful game worth rediscovering if you haven’t played in some time. For that matter, it’s also ideal for newcomers that are curious just what this “trilogy” is all about.
A Good Looking Downpour
ININ Games knows their preservation techniques, as they’ve proven in the past with the Turrican and Ninja Warriors Again games. Now they’re at it again with Parasol Stars, and it’s a treat.
The game’s cute visuals hold up well after all this time, and the stage designs are bright and colorful. Even the tormenting bosses look like they would double up well as stuffed animals to some extent (don’t hug too tight, though). Plus, the game looks fine in two-player mode as well. There’s no technical setbacks getting in the way.
As for the sound, the music is lively and bouncy, along the lines of usual Bubble Bobble fare. The sound effects are cute too, though a bit minimal. Nice to see ININ didn’t bow down to the idea of adding cute voice effects. They would’ve worn out their welcome.
Finally, the menu is easy to navigate, like always. You can pick and choose options with very little issue.
So, yeah, it doesn’t go above and beyond the original game. But then again, it never needed to. Especially for such a tremendous price of a mere $10.
Para This Up With Your Console ASAP
While it feels like a Bubble Bobble trilogy package would’ve been a better option, I can’t complain about Parasol Stars. It’s done so well and has the classic gameplay it needs to stand proudly with its brethren. And it’s so cute! It just is. Like, overload adorable. Not to mention you get it for a sweet low price.
So, yeah, grab your umbrella and weather this storm. It’s totally worth it.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Many thanks to ININ Games and PR Hound for the review code!
You can get the game now for Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. You can also buy it here physically from Strictly Limited Games.
