In Symphony, you had multiple chances per world to get the key, and multiple R-O-D letters throughout the game. But those additions fit the template so perfectly that I can't help but see this as a step backwards.Īdditionally, the Rainbow Potions are an aggravating addition, as there's no leeway. On the one hand, this can be seen as a clearing of the decks, bringing Bubble Bobble back to its core ideas without the 'clutter' of Symphony's additions. Memories, in contrast, doesn't even have the structured and progressively-tougher enemy introductions like the original, haphazardly throwing in new enemies when it feels like it. The lack of multiple routes in particular makes the game feel a bit too samey- Symphony not only gave you multiple paths, but the worlds in those paths felt distinct and different from one another, sometimes having totally new enemy sets. The level designs in particular aren't on the same level as Symphony to me either- the new designs are far plainer, nothing as fresh or interesting as the previous game shows up here (unless you count the repeated levels from previous games that show up), with the biggest offenders being a couple of 'open' levels that have no platforms at all. Some bits do carry over, although it's very little- the boss battles are back, as are the Wind, Rainbow and Music bubbles (with Wind and Music undergoing dramatic changes) and the continue bonus of Candy or Shoes, but that's your lot.Īs a result, Memories feels like a big step backwards, resulting in a game that almost feels like an expansion pack to the original Bubble Bobble rather than a sequel. The enemy roster has also been greatly reduced, albeit with a combination of enemies from the previous games and a handful of new ones, and they're introduced more slowly. You only play as Bubblun (1P) or Bobblun (2P) who are identical and can no longer alter their falling speed with Up/Down, there's no multiple paths anymore, and the only super-secret elements are the Rainbow Potion ingredients, which are hidden like the music notes of Symphony but only every 5 rounds (and the game reminds you they're there at all- we'll get back to them). It's almost as if it was made in isolation from the previous game, with none of the lessons learned there carrying over.
![bubble bobble 3 bubble bobble 3](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0oA_P3nkrTc/maxresdefault.jpg)
Now, seeing as this was a follow-up to Bubble Symphony, you'd imagine it'd use the additions made there as a framework to make something even greater, to make the best Bubble Bobble ever! However, one of the first things you'll notice with Memories is that a lot of Symphony's additions have been completely chucked out. Beat all enemies, move on to the next round, and make it all the way to Round 80 where the Super Dark Great Dragon awaits! If we strip it down to the bare basics, this is pretty much Bubble Bobble as you remember it- use your bubble-blowing powers to bubble up the enemy monsters and pop them with your horns, feet or whatever to beat them.
![bubble bobble 3 bubble bobble 3](https://mirecreativa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ARCADIA-RECREATIVA-BUBBLE-BOBBLE-MIRECREATIVA-579x1024.jpg)
To turn back to human form, the boys have to climb the Rainbow Tower (and in Super Mode, the Darkness Tower), grab all seven parts of the Rainbow Potion, and give the Super Dark Great Dragon a proper kicking while they're at it. Bubby and Bobby are turned into bubble dragons for the first time by the Super Dark Great Dragon (no, seriously), who veteran players may remember as the true final boss in Rainbow Islands.
#Bubble bobble 3 series#
Released in early 1996 (despite what the title screen says, the Service Mode confirms it was February 1996), Bubble Memories - The Story of Bubble Bobble III is actually a prequel to the entire series despite its subtitle (the chronology of the Bubble Bobble series is a bit confusing, to the point where this is the second game called The Story of Bubble Bobble III). Two years later, Taito followed the game up with Bubble Memories, and a lot of it feels like a step backwards.
![bubble bobble 3 bubble bobble 3](https://static.fore.4pcdn.de/premium/Screenshots/65/b8/92600792-vollbild.jpg)
![bubble bobble 3 bubble bobble 3](https://3rd-strike.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/BubbleBobble4Friends_Header-1024x576.jpg)
Last time we saw the Bubble Bobble series here, we had my personal favourite follow-up to the original, Bubble Symphony.Īs a super-quick reminder, Bubble Symphony works so well as a sequel because it takes the original Bubble Bobble, puts in new ideas that make sense for the series (powered-up bubbles and different character attributes, multiple routes, more boss battles) and has a huge set of levels available that up the ante from the original game, offering a lot of challenge and secrets that aren't impossible to find but are hidden enough to keep you guessing. Bubble Memories - That something was their being turned into dragons at the hands of a mysterious evil being.