As we should all know by now, Bubble Bobble is a classic from the arcades that still holds up very well to this day, but the sequel, Rainbow Islands, is just as good, if not better, in my opinion. Yes, it may be different in a lot of ways from the original game, but it keeps things familiar enough to the original to where it doesn’t feel too different, while still adding plenty of new elements to make the game feel fresh and original, leading to a pretty enjoyable time that definitely offers more then what Bubble Bobble did initially. And of course, given the game’s popularity and success, there would be a third game in the Bubble Bobble series, and just like with Rainbow Islands, there would also be several other titles also labeled as the third game in the series, because consistency is lame, and I shouldn’t expect anything more. So, after a whole five years since the release of Rainbow Islands, the world would finally be given the third game in this series, Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III.

Like with Rainbow Islands, this game would change things up somewhat from the previous two games, but also keeps things very familiar, specifically for fans of the original game. And thankfully, this course of action makes for yet another pretty good game in this series, showing that you can make drastic changes in sequels to games around this time and actually make them good (take note, Zelda and Castlevania). I’m not sure whether or not I would consider this better or worse then the previous games, but it is still a fun time either way.

The story is about monsters taking over not just one world, but multiple ones, and Bub and Bob must go stop them, which works for a plot to one of these games, considering the previous two games didn’t specialize in plot either, the graphics are, of course, very colorful and bright, still being very appealing to look at, and about being on the same level as Rainbow Islands, the music is upbeat, joyful, and fun as always, providing the right tone for the gameplay presented before you, and it is nice to listen to, the control works just fine, with everything functioning like it should, so no need to go any further with that, and the gameplay is typical for your average Bubble Bobble game, but still changing things up to where it feels new yet familiar at the same time.

The game is your typical room platformer, where you take control of either Bub or Bob, take on MANY different levels all centered around specific themes, enemies, and platforming, take out every single living thing that stands in your way, no matter how friendly it may or may not be, gather plenty of items to get points and power-ups along the way, and defeat plenty of bosses that you will take on as you traverse across all of these planets. There are plenty of familiar aspects all throughout, not just in terms of the general set-up, but also with several returning features from previous games.

First of all, instead of needing to reach the end of each stage in the game, this game brings back the progression system from the original Bubble Bobble, where you are placed in one single room, and you are tasked with defeating every single enemy in any way you can manage. This change may be an improvement or a downgrade, depending on who you ask, but one thing that is an improvement without a doubt is that, unlike Rainbow Islands, there is cooperative multiplayer in this game once again, which is always great to see make a comeback. In terms of new elements, once again, your main method of attack has been changed, where now, instead of shooting bubbles or rainbows to take out your enemies, you use a parasol. You use it to pick up objects and even enemies to throw at other enemies to take them out, which works pretty well, combining the feeling of using both attacks from Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands.

I don’t really have that many problems with the game, as it does solve some of the problems that I had with Rainbow Islands, but if I did have to have an issue, it would be that, once again, the game does drag on for quite a bit. The game has 8 main worlds with 7 levels each, totaling up to 56 levels, which is a respectable amount for this game, but then, if you want to get to the true ending of the game, you then must take on an additional 2 worlds, totally up to 70 levels. Once again, this isn’t as much as the previous games, but it can take a while, especially with certain levels I remember getting stuck on for a good bit. In addition, in order to unlock these final two worlds, you have to gather these star items, which opens up a door in the final world you can take to enter the final worlds, which may not be as annoying as the magic crystal ball from the original game, but it basically carries the same issues I had with that.

Overall, despite certain issues still being present, or even being brought back, this is yet another great installment in this memorable and charming franchise, and while I may not like it as much as other titles in the series, I would still say it is worth playing and beating if you are a fan of the series. As for everyone else though, you would probably just be better off in just playing it, because the repetitive nature could get on your nerves as you keep going forward, causing you to stop. But anyway, I finally managed to get that game done after holding off on it for so long. So tell me, what’s next in this series? looks at list......... well, that isn’t confusing at all.

Game #339