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Bubble Bobble Part 2 (1993-)

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  • Developer: ITL Co., Ltd

  • Publisher: Taito

  • Genre: Platform

  • Designer: Yoshihisa Akashi, Tiger Kawano

  • Composer: Kenichi Kamio

Bubble Bobble Part 2 for the NES was developed by Taito and released in 1993. The game was published by Taito in Japan and by Acclaim in North America and Europe. Unlike the original Bubble Bobble, which was originally an arcade title later ported to home consoles, Bubble Bobble Part 2 was developed specifically for the NES as a sequel to the popular platformer. It did not see as many ports to other systems, remaining primarily a NES-exclusive title, which makes it a unique entry in the series.

The game continues the story of the bubble dragons, Bub and Bob, but introduces their friends, Rob and Bob, as the new protagonists who must rescue their partners from the villainous forces. The gameplay builds on the original’s mechanics of trapping enemies in bubbles and bursting them, but it adds new features and enemies to diversify the challenge. Players still navigate through multi-level stages filled with hazards and enemies, focusing on cooperative play and strategic bubble use. The game retains the classic platforming elements but includes updated level designs and some fresh power-ups to keep the experience engaging.

The soundtrack of Bubble Bobble Part 2 carries forward the upbeat and catchy style of the original, complementing the colorful and lighthearted graphics. It maintains the energetic atmosphere that helped make the first game memorable, though the music has a slightly different tone to match the new stages and characters. There is no prequel to this title aside from the original Bubble Bobble game itself, which set the foundation for the sequel’s plot and gameplay.

Upon release, Bubble Bobble Part 2 received mixed reviews compared to the original, with some praising the new additions and cooperative gameplay, while others felt it lacked the same charm and innovation. Despite this, it garnered a modest fan base among NES enthusiasts. Promotion largely relied on the reputation of the original game, appealing to players eager for more of the bubble-popping action. Though it did not spark a direct series of sequels under the same name, the broader Bubble Bobble franchise continued with various titles on other platforms, maintaining its place as a classic arcade and home gaming series.

Images from MobyGames