Puzzle Bobble 4

Last updated
Puzzle Bobble 4
Puzzle Bobble 4 Arcade Flyer.jpg
Arcade flyer
Developer(s) Taito
Publisher(s)
Taito
Director(s) Kazuhiro Ohara
Designer(s) Seiichi Nakakuki
Programmer(s)
  • Nobutake Nakamura
  • Sayo Kihara
  • Takanori Emoto
  • Hiroshi Maruyama
  • Yuichi Onogi
Composer(s) Rimiko Horiuchi
Platform(s) Arcade, PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Dreamcast
ReleaseArcade
  • WW: December 1997
PlayStation
  • JP: August 6, 1998 [1]
  • NA: December 9, 1998 [2]
  • EU: April 15, 1999
Game Boy Color
  • NA: May 1999 [3]
  • JP: April 28, 2000
Microsoft Windows
Dreamcast
  • JP: March 16, 2000
  • NA: June 1, 2000 [6]
  • EU: June 9, 2000 [7]
Genre(s) Puzzle game
Arcade system Taito F3 System

Puzzle Bobble 4 (also known as Bust-A-Move 4 for the North American and European console versions) is the third sequel to the video game Puzzle Bobble and is the final appearance of the series on the PlayStation and the only appearance of the series on the Dreamcast.

Contents

Plot

On the planet Bubbleluna lives the twins Bub and Bob. One day, the sun fails to rise because the Fairy of the Night, Cleon, has stolen the light source known as the Rainbow for Full-Moon Madame Luna. She splits this rainbow into 7 light bubbles. Bub and Bob then set off to retrieve these bubbles and restore the light and peace to their planet.

Gameplay

The game features a total of 640 levels. This installment of the series introduces two new features: the pulley system and chain reactions. The pulley system consists of two groups of bubbles attached to either side of a pulley. Popping some on one side will cause that side to be "lighter" and therefore rise. The other side lowers in response. If a pulley is shaking and a bubble is attached, the resulting heavier side will lower. This requires added strategy to prevent one side from moving too far and therefore losing the game. One possible strategy is to form a bubble cluster between two pulleys to prevent them from lowering or rising at all. Then the player can triangulate until acquiring the necessary bubbles to clear both anchor bubbles, while still keeping both ends of the pulley clustered together.

Chain reactions occur only on the two player (or player and CPU) modes. When a bubble is dropped, it can move to another place on the board if this causes more bubbles to pop. If this, in turn, causes more bubbles to drop, then the chain reaction can continue.

Play Modes

Reception

Critical reception

In Japan, Game Machine listed Puzzle Bobble 4 on their April 1, 1998 issue as being the eighth most-successful arcade game of the month. [21] Like the second Puzzle Bobble game, PC Zone shunned the Windows version for its bad performance on low resolution and older PCs, scoring it 30%. [22]

Promotion

The game was showcased at the February 1998 AOU Amusement Expo in Japan. [23]

Related Research Articles

<i>Puzzle Bobble</i> 1994 video game

Puzzle Bobble, internationally known as Bust-A-Move, is a 1994 tile-matching puzzle arcade game developed and published by Taito. It is based on the 1986 arcade game Bubble Bobble, featuring characters and themes from that game. Its characteristically cute Japanese animation and music, along with its play mechanics and level designs, made it successful as an arcade title and spawned several sequels and ports to home gaming systems.

<i>Bubble Bobble</i> 1986 video game

Bubble Bobble is a 1986 platform game developed and published by Taito for arcades. It was distributed in the United States by Romstar, and in Europe by Electrocoin. Players control Bub and Bob, two dragons that set out to save their girlfriends from a world known as the Cave of Monsters. In each level, Bub and Bob must defeat each enemy present by trapping them in bubbles and popping, who turn into bonus items when they hit the ground. There are 100 levels total, each becoming progressively more difficult.

<i>ChuChu Rocket!</i> 1999 video game

ChuChu Rocket! is an action puzzle game developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega. Released for the Dreamcast in 1999, it was the first game for the system to support online console gaming. Players must place arrows on a board to lead mice into escape rockets while avoiding cats. The game features single-player modes in which a player must save all the mice on a board, and a multiplayer mode in which players battle to collect the most mice.

<i>Wetrix</i> 1998 video game

Wetrix is a 3D puzzle video game developed by Zed Two, the studio of brothers Ste and John Pickford, for the Nintendo 64 and personal computers in 1998, and the Dreamcast and Game Boy Color in 1999. The player's goal is to hold water bubbles falling on a 3D isometric landscape. To do this, enclosures are created with Uppers, which fall in a similar manner to Tetris blocks, that raise the ground. While water can be evaporated with fireballs, hazards such as Mines, Ice Cubes, and earthquakes also fall and ruin the player's construction.

<i>Mr. Driller</i> Video game series

Mr. Driller is a puzzle video game franchise created by Yasuhito Nagaoka and Hideo Yoshizawa for Namco. The eponymous first game was released in 1999 for arcades and several home consoles, such as the PlayStation. Gameplay in the series consists of controlling Susumu Hori, the titular Mr. Driller, or one of his friends and destroying colorful formations of blocks to make it to the bottom of a well. In order to survive, players need to collect air capsules to replenish their depleting oxygen and avoid being crushed by falling blocks.

<i>Bust-a-Move Pocket</i> 1999 video game

Bust-A-Move Pocket, also called Puzzle Bobble Mini, is a Neo Geo Pocket Color version of the Puzzle Bobble (Bust-A-Move) series of puzzle video games. It was released on the Neo Geo Pocket Color by SNK in 1999.

<i>Bubble Bobble Revolution</i> 2005 video game

Bubble Bobble Revolution is a 2D platform game for the Nintendo DS. Developed by Dreams, it was released in Japan on 24 November 2005 by Taito as Bubble Bobble DS, in Europe on 2 December 2005 by Rising Star Games (Distribution handled by and in North America on 3 October 2006 by Codemasters.

<i>Puzzle Bobble 2</i> 1995 video game

Puzzle Bobble 2 is a tile-matching video game by Taito. The first sequel to Puzzle Bobble, it is also known in Europe and North America as Bust-A-Move Again for arcades and Bust-A-Move 2: Arcade Edition for home consoles. Released into the arcades in 1995, home conversions followed for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64, and Windows platforms. The game was included in Taito Legends 2, but the US arcade version was included on the US PS2 version instead. Further ports for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One were released by City Connection alongside Puzzle Bobble 3 in February 2023.

<i>Puzzle Bobble 3</i> 1996 arcade game

Puzzle Bobble 3 is an action puzzle video game developed by Taito. The second sequel to Puzzle Bobble, it was released for arcades in September 1996 and later ported to the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Game Boy, Nintendo 64 and Microsoft Windows. Like its predecessors, the player is tasked with shooting balls at groups of balls, creating groups of three or more, which are then removed from play. Further ports for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were released in February 2023 by City Connection alongside Puzzle Bobble 2.

<i>Frogger 2: Swampys Revenge</i> 2000 video game

Frogger 2: Swampy's Revenge is an action video game developed by Blitz Games and published by Hasbro Interactive for the PlayStation, Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, and Dreamcast. The game is part of the Frogger series, and the sequel to the 1997 remake of Frogger, featuring similar 4-way movement gameplay in a 3D world and 6 different environments. Unlike its predecessor, Frogger 2 features a choice of different characters to play with in the game, several multiplayer modes, and an in-game storyline. A Nintendo 64 port of the game was planned, but was later cancelled.

<i>Bubble Bobble Part 2</i> 1993 video game

Bubble Bobble Part 2, known in Japan as Bubble Bobble 2 (バブルボブル2) is a game in the Bubble Bobble series. While it was never released in the arcade, two versions of the game were developed independently from each other, with each game receiving a different story line as a result. The Game Boy version is known in Japan as Bubble Bobble Junior (バブルボブルジュニア).

<i>Bust-a-Move Millennium</i> 2000 video game

Bust-A-Move Millennium, also known as Puzzle Bobble Millennium in Japan, is a video game developed by Altron and published by Acclaim Entertainment under their Club Acclaim label that was released for the Game Boy Color system.

<i>Super Puzzle Bobble</i> 2000 video game

Super Puzzle Bobble, released as Super Bust-A-Move in Europe and North America, is a puzzle video game in the Puzzle Bobble series. It was developed by Taito, and released on November 27, 2000 by Acclaim Entertainment for the PlayStation 2, and by CyberFront and EON Digital Entertainment for Windows in 2001. It was later ported to the Game Boy Advance that same year, the Japanese version under the name Super Puzzle Bobble Advance. It was re-released in Japan for the PlayStation 2 in 2004 as part of Super Puzzle Bobble DX, which is Volume 62 of the Japan-exclusive Simple 2000 Series. This compilation includes a few graphical enhancements.

<i>Bubble Bobble Evolution</i> 2006 video game

Bubble Bobble Evolution is a game in the Bubble Bobble series for the PSP system. It is known as Bubble Bobble: Magical Tower Daisakusen!! in Japan.

<i>Bubble Bobble Plus!</i> 2009 video game

Bubble Bobble Plus! and Bubble Bobble Neo! are remakes of the 1986 arcade game Bubble Bobble. The games were developed and published by Taito. Bubble Bobble Plus! was released for WiiWare in Japan on February 10, 2009, in the PAL regions on April 10, 2009 and in North America on May 25, 2009 while Bubble Bobble Neo! was released on the Xbox Live Arcade download service for the Xbox 360 in Japan on August 5, 2009 and in North America on September 16, 2009.

<i>Puzzle Bobble Plus!</i> 2009 video game

Puzzle Bobble Plus!, known in North America as Bust-A-Move Plus!, and in Japan as Puzzle Bobble Wii, is a video game developed by Taito for WiiWare. It was first released in Japan on April 7, 2009, and later in the PAL regions on June 26, 2009, and in North America on July 6, 2009.

<i>Space Bust-a-Move</i> 2008 video game

Space Bust-A-Move is a puzzle video game developed by Lancarse and published by Taito in Japan, and Square Enix worldwide for the Nintendo DS. It was first released in Japan under the title Space Puzzle Bobble on December 18, 2008. It was later released in North America under the title Space Bust-A-Move on July 28, 2009, and in Europe under the title Puzzle Bobble Galaxy on August 28, 2009. As with Arkanoid DS, Space Invaders Extreme and Space Invaders Extreme 2, the game is compatible with Taito's paddle controller.

<i>Bust-a-Move Universe</i> Video game for the Nintendo 3DS

Bust-a-Move Universe, known in Japan as Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D, and in the PAL region as Puzzle Bobble Universe, is a puzzle video game developed by Taito and Arika and published by Square Enix for the Nintendo 3DS. It was released in Japan as a launch title on February 26, 2011, and was released in North America on March 27.

<i>Mr. Driller</i> (video game) 1999 video game

Mr. Driller is a 1999 puzzle arcade game developed and published by Namco. Versions for the PlayStation, Dreamcast, Microsoft Windows, Game Boy Color, WonderSwan Color, mobile phones, and iOS were also released. Controlling Susumu Hori, the titular "Mr. Driller", the player must dig their way to the bottom of the screen by destroying colored blocks that litter the playfield. Blocks will be cleared if four or more are touching each other, which can be used to cause chain reactions. Susumu has a constantly-depleting oxygen meter that can be refilled by collecting air capsules found throughout stages.

<i>Super Puzzle Bobble 2</i> 2002 video game

Super Puzzle Bobble 2, released as Super Bust-A-Move 2 in North America and Europe, is a puzzle video game in the Puzzle Bobble series developed by Taito, and was released in 2002 for the PlayStation 2.

References

  1. 家庭用ゲーム一覧1998年
  2. "psx.ign.com: Bust-A-Move 4". 2000-08-17. Archived from the original on 2000-08-17. Retrieved 2023-07-03.
  3. "pocket.ign.com: Bust-A-Move 4". 2000-08-16. Archived from the original on 2000-08-16. Retrieved 2023-07-03.
  4. "Bust-A-Move 4 sur PC". Jeuxvideo.com (in French). Retrieved 2023-07-03.
  5. "Bust-A-Move 4 - IGN". IGN . February 15, 2000. Archived from the original on September 17, 2002.
  6. "Press release: 2000-04-13: Acclaim Entertainment Spreads Puzzle-Fever To Sega Dreamcast With Bust-A-Move 4". Sega Retro. 2017-02-24. Archived from the original on 2020-08-07. Retrieved 2023-05-06.
  7. "Retro Diary". Retro Gamer . No. 116. Imagine Publishing. September 2013. p. 13.
  8. Taito (1999). Bust-a-Move 4 Instruction Manual. pp. 4–16.
  9. "Bust-A-Move 4 (Dreamcast) - GameRankings". GameRankings . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  10. "Bust-A-Move 4 (PC) - GameRankings". GameRankings . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  11. "Bust-A-Move 4 (PlayStation) - GameRankings". GameRankings . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  12. "Bust-a-Move 4 (DC) reviews at Metacritic.com". Metacritic . Archived from the original on July 18, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  13. Fielder, Lauren (May 17, 2006). "Super Bust-A-Move 4 (DC) Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  14. Davis, Cameron (March 12, 2014). "Super Bust-A-Move 4 (GBC) Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  15. Kasavin, Greg (June 26, 2000). "Super Bust-A-Move 4 (PC) Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  16. Gamespot Staff (April 28, 2000). "Super Bust-A-Move 4 (PS) Review". GameSpot . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  17. IGN Staff (June 6, 2000). "Bust-a-Move 4 - Dreamcast". IGN . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  18. Schneider, Peer (July 10, 1999). "Bust-a-Move 4 - Game Boy Color". IGN . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  19. IGN Staff (February 16, 2000). "Bust-a-Move 4 - PC". IGN . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  20. Harris, Craig (December 18, 1998). "Bust-a-Move 4 - PC". IGN . Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  21. "Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)". Game Machine (in Japanese). No. 561. Amusement Press, Inc. 1 April 1998. p. 21.
  22. Woods, Dave (January 2000). "PCZ Reviews Shorts". PC Zone . No. 85. Future plc. p. 99.
  23. "AOU '98 Showcase". Edge . No. 57. Future plc. April 1998. p. 9.
  1. Released under the Club Acclaim label