365//365: Day 103 – Bubble Bobble Part 2 (NES) [PP]

In some ways, Bubble Bobble Part 2 feels like a step above the initial installment. Characters are more detailed, contain more than two frames of animation, and the backgrounds are visually pleasing compared to the original. The mechanics have more refinement to them, removing the punishment from jumping and the overall robotic motions your characters took when moving, or attacking.  Bubble jumping is as easy as holding the jump button down when you’re jumping above a bubble, and when combined with the new floating ability (hold B down and move your character in any direction), and a couple of new bubble power ups and boss battles (which are not that hard), Bubble Bobble Part 2 feels a bit more fleshed out than the first title. The problems have to do with stage design, audio and difficulty. The creative stage designs from the first game are all gone, replaced with a paint-by-numbers setting for most stages. The music is not as memorable, and is pretty annoying across the board. Finally, although I am truly thankful for a quasi-health bar, the game is a lot less difficult this time around, with or without a “one and done”. On its own, Bubble Bobble Part 2 is a fun game with a few shortcomings, but when compared to the first game, the lack of charm, and even the lowered difficulty, hurts the game as a whole. Nevertheless, check this one out if you can.

Stage layouts leave very little to the imagination. Even Oscar the Grouch's trash can doesn't add much creativity to the fold.

Rating:  6.4