Metascore
70 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. 79
    Bubble Bobble is a classic arcade game and it remains fun today. The updated visuals aren't so hot, but they don't get in the way of one of the most fun co-op experiences around.
  2. In conclusion, Bubble Bobble Neo brings the franchise into the modern world of gaming with classic arcade gaming, albeit frustrating at times, colourful graphics, great music and a fun time to be had by all.
  3. Some games simply last the test of time, and twenty years later, Bubble Bobble is still a great, fun way to spend time – alone, or with friends.
  4. While it's hard to say that Bubble Bobble in any form has any sort of competitive advantage in this day and age, there's a certain something that makes it wildly addictive.
  5. This enjoyable remake proves that bubble popping never goes out of style, but a few control quirks hamper the fun.
  6. Pretty standard old-school conversion territory. [Issue#52, p.105]
  7. 70
    If you're looking for updated gameplay, you'll find nothing here to satisfy you. It's still very hard (the modus operandi of arcade games in the 80s) and little gameplay niggles (like the oddly backwards-feeling button layout or enemies getting trapped places you can't get at) keep twitching at you as you play.
  8. There's fun to be had in the update, and if nothing else, you'll be whistling that tune for a couple of weeks.
  9. It's a giggle, but it won't last long. [Dec 2009, p.107]
  10. Because the co-op mode adapts the same structure for its 100 new levels, rather than implementing new ideas, this redux feels pretty out of touch. [Oct 2009, p.73]
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 3 out of 6
  1. AlexH
    4
    An embarassment: the controls are unresponsive, the collision detection all over the place, the enemies are crazy fast while your poor dino seems to move in slow motion. The Bubble Bobble gameplay is still there but this is far inferior to practically every other version (most of which were programmed 20 years ago and are freely available on the internet) Full Review »
  2. MarcusL
    9
    Bubble Bobble; who hasn't heard of it? The arcade classic that got melted into the hearts of gamers got a revamp. But is it any good? Well, me being the 15-year-old I am, I didn't grow up with Bubble Bobble, or in fact, the NES at all. The only Bubble Bobble game I remember playing was Bubble Sympohony in the arcades, and I loved it, so I thought I'd give this a try. My, my, was I annoyed at how late I was born. Bubble Bobble Neo! retains what made the classic, classic. You play as one of two dragons (yes, dragons, for those in the blue) and you have to go through 100 levels of enemy bopping to save yourself. I can say right now that after comparing the NES port of Bubble Bobble and this, I can say that the gameplay has been retained and features an amazing graphical improvment. It won't blow away games like Forza 3 on the graphics department, but for those that grew up with Bubble Bobble, it'll be eye candy. Also, the classic Bubble Bobble tune has been given an audio revamp, and, it's still one of the best songs in gaming history. It's just that song you don't want to stop hearing. You'll hear it in your dreams. And that's a good thing. To go along with the excellent classic mode, you have 100 new levels in Arrange Mode, which is very good for newcomers and Bubble Bobble fans alike. The new levels are just as good as the classic ones. Also, the ability to play the stages with FOUR players, is outstanding. All in all, I loved Bubble Bobble Neo! It's the most perfect remake I've ever played of ANY game. If you are a fan of Bubble Bobble, this is a no brainer. Either this, or the Wii version (which is the same, don't worry Wii owners!) But if you like your platformers, this one you should definatly check out. If you are some 11-year-old that loves Halo to bits, try the trial out. And if said 11-year-old hates it, then he is the one that's ignorant about how great Bubble Bobble is! Full Review »
  3. Erin
    1
    Can I have my 800 Microsoft point back please? Taito have ruined this beloved classic game. Claiming this Bubble Bobble package to contain the classic version, when it has been changed so dramatically. All the physics and controls felt horrible and tampered with, many collision dectection issues and bugs. Adding horrid 3d models in place of the simple 2D style, followed by ugly animations. Was this game even tested before being released? I was completely shattered and would not recommend this remake to anyone who was a fan of the REAL classic version. Full Review »