Developer: TAITO
Publisher: ININ Games
Genre: Arcade, Platformer
Price: $8.99
Release Date: 7/11/24
Where to buy: Switch, Xbox, PSN, Strictly Limited
Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, released in 1991, marks a charming chapter in the classic Bubble Bobble series. While the previous entry, Rainbow Islands, explored a bubble-blowing mechanic for creating platforms, Parasol Stars takes a delightful step back, revisiting the core gameplay of the original Bubble Bobble.
The Nintendo Switch version of Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III breathes new life into the classic 1991 title. While retaining the core gameplay and charm of the original, the Switch port boasts several improvements that enhance the overall experience.
One of the most significant additions is the rewind feature. This allows players to instantly rewind the gameplay a few seconds, offering a safety net for mistakes or a chance to try different strategies. This is a welcome change for those frustrated by the unforgiving nature of retro games, making the experience more forgiving and accessible.
The Switch version also introduces save states. This allows players to pause their progress at any point and resume later, a feature absent in the original arcade release. This flexibility caters to modern gamers who might not have the time to dedicate to long play sessions in one sitting.
The Switch port offers various visual enhancements. Players can choose from different display filters, adding a touch of nostalgia with scanlines that mimic classic CRT displays or opting for a smoother, more modern look. These options allow players to customize the visual experience to their preference.
Despite the new features, the Switch version stays true to the original experience. It’s an emulated version, meaning the core gameplay and visuals remain faithful to the 1991 release. This ensures that players can enjoy Parasol Stars exactly as it was intended, while offering the convenience and flexibility of modern gaming features.
Unlike the bubble-blowing dragons of the first two games, Parasol Stars features Bub and Bob in their human forms, Bubby and Bobby. The narrative takes a more whimsical turn, leaving behind the arcade competition and delving into a quest across eight vibrant worlds. The colorful landscapes, ranging from a musical world to an underwater paradise, offer a refreshing change from the cave-like environments of the original.
The core gameplay reverts to the classic formula. Bubby and Bobby utilize their trusty parasols to bop enemies and trap them in bubbles. Popping the bubbles remains the key to clearing each level, with the added twist of throwing bubbled enemies at others for chain reactions and higher scores. The addition of the parasol as a platforming tool and shield adds a new layer of strategy and depth.
Parasol Stars isn’t just a nostalgic revisit. The game rewards exploration with hidden levels themed after the original Bubble Bobble and Taito’s another popular game, Chack’n Pop. Defeating the final boss in these secret levels unveils the true mastermind behind the vibrant world’s fading colors, Chaostikhan. This hidden depth adds replayability and a sense of accomplishment for dedicated players.
Parasol Stars stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Bubble Bobble series. It retains the addictive core gameplay while introducing new mechanics and a whimsical narrative. The exploration of hidden worlds and the true final boss battle add a layer of complexity that caters to more seasoned gamers. Whether reliving childhood memories or experiencing the joy of bubble-bopping for the first time, Parasol Stars offers a delightful adventure for all.
In closing:
The Switch version of Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is a thoughtful update that respects the classic title while offering improvements for modern gamers. The rewind feature, save states, and visual enhancements make the game more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience, without compromising the original charm and challenge.
