Bubble Bobble

Bubble Bobble - the 1987 single screen platformer for Commodore 64
from Firebird.

Blow bubbles to trap enemies, pop them into showers of fruit, and chain
pops for big scores while the timer ticks and the Skel-Monsta punishes
stalling.

Core loop
- blow bubbles to trap foes
- pop clusters to clear the screen and spawn food bonuses
- defeat every enemy to advance to the next stage

Systems and items
- elemental bubbles - pop fire - lightning - water to unleash attacks
- candies - boost bubble range and rate
- shoes - speed boost for tighter platforming
- EXTEND letters - collect all for a bonus and a life
- umbrella - skip ahead several stages when found

Level design and feel
100 compact single screen levels with springy physics and co-op synergy.
Ride water flows, stack bubbles to reach ledges, and juggle crowds for
combo drops. Peter Clarke’s looping theme is a cheerful earworm.

Why it is notable
- acclaimed Software Creations conversion on C64
- simultaneous two player co-op retained from the arcade
- C64 port omits the arcade’s super mode and credits ending

Tips
- stack bubbles under platforms, then pop from the side to catch many at once
- ride water streams to sweep enemies into traps safely
- keep moving - if you dawdle, Skel-Monsta appears and forces errors

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Software Creations
Design and programming - Stephen Ruddy
Graphics - Andrew R. Threlfall
Music - Peter Clarke
Publisher - Firebird
Genre - Platformer (single screen)
Players - 1 or 2 simultaneous
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - second stick in port 1 for co-op