Review: Bust-A-Move - Plus Video

Update

Bust-A-Move has received two updates since we last looked at it bringing in-app-purchases giving a brand new puzzle mode with 50 new levels as well as cooperative mode, $0.99 each. OpenFeint is now included with a leaderboard for challenge mode as well as 69 different achievements. The OpenFeint addition really helps with replayability, as challenge mode seemed to be lacking in meaning before. Also all of the achievements gives you tons and tons to do. The IAP are great add ons, but $0.99 each on top of $4.99 seems unnecessary. The 2.1.0 update now moves Bust-A-Move to a should buy for $4.99. This may be the best version of Bust-A-Move on any platform, and it keeps getting better.

Overview

Bust-A-Move (also known as Puzzle Bobble) the game that started it all has made its way to the iPhone. The object is to shoot colored bubbles from the bottom of the screen into a varying arranged mass of colored bubbles trying to match three of the same color. Your goal is to clear the board without letting the bubbles cross the line near the bottom. With every few shots the entire mass moves down one level, inching toward the line. Help Bub save his friends in a story mode rather than just a simple infinite level arcade mode.

Features

There is a story mode in which Bub’s friends are trapped in different snow globes, and you have to travel to each one, beating all of the puzzles. There are six different snow globe worlds with six stages in each one, and five levels per stage. Also included is a challenge mode where the game doesn’t stop until the bubbles pass the bottom line. A new row of bubbles is added after a certain number of shots. Also included is a vs. mode allowing you to play bust-a-move head-to-head over Bluetooth. There are two control types, sling shot and tap to shot. Sling shot mode is outstanding, you just simply pull back, aim and release to fire. Tap to shoot allows you to tap where you want to fire, and then tap a launch button.

The Good

The outstandingly classic Bust-A-Move gameplay is back, and on the iPhone. What more is there to say? The gameplay is great launching bubbles into the mass arranged above trying to match three, and clear the level. The story mode is great as you progress across six different areas, each withier own beautifully designed background. The animations are great too as the bubbles pop together and fall down. When you use one of the power-ups there is a nice fire explosion or glittering removal of similar colors. The 1.1.0 update provided brand new bubble design. Now instead of just a plain color the bubbles have a design inside them including spades, hearts, and clubs. The wonderfully upbeat classic Bust-A-Move background music is included. It just goes so smoothly with the gameplay, and puts a smile on your face. The bubble pops are great, as are the pings off the side. Playing through the entire story mode will give you plenty to do. Six snow globes with six stages, and five levels each provides 180 level of bubble popping fun. The vs. mode is a nice addition allowing you to play Bust-A-Move over Bluetooth. I always wanted to prove my Bust-A-Move superiority. It would have been great if you could play over wifi as well. The slingshot control is simply amazing, and really makes this game a joy to interact with.

The Bad

The challenge mode is relatively boring, as it just seems too easy, and just keeps going. Then when you finally loose there’s just a local high score. The 1.1.0 update brings posting to twitter and facebook, but doesn’t really provide that much. Online high scores are definitely needed. Overall the game seems way easier than the old neo-geo arcade version.

The Verdict

Taito has done a remarkable job bringing Bust-A-Move to the iPhone. The wonderful gameplay, visuals, and sounds are all included. The deluxe story mode, and Bluetooth vs. mode make the iPhone version the best on any platform. The game doesn't hold the same difficulty as the old arcade version though. There are other clones in the App Store, yet Bust-A-Move beats them all. Eyegore’s Eye Blast is the one that sticks out, especially with the titling ability and only $0.99. The lack of online leaderboards for challenge mode, and not being able to play vs. over wifi are big enough problems not to overlook. $4.99 is another negative especially with the couple problems. Bust-A-Move’s gameplay is that good though to make it a should buy.

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