BUST A MOVE 2

Developer

Taito

Options

Distributer

Acclaim

1-2 Player

Game Type

Puzzle

Mem. Card

Review Date

July 1996

Setting the Scene

I certainly remember the sleepless nights I spent in joy playing games on my C-64. One of the games that I distinctly remember is Bubble Bobble. This was the story of 2 little dinos who had to clear 100 levels of pure joy. When I heard that Taito was coming out with a sequel on the PlayStation, I for one could not wait to get my hands on it. Did Taito succeed in recreating the magic that was Bubble Bobble? .... or did they fail?

Genre

Puzzle.

Graphics

Compare this to most of the currently available PlayStation games and you would have to admit that the graphics are very average. Even the short animated sequences between levels won`t blow your mind, but to be fair that`s not what this game is all about. The graphics are functional and attractive, just not stunning!

Sounds and Effects

There is nothing particularly special about both the tunes and the effects within this game. The in-game music can actually get on your nerves after a while. Why oh why don`t games producers include an option that lets us play our own music CD`s during the game?

Playability

In Bust a Move 2 the similarities to Bubble Bobble are the sprites, the cuteness and the music. What is completely different is the mechanism of play. Instead of trapping enemies into bubbles and then blowing them off, they have taken TETRIS and revamped it.

Does it work???............ You betcha.... I have played many a games on the PlayStation and I can confidently say that no matter how good tekken looks or plays, no matter how fast ridge racer moves, in terms of PLAYABILITY Bust a Move tops them all.

The following game options are included: A TIME MODE (where you finish a stage alone and are timed for it). A PLAYER VS. COMPUTER MODE. A PUZZLE MODE. A 2 PLAYER SPLIT SCREEN MODE (best of a set no. of games). A STANDARD 2 PLAYER MODE. 3 LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY ( I suggest you start at normal). What more could you ask for ?

To top it all Taito has gone ahead and distributed it at a lower price.

Value for Money

Something called PLAYABILITY has just returned to gaming. Both the Sound and Graphics are uninspiring. Loads of options to keep you amused. 2 player head-to-head mode brings out the best in the game. If you are looking for a 3D polygon based 60 fps state of the art graphic and sound miracle, then that it ain`t, but if you want to spend endless (at least a few) nights of sheer playable joy, this sure is your game.

Opinion

ZULFI

GRAPHICS:

10/20

I just love this game because of its addictive, challenging qualities. Play on.

SOUND:

4/10

PLAYABILITY:

50/50

VALUE:

17/20

OVERALL
81%

JIM

GRAPHICS:

Average

At last, a game that you can play with your parents! This game looks so simple, but proves difficult to truly master, resulting in you coming back to it over and over again.

SOUND:

Average

PLAYABILITY:

Brilliant

VALUE:

Brilliant

OVERALL
9/10