In a surprising turn of events, Taito has jumped aboard the roguelike bandwagon with the beloved Bubble Bobble. This latest installment, Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons, artfully merges the conventional stage format of the game with the contemporary roguelike element of upgrading abilities and utilizing special items to endure on the journey towards untold treasure.
On the outset, it seems Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons manages to just about pull it off, but the further you delve into this confectionary trove, a monotonous repetitious pattern is discernible, punctuated by difficulty spikes that often seem excessively unjust, reducing the fun factor.
The narrative behind Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons is delightfully straightforward. Bub, our indefatigable, bubble-spewing dragon is whisked off on an involuntary spree of castle-crashing and dungeon-diving by Dolcen, who is aware of the dragon’s insatiable thrill for adventure. As would be expected, Bub, forever ready for an attempt at adventure, doesn’t protest much about this suspect abduction.
Repeating the gaming mechanics of yesteryears, Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons sees Bub traverse through various stages to find the gateway to the next. Enemies spawn across the levels that can be ensnared within Bub’s bubbles, and when popped, they disappear and rewards are given. However, the goal is not about clearing each room off every foe; it’s about expeditiously moving towards the boss in a castle or the escape path in a dungeon.
The roguelike essence is represented by successful runs, returning with beneficial items or new skills for better chances at survival and progress the subsequent time around. Notably, the game does stay true to its Bubble Bobble roots, retaining the charm of the franchise while also introducing new mechanics and concepts. Still, the repetitiveness and uninspiring color palette lead to instances where experiences blur into each other, detracting from the game’s overall engagement.
Beyond the standard stages, Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons also delivers traditional enjoyment with Bubble Symphony. This delightful bonus sees players lure enemies into bubbles or employ their humanoid manifestation’s wands to combat them in subsequent stages, earning treasures and honors for successfully clearing every screen. This inclusion of Bubble Symphony enriches Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons, making the whole package feel more rewarding. However, the base game carries a lingering issue of repetitiveness, and coupled with the challenging dungeon levels, it’s too much for some players.
In conclusion, Bubble Bobble Sugar Dungeons, available on Switch, PS5, and PC does have its shining moments, but its monotonous stage layout and color scheme, as well as the unforgiving difficulty spikes may deter some from fully enjoying the game.
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