data/claims/bubble-bobble-history.yamlBubble Bobble (history and reception)
Game: Bubble Bobble.
By Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games, Bubble Bobble came out in Japan in September 1986. bubble-bobble-history/arcade-japan
p. 43 (scan image 45), 国内編 (Japan) — the row sits between "86/07バイオレントシューティング" and "86/10奇々怪界" in a run of 1986 games (Battle Lane Vol. 5, Halley's Comet, Arkanoid); the page number is the OCR's footer. Read in the OCR text; the section's maker heading and the page image haven't been checked86/09バブルボブルOur translation86/09 (September 1986) Bubble BobbleRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Dropped "Taito's"; the section's maker heading isn't read.The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Akagi's list puts Bubble Bobble in the United States in October 1986, under Taito America and distributed through Romstar. Romstar's operator's manual for the American release reads "Licensed From TAITO" and ©1986, from Romstar's address in Torrance, California. bubble-bobble-history/arcade-na
p. 137 (scan image 139), 海外編 (overseas), TAITO AMERICA — the section's heading reads "[TAITO AMERICA _|" in the OCR, on p. 136; its list runs on to p. 137. Read in the OCR text only86/10 Bubble Bobble (via Romstar)Our translation86/10 (October 1986) Bubble Bobble (via Romstar)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · overseas indexBubble Bobble Taito/Romstar 86/10Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 1, coverLicensed From TAITO TMBubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 1, coverAll Rights Reserved ©1986Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 1, cover — the line follows "Romstar, Inc"3043 Kashiwa Street Torrance, CA 90505Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "For the American release", not "conversion kit".The list also files a Bubble Bobble under another American maker's section in October 1986 ("86/10 Bubble Bobble [Taito]", p. 130 by the OCR's footers), whose heading the OCR doesn't hold; that row isn't cited here.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Romstar's manual sums up the arcade game for operators: the players control Bub (first player) and Bob (second) and destroy all the baddies by blowing bubbles at them, popping the bubbles with their horns or tail spikes, and collecting the bonus. Popped bubbles of fire, lightning and water destroy baddies, a player can jump on bubbles, even their own, to gain height, and charms such as hearts and crosses give special powers. bubble-bobble-history/arcade-play
PDF p. 7, Game OperationCONTROL BUB (1st PLAYER) & BOB (2nd) PLAYER AND DESTROY ALL OF THE BADDIES.Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 7, Game OperationFIRST: BLOW BUBBLES AT THE BADDIES.Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 7, Game OperationNEXT: POP THE BADDIE BUBBLES WITH YOUR HORNS OR TAIL SPIKES.Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 7, Game OperationTHEN: COLLECT THE BONUS.Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 7, HintsBY POPPING BUBBLES FIRE, LIGHTNING & WATER YOU MAY USE THESE THINGS TO DESTROY BADDIES.Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 7, HintsTO GAIN HEIGHT YOU MAY JUMP ON BUBBLES (EVEN YOUR OWN).Bubble Bobble arcade instruction manual (Romstar) · PDF p. 7, HintsTO GET SPECIAL POWERS, COLLECT CHARMS (HEARTS, CROSS, ETC.)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the manual's OCR text, which is clean for these lines; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The Famicom Disk System version is under Taito's copyright: its booklet, in Japanese, carries a 1987 copyright line for Taito Corp and the name of Taito's technical service department. bubble-bobble-history/disk-system
PDF p. 2 — the OCR reads "@" for "©" and follows the line with "rrp-Bug"@TAITO CORP 1987Our translation© TAITO CORP 1987バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 2 — the OCR adds "ツ" before タイトー株 式 会 社 ツ タイ トー 技術 サー ビス 部Our translationTaito Co., Ltd., technical service departmentRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Under Taito's copyright, from its 1987 copyright line and service-department name.Read in the booklet's OCR text only. The Internet Archive item dates the scan 1987-10-30 and calls the disk TFD-BUB; both are the uploader's and no source read states them. No dated source for the Disk System release has been read.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The Disk System booklet's story: in a peaceful country village live Bubblun and Bobblun and their girlfriends Betty and Patty. Out for a walk to the forest, the two girls stray into a frightening place full of caves, called the Wizard's Forest, are found by a wizard, and are shut in a room on the 100th basement floor of the cave; Bubblun and Bobblun have to rescue them quickly. bubble-bobble-history/fds-story
PDF p. 1, storyガー ー ル フレ ンド の ベティ ー ち ゃ ん と パテ ィ ー ち ゃ んOur translation(Bubblun, Bobblun and their two) girlfriends, Betty and Pattyバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, storyベティー ちゃ ん と パテ ィ ー ちゃ ん は 、 村 を 出Our translationBetty and Patty left the villageバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, story — the OCR reads 硬い for 使い (魔法使い, wizard)2 人 は 魔法 硬い に 見 つか つてOur translationthe two were found by a wizardバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, story洞くつ の 地下 1 00 階 に ある 部 屋 に と じ こ め ら れOur translationshut in a room on the 100th basement floor of the caveバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, storyここ は と ある 田舎 の 平和 な 村 。 バ ブル ン 君 と ボブ ルン 君 、 そOur translationThis is a peaceful village in the country. Bubblun and Bobblun, andバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, story — the OCR reads だ for たて 、 森 まで さん ぼ に 出かけ まし だ 。Our translation(left the village) and went for a walk to the forest.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, story — the line before ends 「魔, completing 魔法使いの森 (the Wizard's Forest)法 使い の 森 」 と 呼ば れる 、 お そろ し い 洞 くつ だ ら け の と ころ へOur translation(into) a frightening place full of caves called the "Wizard's Forest"バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, story — the OCR runs this into the line of another column; バブルン君とボブルン follows早く 2 人 を 助け 出さ な けれ ばOur translation(Bubblun and Bobblun) must quickly rescue the twoRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted each clause of the booklet's story, the Wizard's Forest included.Read in the booklet's OCR text, which spaces the Japanese and garbles much of the page; the page image hasn't been checked. The romanized names are ours: the booklet writes バブルン, ボブルン, ベティー and パティー.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The Disk System booklet says the game has 100 rounds. Under a heading on what comes after clearing the 100th round, it says that when the "true ending" plays, something more happens, which the player has to see for themselves. bubble-bobble-history/fds-rounds
PDF p. 1は 全 100 面 。Our translation(Bubble Bobble) has 100 rounds in all.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1 — the clause before reads "じつはね、400面クリアーして" in the OCR; that number isn't relied on here, and the page image hasn't been checked「 真 の エン ディ ング 」 が 流れ る と 、Our translationwhen the "true ending" plays,バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1これ は 絶対 自分 の 目 で 確か の め な くつ ちゃ ダメ だ ぞOur translationyou absolutely have to see this with your own eyesバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, heading — a heading, which the OCR runs into lines of other columns; it reads ウリアー for クリアー and だ for た100 面 ウリ アー し だ あと はOur translationafter clearing 100 roundsバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1 — the OCR reads ガ for がその あと は 何 か ガ 起こ る の だ っOur translationafter that, something happens!Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "After the 100th" rests on the booklet's heading; the OCR's "400" is no longer used.Read in the booklet's OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
On the Disk System, 1P START is a one-player game and 2P START has two players play Bubblun and Bobblun at once. After a game over, pressing Start brings up a screen where 1P or 2P CONTINUE plays on from where the game ended. SAVE is chosen from the start screen after a game over; a round the player has cleared and saved can be chosen again later, with CONTINUE on the start screen, A stepping the round number and B stopping it. bubble-bobble-history/fds-modes
PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes)1P START を 選ぶ と 1 人 プレ イ に な り ま す 。Our translationChoose 1P START for one-player play.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes)2P START は ク 2 人 同時 プレ イ 。Our translation2P START is two players at the same time.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes)ゲ ー ム オー バー に な つた だら スタ ー ト ポタ ン を 押す と 、 PA ト 画 昌 面 に な り ま す 。 そこ で 1 P あ る い は 2P の CONTINUE を 選択 すれ ば 続き か ら 遊 べ ま す 。Our translationWhen the game is over, press Start and the (title) screen appears. Choose 1P or 2P CONTINUE there to play on from where you left off.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes)ゲー ム オ ー パ ー に な つ だ あと 、 ス ダー ト 画 面 に も ど し 、SAVE を 選択 し ます 。Our translationAfter the game is over, go back to the start screen and choose SAVE.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes) — the line follows "2P START は ク 2 人 同時 プレ イ 。"; the OCR reads パブ for バブ, 書 for 君 and ク for 2, and the next line reads "きま す 。"パブ ルン 君 と ボブ ルン 書 、 ク 人 で プレ イ でOur translationBubblun and Bobblun, played by twoバブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes)自 分 で フリ アー し レ 、 セ ー プレ て ある 面 なら 、 セレ ソー し て も どろ る こ と が で て き ます 。Our translationA round you have cleared yourself and saved can be selected and gone back to.バブルボブル ディスクシステム 取扱説明書 (Bubble Bobble Famicom Disk System instruction booklet, TFD-BUB) · PDF p. 1, モード説明 (modes)ゲー ム ス ツ ヤー ト の 画面 で CONTINUE を 選択 し 、 A ボ タン で ラウ ンド 数 を 進め 、B ボ マン で 止め ます 。Our translationOn the game start screen choose CONTINUE, step the round number on with A, and stop it with B.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the two-player, CONTINUE and SAVE lines in full; dropped "to the disk".Read in the booklet's OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked. The lines read don't say where the save is kept.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
At the Summer Consumer Electronics Show of June 1988 in Chicago, Computer Entertainer reported under the heading Taito Software, Inc., Taito was emphasizing two new titles in its booth, Operation Wolf and Bubble Bobble, the latter starring "a very cute little dinosaur character" who climbs and jumps through more than 100 screens and captures enemies in bubbles. bubble-bobble-history/ces-1988
Summer CES report, openingThis year's Summer CES (Consumer Electronics Show), held June 4-7 in ChicagoComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · Summer CES report, Taito Software, Inc.Veteran arcade developer Taito was emphasizing two new titles in its booth: OPERATION WOLF and BUBBLE BOBBLE.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · Summer CES report, Taito Software, Inc.starring a very cute little dinosaur character who climbs and jumps through more than 100 screens and captures its enemies in bubbles.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Dropped "NES"; the report's paragraph names no machine.The Taito paragraph names no machine for either game.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Bubble Bobble came out for the NES in North America in November 1988, with Taito Software as licensee. Computer Entertainer's December 1988 release list has it under Nintendo for November. bubble-bobble-history/release-nes
PDF p. 3 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayBubble Bobble Taito Software November 1988Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 13, release list, NINTENDO, NOVEMBER — the OCR reads "Bubdle"; the row follows "x- Adventure of Link (NIN)" under the headings NINTENDO and NOVEMBER. What the "x-" mark means wasn't read in this issuex-Bubdle Bobble (TAI)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No source read gives the day.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The NES manual is Taito Software Inc.'s, and gives Bubble Bobble as a trademark of Taito America, Inc., © 1988. Chris Scullion's NES encyclopedia credits the NES game's development and publishing to Taito, in 1988. bubble-bobble-history/nes-makers
PDF p. 2, inside coverTAITO SOFTWARE INC.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · PDF p. 2, inside coverBubble BobbleTM is a trademark of Taito America, Inc. © 1988.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Bubble Bobble"Year 1988 Publisher Taito Developer TaitoChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.No staff credits from the NES cartridge or manual have been read.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The NES manual's story is set in a magical forest where jolly round dinosaurs bounce and play in peace. Two of them, Bub and Bob, get word that two of their brontosaurus buddies have been abducted by Baron von Blubba, who lives in the evil forest beyond the horizon, and set off to find them and bring them to safety. The Baron has sent ill-tempered and hungry beasties to stop them, and only Bub and Bob's bubble-blowing powers can save them. bubble-bobble-history/nes-story
printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The StoryMAGICAL FOREST FULL OF DANGER AND DELIGHT,Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The Story — the OCR reads "BUCCMES" for BUDDIES; the line before ends "TWO OF THEIR"BRONTOSAURUS BUCCMES HAD BEEN ABDUCTED BY BARON VONBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The StoryBLUBBA WHO LIVED IN THE EVIL FOREST JUST BEYOND THE HORIZONBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The StoryBEASTIES TO THE FOREST TO STOP BUB AND BOB FROM FINDING THEIRBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The StoryFRIENDS ONLY BUB AND BOBS MAGIC BOBBLE BLOWING POWERSBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The Story — the OCR reads ANP for AND and "EVERYTH IMG," for EVERYTHINGWHERE EVERYTH IMG, IS GOOD TO EAT ANP JOLLY ROUND DINOSAURS BOUNCE ANP PLAY IN PEACE.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The StoryBUB ANP BOB GOT WORD THAT TWO OF THEIRBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The Story — the OCR reads SETOFF for SET OFF and THEWS for THEMSO BUB AND BOB SETOFF TO FIND THEIR FRIENDS ANP BRING THEWS TO SAFETYBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), The StoryBUT THE BARON HAP SENT MANY ILL-TEMPERED AND HUNGRYRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the peace, "GOT WORD", rescue and "ILL-TEMPERED AND HUNGRY" lines.The page is hand-lettered; read in the OCR text, which garbles a few words, not on the page image.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
On the NES, controller 1 plays Bub and controller 2 Bob. B blows bubbles and A jumps; holding A rides a player up on bubbles rising from below. Pressing Start and then Select during play brings Bob into the game. bubble-bobble-history/nes-controls
printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), How to OperateController 1 - Bub Controller 2 - BobBubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), How to Playbeasties by pressing the "B" button and blowing bubbles at them.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), Beastie Bursting TechniquesPress the "A" button to jump. By keeping this button down, you can ride up on bubbles that come from below.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), Start ButtonPress START and then SELECT to have Bob join the game during play.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The NES manual gives each player three lives, one lost each time a beastie or its fireballs, bottles, stones or lasers touch Bub or Bob. Beasties are trapped in bubbles and smashed by a jump or a charge, leaving food to eat; clearing a level's beasties moves on to the next. The game has two worlds of 113 levels each; the first must be completed to reach the second, and the secret to completing each lies in level 99. bubble-bobble-history/nes-play
printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), How to PlayEach player starts with three lives. A life is lost each time Bub or Bob is touched by a beastie or one of its weapons (fireballs, bottles, stones or lasers).Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), How to PlayTrap the beasties in the bubble and smash them with a mighty jump or a high speed charge.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), How to PlayGet rid of all the beasties and go to the next level.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), How to PlayBubble Bobble has two worlds. Each one has 113 levels. You must successfully complete the first world to advance into the second one. The secret to completing each world lies in level 99.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), How to PlayTry to eat the food items that are left after the bubbles burst.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the food-items line.Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The NES game shows a five-letter password, drawn from the letters A to J, each time a game ends; entered after the console is switched on, it starts play from the last level reached. A 1- or 2-player Continue picks a starting level from those reached in the last game, as long as the console stays on. bubble-bobble-history/nes-password
printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), Password FunctionEach level has a special password which is five letters long and uses the first ten letters of the alphabet (ABCDEFGHIJ). It appears each time the game ends.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), Password FunctionWhen you turn on your NES, enter the password and you can start from the last level you played.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), Select Button-1 or 2 player(s) CONTINUE lets you choose a starting level (by pressing the A or B button) from any of the ones you reached in the last game as long as the NES has not been turned off.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Extended the password quotes to the CONTINUE line.Cited by: Bubble Bobble
In the NES manual a burst bubble scores 10 and a burst beastie 1,000; bursting beasties together doubles the score with each one, to 64,000 for seven. A magic jar, found on some levels, opens a bonus screen whose targets, all gathered in under 30 seconds, score up to 100,000. Spelling EXTEND from letters brings a special screen and moves the players to the next level. bubble-bobble-history/nes-scoring
printed p. 8 (PDF p. 10), ScoringBurst a bubble 10 Burst a beastie 1,000 Burst 2 beasties 2,000 Burst 3 4,000 Burst 4 8,000 Burst 5 16,000 Burst 6 32,000 Burst 7 64,000Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 9 (PDF p. 11), Bonus RoundsMagic jars appear on some levels. Capture one and a special bonus screen appears. Gather all the targets in less than 30 seconds and score up to 100,000 points!Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 17 (PDF p. 19), Hints and TipsCollect the letters to spell EXTEND. After you have completely spelled Extend, a special screen appears and you move on to the next level.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The scoring table is laid out in columns; the OCR reads it in this order.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
The NES manual lists magic bonus items, among them candy to blow bubbles farther and faster, parasols that warp up to five levels, a cross of power that summons fire, lightning or water, shoes for speed, a bomb that wipes out every beastie on screen, a heart of power for a spell of invincibility, and a crystal ball that appears only in round 99. bubble-bobble-history/nes-items
printed p. 12 (PDF p. 14), Magic Bonus ItemsCANDY • These goodies give Bub and Bob the power to blow bubbles farther and faster.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 12 (PDF p. 14), Magic Bonus ItemsPARASOLS • Capture these items and you can warp up to five levels.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 12 (PDF p. 14), Magic Bonus ItemsCROSS OF POWER • This magical bonus can give Bub and Bob the power to summon fire, lightning or water to stop the beasties.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 13 (PDF p. 15), Magic Bonus ItemsSHOES • The shoes will speed up Bub and Bob.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 13 (PDF p. 15), Magic Bonus ItemsBOMB • A great explosion can wipe out all the beasties on the screen.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 13 (PDF p. 15), Magic Bonus ItemsHEART OF POWER • Makes you invincible for a limited time.Bubble Bobble (Taito Software, NES) instruction manual, NES-B2-USA · printed p. 14 (PDF p. 16), Magic Bonus ItemsCRYSTAL BALL • Only appears in round 99.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Each item quote carries its heading line.Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Computer Entertainer reviewed the NES version in December 1988 and recommended it, at a suggested retail price of $39.95. It called the game "a lighthearted bit of fun and nonsense from Taito", starring a cartoonish pair of brontosauruses, Bub and Bob, for one player or two cooperating, and found it "difficult to explain and impossible to resist", marvelous fun for one player and better for two. bubble-bobble-history/ce-nes-review
p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobbleis a lighthearted bit of fun and nonsense from TaitoComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobble — the OCR breaks "bronto-Sauruses" over the line; read on the page image (image n8)The game stars a cartoonish pair of brontosauruses (Bub and Bob)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobbleor two can play with both characters, cooperatingComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobbleis one of those games with an appeal that is difficult to explain and impossible to resistComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble BobbleFor one player, it's marvelous fun, and for two players it's even better. Don't miss this one!Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobble — the second "Recommended. (MSR $39.95)" on the page; the first closes the Bump'n'Jump review before itRecommended. (MSR $39.95)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The review says the brontosauruses "make their way through two worlds of 13 levels each" (read on the page image, image n8); the NES manual gives 113 levels to a world (bubble-bobble-history/nes-play). The review is unsigned.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Computer Entertainer gave the NES version three and a half of four stars for graphics and three and a half for game play. bubble-bobble-history/ce-nes-score
Value
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"of": 4,
"scores": {
"graphics": 3.5,
"game play": 3.5
}
}p. 9 (image n8), Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n8); the OCR reads "(&xxX1/2/xxx1/2)"BUBBLE BOBBLE (★★★1/2/★★★1/2)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 2, The Rating SystemENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMS (1st set of stars=quality of graphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 2, The Rating System4 STARS = EXCELLENTChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Computer Entertainer's Top Fifteen Videogames for February 1989 had the NES Bubble Bobble second, behind Super Mario Bros. 2 and ahead of Double Dragon. bubble-bobble-history/ce-chart
p. 1 (image n0), Top Fifteen Videogames — the OCR drops the rank ("Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES)" after "1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES)"); read on the page image (image n0)2. Bubble Bobble (Tai/NES)Computer Entertainer, Vol. 7, No. 11 (February 1989) · p. 1, Top Fifteen Videogames1. Super Mario Bros II (Nin/NES)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The page doesn't say in the lines read what the chart counts.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Chris Scullion's NES encyclopedia (2019) tells the NES story as Baron Von Blubba kidnapping the girlfriends of Bubby and Bobby, who are turned into "bubble dragons" called Bub and Bob. He credits its method of disposing of enemies and its catchy music for making it a favourite, and calls it notorious for its length, 112 levels and another 112 bonus ones, and its four endings, two of them "bad". The best ending needs all 224 levels and the final boss beaten in two-player co-op, though pausing and pressing Select lets a solo player add Bob just before. bubble-bobble-history/scullion-view
entry "Bubble Bobble"After their girlfriends are kidnapped by the nasty Baron Von Blubba, the cherubic Bubby and Bobby are also turned into 'bubble dragons' called Bub and Bob.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Bubble Bobble"This unique method of disposing of enemies made Bubble Bobble a favourite among gamers, and its infuriatingly catchy music forever remains in the heads of anyone who plays it.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Bubble Bobble"notorious for its length - it contains 112 levels and another 112 bonus ones - and for having four different endings, two of which are 'bad'The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Bubble Bobble"the only way to get the best one is to play through all 224 levels and beat the final boss in two-player co-op mode.The NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Bubble Bobble"pause the game and press Select to add Player 2Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.A secondary source, written in 2019. Its level counts (112 and 112) differ from the NES manual's two worlds of 113 (bubble-bobble-history/nes-play); neither has been checked in the game.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Firebird's booklet for the home-computer game, Firebird being a trade mark of British Telecommunications plc, reads "Licensed from © Taito Corp., 1987" and says the game was programmed for the Commodore, Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Atari ST by British Telecommunications plc. It prohibits export outside Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and reads "Conversions by Software Creations". Its key controls and loading instructions cover the Commodore 64 and the Spectrum. bubble-bobble-history/firebird-versions
PDF p. 1Licensed from © Taito Corp., 1987Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1 — the OCR reads "andAtari"Programmed for Commodore, Spectrum, Amstrad CPC and Atari ST by British Telecommunications P.L.C.Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1Conversions by Software CreationsBubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1FIREBIRD IS A TRADE MARK OF BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS P.L.CBubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1Export outside Europe, Australia and New Zealand prohibited.Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1, key controls — the Spectrum's controls follow under "SPECTRUM -"; no other machine's are givenKEY CONTROLS COMMODORE -Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1, loading instructions — the instructions go on to the C64 disc and the Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2 and +3 cassettes, and no other machineLOADING INSTRUCTIONS COMMODORE C64 CASSRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Firebird as BT's trade mark, the programmed-for and export lines quoted, Software Creations credited as printed.Read in the booklet's OCR text, which is clean for these lines; the page image hasn't been checked. The booklet doesn't say which machines' conversions Software Creations made.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Firebird's booklet, whose controls and loading instructions cover the Commodore 64 and the Spectrum, introduces Bub and Bob as "bantam-weight brontosaures" bent on battling bullies by blowing and bursting bubbles. It asks whether the player can reach the "True ending" by clearing all 100 stages, and says a second player can join at any time with the fire button. The player starts with an extra 8 credits, and keeps playing after losing all lives by pressing the fire button quickly. bubble-bobble-history/firebird-play
PDF p. 2Meet BUB and BOB our bantam-weight brontosaures who are bent on battling big bullies by blowing and bursting bubbles.Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 2Can you reach the "True ending" by clearing all 100 stages?Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 2A "Sudden Reversal" awaits you there!Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 2Aplayer can join at any time by pressing the fire button.Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 2You start the game with an extra 8 credits. To keep playing after you have lost all your lives, just press the fire button quickly.Bubble Bobble (Firebird, 1987) instruction booklet · PDF p. 1, loading instructions — the instructions go on to the C64 disc and the Spectrum cassettes, and no other machineLOADING INSTRUCTIONS COMMODORE C64 CASSRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the press-fire continue line; the controls and loading cover the C64 and Spectrum.Read in the OCR text; the page image hasn't been checked.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Crash reviewed Firebird's ZX Spectrum version, at £7.95, in October 1987, crediting it to Software Creations, and made it a Crash Smash. The review has Taito's fun-loving Bub and Bob off to rescue their lady friends through a string of caves, moving on when a whole screen is cleared of cave-dwellers, ideally with two simultaneous players. Baron von Blubba comes after them if a screen isn't cleared quickly enough, the word EXTEND earns an extra life, and cave 100, the last, holds a big chief cave-dweller. bubble-bobble-history/crash-review
p. 132 (image n131), Bubble Bobble, credits — read on the page image with the price and authors lines (image n131)Producer: FirebirdCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132 (image n131), creditsRetail price: £7.95Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132 (image n131), credits — the OCR reads "Software Craatiorts"Authors: Software CreationsCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n131); the OCR reads "off to n^cuQ thdr lady tnurds. who are lost Within a string cA pfehtstoac caves"The troublesome two are off to rescue their lady friends, who are lost within a string of prehistoric caves.Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n131); the OCR reads "ide- ally for two simultaneous, players"ideally for two simultaneous playersCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n131); the OCR reads "dra«jed Bar^ von Bkfbbfl"; the sentence goes on "if all the other creatures"if a screen isn't cleared quickly enough is the dreaded Baron von Blubba, an indestructible horror who'll track down the heroic dinos and give them his fatal touchCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n132), where the word follows as "'E X-T E N D'"an extra life is awarded to the lucky pair if they can form the wordCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133, Bubble Bobble — the words from "reaching" on were read on the page image (image n132)On finally reaching Cave 100, the last one, you come face to face with heap big chief cave-dweller who's bigger, nastier and generally moreCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133 (image n132), head of the Bubble Bobble column — read on the page image (image n132): the "A CRASH Smash" logo heads the column holding the Bubble Bobble review's comments and ratingsCRASH SmashCrash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n131); the OCR reads "Ifep. Taito's Cfazy arcade game r$aturtng the fuft'toving Buit and Bob ha$ finatby"Yep, Taito's crazy arcade game featuring the fun-loving Bub and Bob has finally made it onto the Spectrum.Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 132, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n131); the line before reads "Bob progress from one cave to the"next when the entire screen has been cleared of the killer cave-Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The Crash Smash cited from its logo, and the Baron and Cave 100 quotes extended, read on the page images (images n131, n132).The Crash Smash logo was read on the page image (image n132). The OCR garbles the review, so its quoted lines were read on the page images; the reviewers' comments weren't.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Crash gave the Spectrum version 90% overall, with 86% for presentation, 87% for graphics, 91% for playability and 89% for addictive qualities, and called it "the most playable arcade conversion this year". bubble-bobble-history/crash-score
Value
{
"review": "Crash",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 86,
"graphics": 87,
"playability": 91,
"addictive qualities": 89,
"overall": 90
}
}p. 133 (image n132), Bubble Bobble, ratings — read on the page image (image n132); the OCR reads "Playabitity" and "quatiti^s"Presentation 86% Graphics 87% Playability 91% Addictive qualities 89% OVERALL 90%Crash, issue 45 (October 1987) · p. 133 (image n132), Bubble Bobble, general rating — read on the page image (image n132); the OCR reads "G«fWfil ratirt^ the mo$t playablB arcade cofwerslon this year"General rating: the most playable arcade conversion this yearChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Crash rates each heading as a percentage.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Zzap!64 reviewed Firebird's Commodore 64 version, at £8.95 on cassette and £14.95 on disk, joystick only, in October 1987, as "a stunning conversion of Taito's surreal arcade machine". It describes a journey through 100 caves, a choice of one- or two-player mode with a second player able to join at any time, the indestructible Baron von Blubba hunting the dinosaurs if a screen isn't cleared quickly enough, an extra life for forming the word EXTEND from lettered bubbles, a 100,000-point bonus, and a secret screen. bubble-bobble-history/zzap-review
p. 12, Bubble BobbleFirebird, £8.95 cass, £14.95 disk, joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "convorelon of Tflito's surreal arcade machfne"A stunning conversion of Taito's surreal arcade machineZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "TOO caves"through 100 cavesZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "a Eocond player can stiJl \o\n m at any Time"a second player can still join in at any timeZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "I' B screen' Is not deared" and "tiercor"Another hazard which appears if a screen is not cleared quickly enough is the dreaded Baron von Blubba. This indestructible horror emerges to track down the heroic dinos, eventually giving his fatal touch if all the other creatures aren't destroyed quickly enough.Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobblea 100,000 points bonusZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n12); the OCR reads "Finaify, lhera'3 a secret screar"Finally, there's a secret screenZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "Ati initiaJ decision as made betw- een either one or Iwo-piayer modSr"An initial decision is made between either one or two-player modeZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 12, Bubble Bobble — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "bubbles conTain letters, 4viTh an exir^ life" and "E K T E N D"Other bubbles contain letters, with an extra life awarded if the word E X T E N D is formed.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the player-mode, EXTEND and Baron lines, read on the page image (image n11).The OCR garbles the review; the quoted lines were read on the page images (images n11 and n12).
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Zzap!64 gave the Commodore 64 version 97% overall, with 92% for presentation, 84% for graphics, 87% for sound, 97% for hookability and 91% for lastability, and called it "a superlative conversion". bubble-bobble-history/zzap-score
Value
{
"review": "Zzap!64",
"of": 100,
"scores": {
"presentation": 92,
"graphics": 84,
"sound": 87,
"hookability": 97,
"lastability": 91,
"overall": 97
}
}p. 13 (image n12), ratingsPRESENTATION 92%Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image n12), ratings — read on the page image (image n12); the OCR reads "S4%"GRAPHICS 84%Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image n12), ratingsSOUND 87%Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image n12), ratingsHOOKABILITY 97%Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image n12), ratings — read on the page image (image n12); the OCR reads "LA5TABIUTYS1%"LASTABILITY 91%Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image n12), ratingsOVERALL 97%Zzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13 (image n12), overall verdict — read on the page image (image n12); the OCR reads "A super ijiitf 13 cQnversior^ wr>ich"A superlative conversion whichChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Zzap!64's reviewers called the Commodore 64 game "unbelievably addictive" and "simply superb - a licensing triumph", and one wrote that very few games, in any format, generate as much fun. bubble-bobble-history/zzap-verdict
p. 12, first comment — read on the page image (image n11); the OCR reads "it'a unbelievably addictive"it's unbelievably addictiveZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13, second comment — read on the page image (image n12); the OCR reads "Is simply superb - a licensing Inumph"is simply superb - a licensing triumphZzap!64, issue 30 (October 1987) · p. 13, third comment — the OCR reads "ve-ry"No matter what format it appears in, there are very few games which generate as much fun asChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The text layer doesn't hold the reviewers' names.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Bubble Bobble had computer versions sold under Taito's name. Computer Entertainer reported in August 1988 that Taito had released it among its first five Commodore 64/128 titles at $34.95, with IBM/Tandy versions to come at $39.95, Apple II versions, which would also run on the IIGS, at $34.95, and Atari ST and Amiga versions planned. Its December 1988 review listed the game as also available for IBM/Tandy, Atari ST and Amiga, and for Commodore 64/128 and Apple II at $34.95. bubble-bobble-history/taito-us-computers
p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer GamesTaito has recently released five titles for Commodore 64/128: ALCON, ARKANOID, BUBBLE BOBBLE, RENEGADE, and RASTAN.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Games$34.95 on all but the first two, which are $29.95 each.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Games — the OCR reads "forBUBBLE"; the sentence gives the IBM versions' pricesfor BUBBLE BOBBLE and RENEGADE at $39.95 each.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer GamesAll the Taito games but SKY SHARK are planned for the Atari STComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer GamesAmiga versions ($39.95) are slated for all but ALCON and ARKANOID.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, The Taito GamesBUBBLE BOBBLE contains 100 screens of humorous bubble-blowing and burstingComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 9 (December 1988) · p. 9, Nintendo Software, Bubble Bobble — the OCR reads "Apple If"NES version reviewed; also available for IBM/ Tandy, Atari ST, Amiga; for Commodore 64/128, Apple II at $34.95.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 7, Taito Introduces Its First Computer Games — the OCR reads "mn" for "run"Apple II versions of the Taito arcade games will also mn on the GS and include ARKANOID ($29.95), BUBBLE BOBBLE, QIX and RENEGADE ($34.95 each).Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "Versions sold under Taito's name"; quoted the Apple II line.Neither issue names who programmed the versions sold under Taito's name.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
On the Spectrum Bubble Bobble went on to compilations: a mail-order advertisement in Your Sinclair of July 1989 lists it in Taito Coin-Op at £9.99, with Rastan, Flying Shark, Arkanoid and its sequel, Slap Fight, Renegade and Legend of Kage. By June 1992 it sold at £3.99 as a budget game, and with Rainbow Islands and The New Zealand Story in Addicted to Fun. bubble-bobble-history/compilations
p. 20, mail-order advertisement — the list prints Arkanoid twice as the OCR reads itTAITO COIN OP Only £9.99 RASTAN + FLYING SHARK + ARKANOID + ARKANOIDII + SLAP FIGHT + BUBBLE BOBBLE + ARKANOID + RENEGADE + LEGEND OF KAGEYour Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 17, mail-order advertisementBubble Bobble.3.99Your Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 17, mail-order advertisementADDICTED TO FUN Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands & New Zealand Story Cass £7.99Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text; the pages haven't been checked on the images. Ocean's own advertisement for Taito Coin-Op Hits runs on pp. 2-3 of the same Your Sinclair issue.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
In Your Sinclair's June 1992 round-up of the best £3.99 budget games, Jon Pillar listed the Spectrum Bubble Bobble, then a Hit Squad release, at number 2 in its section, calling it "Playability overload in this classic arcade conversion", the best two-player game of all, with 100 single-screen levels, and "Nearly unbeatable". bubble-bobble-history/ys-budget
p. 54, What a Barg! — the introduction credits "JON PILLAR"a roundup of the best £3.99ers around.Your Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 54, What a Barg!2. Bubble Bobble Hit Squad/Issue 69Your Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 54, What a Barg!Playability overload in this classic arcade conversion. The best two player game of allYour Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 54, What a Barg!With 100 single-screen levelsYour Sinclair, issue 78 (June 1992) · p. 54, What a Barg!Nearly unbeatable.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06."Issue 69" is the Your Sinclair issue the entry gives for its review, not read here. The round-up is sorted into sections by kind of game; the section's heading wasn't read in the OCR.
Cited by: Bubble Bobble
Scullion's encyclopedia lists Bubble Bobble Part 2 for the NES in 1993, published by Taito and developed by ITL, a console-only follow-up released before the arcade sequel Bubble Symphony reached arcades in 1994. bubble-bobble-history/sequel-nes
entry "Bubble Bobble Part 2"Year 1993 Publisher Taito Developer ITLThe NES Encyclopedia: Every Game Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System · entry "Bubble Bobble Part 2"Bubble Symphony, didn't make it to arcades until 1994. Before that, NES owners got this console-only follow-upNES Games (Nintendo of America release list) · PDF p. 3Bubble Bobble: Part 2Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Bubble Bobble