Bub
The green dragon protagonist controlled in one-player mode.
Documented for this version
Arrow LeftArrow Right | Move left or right |
|---|---|
Arrow Up | Climb a nearby ladder Use when a ladder is present. |
A | Jump |
B | Blow a bubble |
Start | Start the game or pause |
Controls use the NES controller.
Bubbles can be popped by touching them.
How it plays
Each stage is viewed from a fixed single-screen perspective. Players move across platforms, jump around hazards, blow bubbles at enemies, and pop those bubbles by touching them.
Trapped enemies can be defeated for points, while falling fruit and other items provide bonuses. The objective is to eliminate every enemy on the screen; clearing a stage advances the game through increasingly difficult layouts. One-player and two-player modes are available, with cooperation making enemy control easier but also creating more opportunities for mistakes.
Plan your run
Use bubbles to control space rather than firing them randomly. Trap enemies near platforms, then approach from a safe angle to burst them.
In later stages, study the layout before moving. Keep an escape route open, avoid cornering yourself, and prioritize enemies that can reach your platform quickly. In two-player mode, coordinate who traps enemies and who pops them.
Meet the cast
The green dragon protagonist controlled in one-player mode.
Bub's blue dragon companion and the second player's character.
Before you begin
Trap enemies near the center of the stage so their bubbles are easier to reach.
Do not chase every bonus item if doing so exposes you to an enemy.
In two-player mode, avoid popping the same bubble from opposite sides at the same time.
Bubble Bobble is a single-screen action platformer developed and published by Taito. Players control the dragon Bub, or Bob in two-player mode, and attempt to clear each stage by trapping enemies inside bubbles and bursting them. The NES version adapts the arcade formula into a substantial console game with scrolling progression across many puzzle-like stages. Its play style combines precise jumping, enemy positioning, and quick reactions rather than traditional combat. The game was widely recognized for preserving the approachable cooperative appeal of the arcade original while adding console-specific content. Its charming characters, compact levels, secret items, and demanding later stages helped make it a lasting reference point for cooperative platform games.
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