Alex Kidd in Miracle World Classic
Sega Master System · Platformer / Action
Bubble Bobble
Certified classic Co-op
| System | Sega Master System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 (originally 1986) |
| Genre | Platformer, Action |
| Developer | Taito |
| Publisher | SEGA |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Bubble Bobble |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 11 |
Developed by Taito and published by SEGA, Bubble Bobble arrived on the Sega Master System in 1988 as a platformer. This Master System release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986. It blends platformer and action elements.
It landed about 2 years into the Master System's life. Other notable Master System releases from 1988 include Double Dragon, R-Type and Shinobi. Among the 66 Master System platformers in our database, it ranks #12 by legacy score.
It is part of the Bubble Bobble series; on the Master System you can also try Rainbow Islands. The series also appears on other systems with Bubble Bobble (NES) and Bubble Bobble (Saturn). Taito also made Operation Wolf, The NewZealand Story and Rastan Saga for the Master System.
Bubble Bobble supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
- you want to experience one of the Master System's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Bubble Bobble is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Bubble Bobble cheats & codes
4 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives P1 | 00CE-B709 |
|---|---|
| Infinite Lives P2 | 00CF-3709 |
| Round Modifier | 00DB-00XX |
Bubble Bobble walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Bubble Bobble.
If you like Bubble Bobble, the Matrix also picks…
Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World Classic
Sonic Blast Classic
Dynamite Headdy Classic
Playing Master System games today
The Master System library is full of colorful arcade-style games that are easy to pick up. Many titles also appear in Sega's official compilations.
Bubble Bobble FAQ
When did Bubble Bobble come out on the Master System?
Bubble Bobble was released for the Sega Master System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1986.
Who made Bubble Bobble?
It was developed by Taito and published by SEGA.
Is Bubble Bobble multiplayer?
Yes. Bubble Bobble supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.
How long does Bubble Bobble take to play?
As a platformer, Bubble Bobble typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Bubble Bobble on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.