Bubble Bobble Saturn box art

Sega Saturn · Platformer

Bubble Bobble

Certified classic Co-op

SystemSega Saturn
GenrePlatformer
DeveloperTaito
PublisherTaito
Players1–2 players (co-op)
CommitmentWeekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours)
SeriesBubble Bobble
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 11

Developed by Taito, Bubble Bobble arrived on the Sega Saturn as a platformer. This Saturn release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986.

Among the 27 Saturn platformers in our database, it ranks #6 by legacy score.

It is part of the Bubble Bobble series. The series also appears on other systems with Bubble Bobble (NES) and Bubble Bobble (Master System). Taito also made Elevator Action Returns, RayForce and Cleopatra Fortune for the Saturn.

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 a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
  • you want a game to beat together with a friend
  • you want to experience one of the Saturn'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 gameplay screenshot on Saturn
In-game screenshot (Saturn)

Bubble Bobble walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Bubble Bobble.

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Playing Saturn games today

Many of the Saturn's best games never left Japan, and original discs can be expensive. Rec0m88 lists Saturn support for players who own their games.

Bubble Bobble FAQ

Who made Bubble Bobble?

It was developed by Taito.

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 "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. 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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you