Poor Animation Doesn’t Help Confusing Game

Wed., May 29, 1996

Paul Wille Lewis And Clark

Bubble and Squeak Sega Genesis Sunsoft

As the name implies, Bubble and Squeak isn’t your run-of-the-mill action/adventure video game. In fact, it’s unlike most games because there’s no clear purpose, enemy or even order of levels.

Everything seems normal at first, beginning with the first two Stardust Caverns levels. Then you play one Neverglades level, followed by another Stardust Caverns level. It only gets more confusing from there as far as levels go.

If you think that’s strange, the other details of the game are even more odd. The whole point of the game is for the

main character, Bubble, to lead a Groolean, Squeak, to a little red and blue post to pass each level, where you shake hands.

During this whole strange affair, water is slowly creeping up the screen to drown either Bubble or Squeak. Bubble has to lead Squeak along and there are places where Bubble can jump over that Squeak cannot get past, forcing the player to use his or her imagination every once in a while.

The graphics in this game look normal, but character animation is pathetic. Enemies such as Baseball Ducks and Flying Elephants present no problem to Bubble, who can shoot stars at them. They sound funny, but the enemies that Bubble encounters aren’t funny at all.

The sound is also peculiar and, if you do end up playing this game, I suggest you turn off the sound and listen to something else.

Aside from the bizarre graphics and game play, this is a slightly challenging game. The enemies are simple, but the layouts in each level present problems because of how Squeak follows Bubble. Other than that challenge, this game is a real snoozer and I have little or no desire to ever play it again.

Grade: D

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