Software:Super Puzzle Bobble

From HandWiki
Short description: 2000 video game
Super Puzzle Bobble
Japanese PlayStation 2 box art
Developer(s)Taito
Altron (GBA version)
Publisher(s)
SeriesPuzzle Bobble
Platform(s)PlayStation 2
Windows
Game Boy Advance
GameCube
Mobile phone
Release
Genre(s)Puzzle
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Super Puzzle Bobble (スーパーパズルボブル, Sūpā Pazuru Boburu), released as Super Bust-A-Move in Europe and North America, is a puzzle video game in the Puzzle Bobble series. It was developed by Taito, and released on November 27, 2000 by Acclaim Entertainment for the PlayStation 2, and by CyberFront and EON Digital Entertainment for Windows in 2001. It was later ported to the Game Boy Advance that same year, the Japanese version under the name Super Puzzle Bobble Advance (スーパーパズルボブルアドバンス, Sūpā Pazuru Boburu Adobansu). It was re-released in Japan for the PlayStation 2 in 2004 as part of Super Puzzle Bobble DX (スーパーパズルボブルDX, Sūpā Pazuru Boburu DX) (along with its sequel, Super Puzzle Bobble 2), which is Volume 62 of the Japan-exclusive Simple 2000 Series. This compilation includes a few graphical enhancements.

Super Puzzle Bobble was ported to the GameCube in 2003, under the name of Super Puzzle Bobble All-Stars (スーパーパズルボブル オールスターズ, Sūpā Pazuru Boburu Ōru Sutāzu) in Japan, Super Bust-A-Move All-Stars in Europe, and Bust-A-Move 3000 in North America. The game is a direct port, except for the inclusion of new backgrounds and remixed music. It also features new box artwork, more in line with the in-game artwork.

It is the first mainstream game in the series not to see an arcade release, although there is an arcade game with the same title, which is a completely different game to this one.

Gameplay

Super Puzzle Bobble gameplay is essentially the same as the rest of the series. It bestows some audiovisual improvements, adds and removes gameplay elements, adds a new art style, and adds a new character roster. It has single player, training, computer competition, and two player competition modes. New to this game are large-sized bubbles and a two player cooperation mode, in which players work together to solve a stage.[4]

The GameCube All-Stars version has a four player option and a Space Invaders-style mode called "Shoot Bubble".[5]

Promotion

The game was showcased at the February 1999 AOU Amusement Expo in Japan.[6]

Similar to Bust-A-Move 2 Arcade Edition, the original PlayStation 2 version in North American and Europe releases had unusually strange cover art, consisting of a photorealistic baby wearing shades and blowing a red bubble. It was included on a 2003 list published by GameSpy of the "Top Ten Worst Covers".[7] Other versions of the game including the later GameCube release would instead feature cover art more reminiscent of the game, featuring the game's core cast of playable characters.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
GBAGCPS2
AllGameStarStarHalf star[10]StarStar[11]StarStar[12]
EGMN/AN/A7.5/10[13]
Famitsu24/40[15]26/40[16]28/40[17]
Game Informer6.75/10[18]N/A7/10[19]
GameFanN/AN/A83%[20][lower-alpha 1]
GameSpot8/10[21]5/10[22]5.4/10[23]
GameZone8/10[24]N/A5/10[25]
IGN8.8/10[26]N/A7/10[27]
Next GenerationN/AN/AStarStarStar[28]
Nintendo Power3.4/5[29]3/5[30]N/A
OPM (US)N/AN/AStarStarStar[31]
Aggregate score
Metacritic77/100[8]53/100[3]75/100[9]

The PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance versions received "generally favorable reviews", while Bust-A-Move 3000 received "mixed" reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[3][8][9] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 28 out of 40 for the PS2 version,[17] 24 out of 40 for the Game Boy Advance version,[15] and 26 out of 40 for the All-Stars edition.[16]

Ryan Davis of GameSpot said the PS2 version has the best graphics and sound of the series to date, "with extraordinarily sharp 2D graphics and a healthy amount of visual splendor", but that its gameplay represents an "incredibly stripped-down" disappointment to the series which "brings virtually nothing new to the franchise" and is missing a lot of features from the previous year's Bust-a-Move 4.[23] As for BAM3000, there was nothing new and the analog controls were awkward, but the multiple gameplay modes kept players happy.[22] Geraint Evans of NGC Magazine regarded the game as worth owning, but only on one console.[5] Tom Russo of NextGen found the Japanese PS2 import a bit disappointing and no different from the original game.[28]

Human Tornado of GamePro said of the PlayStation 2 version in one review, "Super Bust A Move for the PS2 is the best puzzle game for the system almost by default. Fantavision has prettier graphics, but the time-tested gameplay in Bust A Move makes the switch to the PS2 nicely. It's not a must have, but Taito's new Super Bust A Move has a lot of challenge for gamers who want an action puzzle game."[32][lower-alpha 2] In another GamePro review, Uncle Dust said of the same console version, "For those who must have the most recent version of Bust-A-Move, or for puzzle fans without a PS one, this is a good game. Yet Super Bust-A-Move's limited new features and graphics, along with the PS2's backward compatibility, make it kind of silly to spend the extra bucks on this latest version."[33][lower-alpha 3]

The PlayStation 2 version was a runner-up for "Puzzle Game of 2000" in Editors' Choice, but won the same award in Readers' Choice at IGN's Best of 2000 Awards for PlayStation 2.[34]

Notes

  1. ↑ Three critics of GameFan gave the Japanese PlayStation 2 import each a score of 89, 82, and 79.
  2. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version 3/5 for graphics, two 3.5/5 scores for sound and fun factor, and 4/5 for control in one review.
  3. ↑ GamePro gave the PlayStation 2 version three 3.5/5 scores for graphics, sound, and fun factor, and 4.5/5 for control in another review.

References

  1. ↑ "Acclaim Entertainment Ships First Title For PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System". November 27, 2000. http://www.acclaim.com/company/pressReleases/product/SuperBAMShips.html. 
  2. ↑ "Gameshark Calendar". GameShark (IGN Entertainment): 14. November 2001. https://archive.org/details/GameShark_Magazine_Holiday_2001. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Bust-A-Move 3000". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/bust-a-move-3000/. 
  4. ↑ "Taito goes by the Competition". Gamers' Republic (Millenium Publications) (12): 34. May 1999. https://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_12. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Evans, Geraint (January 2004). "Super Bust-A-Move All Stars". NGC Magazine (Future plc) (89): 50. https://archive.org/details/NGC-089-2004-01. 
  6. ↑ "AOU Show Preview". Gamers' Republic (Millenium Publications) (11): 11. April 1999. https://archive.org/details/Gamers_Republic_Issue_11. 
  7. ↑ Bowen, Kevin (12 January 2003). "Top 10 Worst Covers". http://archive.gamespy.com/top10/january03/covers/index2.shtml. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Super Bust-A-Move critic reviews (GBA)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-bust-a-move/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Super Bust-A-Move critic reviews (PS2)". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/super-bust-a-move/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2. 
  10. ↑ Miller, Skyler. "Super Bust-A-Move (GBA) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=36610&tab=review. 
  11. ↑ Marriott, Scott Alan. "Bust-A-Move 3000 - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=41669&tab=review. 
  12. ↑ Thompson, Jon. "Super Bust-A-Move (PS2) - Review". All Media Network. http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=28558&tab=review. 
  13. ↑ MacDonald, Mark (February 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move (PS2) [console mislabeled as "PS""]. Electronic Gaming Monthly (Ziff Davis) (139): 141. https://retrocdn.net/images/e/e5/EGM_US_139.pdf. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  14. ↑ Burnham, Van (January 10, 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move (PS2)". Greedy Productions, Inc.. http://www.elecplay.com/review.html?article=4975&full=1. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "スーパーパズルボブルアドバンス" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=12056&redirect=no. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "スーパーパズルボブル オールスターズ" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=14416&redirect=no. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "スーパーパズルボブル" (in ja). Famitsu (Enterbrain). https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=9371&redirect=no. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  18. ↑ Leeper, Justin (February 2002). "Super Bust A Move [sic (GBA)"]. Game Informer (FuncoLand) (106): 100. http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200202/R03.0801.1656.43741.htm. Retrieved December 31, 2021. 
  19. ↑ Helgeson, Matt (November 2000). "Super Bust A Move [sic (PS2)"]. Game Informer (FuncoLand) (91). http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200011/R03.0807.1129.26852.htm. Retrieved December 31, 2021. 
  20. ↑ Mylonas, Eric "ECM"; Weitzner, Jason "Fury"; Ngo, George "Eggo" (December 2000). "Super Puzzle Bobble [Import (PS2)"]. GameFan (BPA International) 8 (12): 26. https://archive.org/details/Gamefan_Vol_8_Issue_12/page/n27/mode/2up. Retrieved January 16, 2022. 
  21. ↑ Provo, Frank (November 26, 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move Review (GBA) [date mislabeled as "May 17, 2006""]. Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-bust-a-move-review/1900-2827182/. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Davis, Ryan (April 21, 2003). "Bust-A-Move 3000 Review". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bust-a-move-3000-review/1900-6025395/. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Davis, Ryan (November 30, 2000). "Super Bust-A-Move Review (PS2)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/super-bust-a-move-review/1900-2659752/. 
  24. ↑ Bedigian, Louis (December 14, 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move (GBA)". http://gameboy.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16821_GBA.htm. 
  25. ↑ Snackdawg (February 6, 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move (PS2)". http://ps2.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r16821.htm. 
  26. ↑ Harris, Craig (December 4, 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move (GBA)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/05/super-bust-a-move. 
  27. ↑ Perry, Douglass C. (December 6, 2000). "Super Bust-A-Move (PS2)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/12/07/super-bust-a-move-3. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Russo, Tom (December 2000). "Super Puzzle Bobble (PS2; JP Import)". NextGen (Imagine Media) (72): 105. https://archive.org/details/NextGen72Dec2000. 
  29. ↑ "Super Bust-A-Move". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 154: 137. March 2002. 
  30. ↑ "Bust-A-Move 3000". Nintendo Power (Nintendo of America) 165: 156. February 2003. 
  31. ↑ Kennedy, Sam (February 2001). "Super Bust-A-Move". Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine (Ziff Davis) (41): 90. https://archive.org/details/official-u.-s.-playstation-magazine-issue-41-february-2001. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  32. ↑ Human Tornado (December 4, 2000). "Super Bust-A-Move Review for PS2 on GamePro.com". GamePro (IDG). http://www.gamepro.com/sony/ps2/games/reviews/7520.shtml. Retrieved January 1, 2022. 
  33. ↑ Uncle Dust (February 2001). "Super Bust-a-Move (PS2)". GamePro (IDG) (149): 68. https://retrocdn.net/images/1/1f/GamePro_US_149.pdf. Retrieved October 30, 2023. 
  34. ↑ IGN staff (January 29, 2001). "Best of 2000 Awards: Puzzle Game of 2000 (PS2)". Snowball.com. http://ps2.ign.com/news/30686.html. 

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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