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ATPM 4.03
March 1998

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Review: Bubble Trouble

by Jake Tenenbaum, jakers@loop.com

excellent


IMAGE imgs/bt04.gifProduct Information
Created by: Alex Metcalf and David Wareing
Published by: Ambrosia Software
E-Mail:
<help@ambrosiasw.com>
Web: <http://www.ambrosiasw.com>
Shareware Fee: $15 US


System Requirements
68040 or PowerPC recommended
256 color monitor at 640 x 480


If you browse the software aisle at CompUSA or Best Buy, it seems that all the exciting games are much too graphic for a small child, while all the games designed for small children are "snorers." What's a parent to do?


In Bubble Trouble, the player is Blinkie, our young fish protagonist. The object of the game is Blinkie's survival in the cold, cruel ocean. Each level is a maze of bubbles that Blinkie can push around. Blinkie uses the bubbles to "pop" the bad guys. Blinkie's enemies range from fairly slow fish, to speedy sharks, to even faster starfish. They all want to get Blinkie.


btshot

You have to be careful, because some foes can also push bubbles, which can crush Blinkie quite effectively. There are many different tools to use during your adventures. Bouncing balls bounce around one or more times. Dynamite can blow up enemies who are close by. If used improperly, it can destroy you, too. Additionally, you can earn time bonuses and extra lives.


Bubble Trouble is a game of reflexes, skill and strategy. That's saying a lot, and the realization snuck up on me, but these reasons keep bringing me back. Some call the game addictive and I can't argue with them. At times, I found it hard to pull away from Bubble Trouble.


Bubble Trouble's graphics are bright, colorful, non-violent, and fun as heck. These make Bubble Trouble a cool game for your kids. My friend enjoys playing Bubble Trouble for hours, and so do his boys (ages five and six). They play together as a group. I believe this is one of the few games that parents can truly enjoy as much as their kids.


Perhaps the most dynamic aspect of the game is the cool, included music, which was written by the authors. The music is also cool because its based on the MOD sound format, an old Amiga Computer format. If you don't like the included soundtrack, or want something different, you can download one of thousands of files available on the Internet, rename the file, and use it as Bubble Trouble's soundtrack. It's pretty cool and it works.


There is also a High-Score contest, which is taken quite seriously by many players.


In summary, the interface and controls are delightfully simple. The graphics and sound are rich. Difficulty is enough to hold adults' interest, yet it's still enjoyable for children. Bubble Trouble is well worth the purchase price of $15.


Blue AppleCopyright © 1998 Jake Tenenbaum, <jakers@loop.com>. Reviewing in ATPM
is open to anyone. If you're interested, write to us at <reviews@atpm.com>.

Reader Comments (16)

Tiffany · June 10, 2002 - 11:44 EST #1
Great game!
anonymous · June 17, 2003 - 09:23 EST #2
This game is so cool. I play it every day in summer camp, but the highest level I ever got to was 17.
marie · April 19, 2004 - 06:15 EST #3
I played this game everyday throughou year 12 i got to level 25 it is the best game ever!!!!
onie · July 9, 2004 - 15:18 EST #4
LOVE IT!!
kaitlin granger · August 9, 2004 - 20:31 EST #5
it was a good game
Lady Soldier · November 24, 2004 - 22:42 EST #6
I love this game!!! i remeber when i was little i played this allllllll the time!!! now i am 17 and i still play it.
Stephanie · March 30, 2005 - 13:46 EST #7
Well, I love this game, I registered it on my computer not too long ago, and sadly I have only been up to level 24 but I will get further sometime...I am 17 and love this game...haha have fun playing it!
Bethany · May 18, 2005 - 17:35 EST #8
Its really fun to play.
sarah · May 29, 2005 - 14:25 EST #9
this game is so awesome
raine sher · June 4, 2005 - 04:31 EST #10
i made it up to level 39 it is so fun and i had 22 lives
Cynthia Edwards · December 7, 2005 - 00:53 EST #11
Has anyone been able to start at a level other than level 1?
Joe Jacome · December 12, 2005 - 17:20 EST #12
to start at a level you have already gotten to, press down the L key and a screen should pop up
umraj · May 31, 2006 - 22:48 EST #13
this game as been a perfect game i luv it and want to play it more
Jordan Hampton · July 4, 2006 - 17:18 EST #14
One of the greatest games ever
i GOt to Level 27
wow
kara · December 1, 2007 - 07:24 EST #15
how do u pause the game nothing works
emily h · March 31, 2010 - 22:54 EST #16
omg, ive been looking for this game since primary we had it on the computer at school such a wicked game i must say!!!!

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