Bust-a-Move 4 (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Bust-a-Move 4 (1998): A Colorful and Creative Puzzle Classic

Bust-a-Move 4 (also known as Puzzle Bobble 4) is a puzzle game released in 1998 for the Arcade, PlayStation, and Dreamcast. It is the fourth installment in the popular Bust-a-Move series, and the final game in the series to be released in arcades.

Bust-a-Move 4 retains the classic gameplay of its predecessors, in which players must shoot colored bubbles at a ceiling of descending bubbles in order to match three or more bubbles of the same color and make them disappear. However, Bust-a-Move 4 introduces a new gameplay mechanic: pulleys.

Pulleys are ropes that hang from the ceiling, with two sets of bubbles attached to either side. When a bubble is shot at a pulley, it will cause the pulley to rotate, and the bubbles on the other side of the pulley will move in the opposite direction. This adds a new level of strategy to the game, as players must now consider the movement of the pulleys when shooting bubbles.

In addition to the new pulley mechanic, Bust-a-Move 4 also features a number of other new features, including:

  • A story mode for single-player play, in which players must travel around the world and defeat a variety of bosses.
  • A level editor that allows players to create and share their own levels.
  • An unlimited mode, in which players can play an endless number of levels.

Bust-a-Move 4 was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best games in the series. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music.

Gameplay

The goal of Bust-a-Move 4 is to clear the screen of all the bubbles. To do this, players must shoot colored bubbles at a ceiling of descending bubbles and match three or more bubbles of the same color. When three or more bubbles of the same color are matched, they will disappear and the bubbles above them will fall down.

Players can shoot bubbles by pressing the A button. The direction of the shot is controlled by the D-pad. Players can also hold down the A button to charge up their shot, which will cause the bubble to travel faster and farther.

In addition to the basic gameplay, Bust-a-Move 4 also features a number of power-ups that can help players clear the screen more quickly. These power-ups include:

  • Bomb bubbles: These bubbles explode when they are matched, destroying all the bubbles around them.
  • Star bubbles: These bubbles clear an entire row or column of bubbles when they are matched.
  • Rainbow bubbles: These bubbles can be matched with any other color of bubble.

Story Mode

Bust-a-Move 4 features a story mode for single-player play. In story mode, players must travel around the world and defeat a variety of bosses. Each boss has their own unique stage and set of challenges.

To progress through story mode, players must clear each stage by defeating the boss. Once a boss is defeated, players will be rewarded with a new power-up. Players can use these power-ups to help them clear the remaining stages in story mode.

Level Editor

Bust-a-Move 4 features a level editor that allows players to create and share their own levels. The level editor is easy to use, and it allows players to create a wide variety of different levels.

Players can use the level editor to create levels for single-player play, or they can create levels for multiplayer play. Players can also share their levels with other players online.

Unlimited Mode

Bust-a-Move 4 features an unlimited mode, in which players can play an endless number of levels. In unlimited mode, the difficulty of the levels will gradually increase as players progress.

Unlimited mode is a great way to practice your bubble-shooting skills and to see how far you can go. It is also a great way to unlock new power-ups and to earn high scores.

Conclusion

Bust-a-Move 4 is a classic puzzle game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging and addictive game that offers a variety of different gameplay modes. Whether you are a fan of puzzle games or not, Bust-a-Move 4 is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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