What else is there to say? This game was made by Taito, and is probably one of the most popular puzzle games in existence, second only 
to Tetris. This game has been ported to almost every console system. Just
think, this is the game that started it all, and it all started on the Neo Geo MVS in 1994. Those familiar with the Bubble Bobble of the 80s will recognize the characters in this puzzle game, Bub and Bob. Anyway, enough of the history, on with the review. 

   The object of Bust-A-Move in single player mode is to clear the screen of all the bubbles. The bubbles bust when three or more of the same color bubbles are touching when you launch a bubble. The bubbles are at the top of the screen, while at the bottom of the screen there is a launcher, which can be aimed to direct where the bubbles go. The bubbles can be bounced off of the side walls. Very fun, very addictive, and also very challenging! Also, this game is easy for anyone to learn and play (and women dig the game too). 

   In the two player game, the object is to fill the other players screen with bubbles. Everytime a bunch of bubbles are busted, some bubbles will appear on the opposing player's side of the screen. Once the bubbles are piled past a line at the bottom of the screen (where the shooter is) that player loses, and needs to feed the machine another quarter to try to get revenge.

   Bust-A-Move is a very cute game, but it is also a very fun game. The music is well done, definitely does not drive me crazy like the music to Tetris did. The graphics are nice, and the colors used are vivid. This game is still in MVS machines today and still brings in some money. There is also a sequel to this games on the MVS, Bust-A-Move EX (Puzzle Bobble 2) besides the sequels Taito made for their own F3 System (at least 3 so far). 

   The game usually sells for about $30 to $75 for the MVS but is well worth the price. The Neo CD version of the game (Puzzle Bobble) can be found for about $35. If someone wanted this game on home cart, a conversion would be required. 

   A World Heroes 2 or Fatal Fury Special sac cart could be used to accomplish this. There exists a homebrew cart sticker, insert for a new style box, and manual which can be found at http://nickthfury.cjb.net.  Currently the art is for Puzzle Bobble, but some day there will be art for Bust-A-Move. For an idea of the cost of conversion, here is my thoughts....

   If someone is interested in getting a conversion of Puzzle Bobble done, I would recommend Jeff Kurtz (jmkurtz@macola.com) for the job. He does an EXCELLENT job, and the labor price quoted above is what he is currently charging.

   A little trivia, in Euro mode, the game is called Puzzle Bobble, in US mode, it is Bust-A-Move. Is the game worth the price? Hell yes! If you do not already have this game in your collection, you MUST ask yourself why!