Bubble Bobble Remastered: Unofficial C64 Port Receives Stunning Graphics Overhaul

Bubble Bobble Remastered: Unofficial C64 Port Receives Stunning Graphics Overhaul The beloved arcade classic, Bubble Bobble, originally developed by Taito, has stood the test of time since its original arcade release in 1986.

While the Commodore 64 port, developed by Manchester-based Software Creations and launched in 1987, was heralded as an impressive adaptation of the arcade game, a newly-released unofficial remaster now breathes fresh life into this iconic title for modern audiences.

Bubble Bobble Remastered is available as a free download on itch.io, offering fans a chance to revisit a reimagined version of the C64 classic. Bubble Bobble quickly became a favorite among home computer enthusiasts, with several major publications including ACE, Zzap64, Computer and Video Games, and The Games Machine awarding it top scores soon after release.

Computer and Video Games praised the game’s addictive nature and replay value, while The Games Machine commended Software Creations for their successful effort in translating the arcade hit into a home computing experience. Despite its acclaim, the passage of time has not diminished the desire to see classic games updated for new hardware and standards.

Enter Davide Bottino, a pixel artist, journalist, and homebrew developer well-known in retro gaming circles for revitalizing old titles.

Bottino has a personal connection to the Commodore 64 port of Bubble Bobble.

Describing the original as his most cherished gaming memory, Bottino felt that some graphical departures and simplified mechanics left room for improvement. Determined to bridge the gap between the iconic arcade visuals and their 8-bit home adaptation, Bottino set out to bring Bubble Bobble closer to its arcade roots.

In a statement on the game’s itch.io page, Bottino shared that his goal was to narrow the aesthetic differences and fully showcase the title’s charm on today’s screens.

He emphasized that Bubble Bobble Remastered is not a complete rewrite, but rather an enhanced version achieved by modifying the original code.

This unofficial remaster features fully redesigned sprites and backgrounds, updated visuals for many of the characters, improved mechanics, a new loading image, and a refreshed rendition of the classic arcade soundtrack. Bubble Bobble Remastered was published online on October 6, 2023, and is now available to download at no cost.

Fans of the original, as well as newcomers eager to experience a quintessential arcade puzzler, can find the remaster and a detailed changelog on its official itch.io page.

This release stands as a testament to both the enduring appeal of Taito’s creation and the vibrant efforts of the retro gaming community to preserve and enhance classic titles for a new generation.

C64 Bubble Bobble Commodore Commodore 64 Taito Software Creations Davide Bottino itch.io ACE Zzap64 Computer and Video Games The Games Machine