Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection Review – A Second Look at the Famed Feline on Nintendo Switch

For decades, the Bubsy franchise has been a subject of debate among gamers and critics alike.

Known for its ambitious beginnings and infamous stumbles, the series is now front and center with 'Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection'—a comprehensive compilation launched by Atari in collaboration with Limited Run Games.

Available on the Nintendo Switch, this collection gives both loyal fans and curious newcomers the chance to revisit Bubsy’s journey across multiple platforms, backed by thoughtful updates that address many of the original games' pitfalls. When the original 'Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind' debuted in the early ‘90s for 16-bit systems, it garnered positive attention from the likes of Electronic Gaming Monthly, GamePro, and other gaming publications.

At a time when gaming discourse was shaped by print media instead of online forums, Bubsy was considered a worthy entry in the mascot platformer craze.

Its sequel improved aspects such as level diversity and cooperative gameplay, though it carried over some design frustrations.

By the third title, 'Bubsy in Fractured Furry Tales' on Atari's ill-fated Jaguar, reviews became increasingly critical, citing a regression in controls and challenge.

The notorious 'Bubsy 3D'—one of the earliest 3D platformers for PlayStation—fared no better, quickly becoming a cautionary tale in gaming history. Atari and Limited Run Games have recognized Bubsy’s complicated legacy in 'The Purrfect Collection.' This release introduces quality-of-life enhancements, including infinite time and lives, save states, and an ability to rewind gameplay—features that significantly reduce player frustration and make the games far more accessible to modern audiences.

The compilation also updates the original Bubsy 3D with camera improvements, making it more playable without erasing its unique retro character.

As described by the development team, the goal was to preserve the “spirit of the originals while making them as enjoyable as possible within a modern context.” Exploring the collection in sequence, players will notice the Bobcat’s initial oddities—like inertia-heavy movement and one-hit failures—before encountering meaningful gameplay improvements in the sequel.

Bubsy’s previously slippery controls and unforgiving mechanics are mitigated by the new features, though the challenge of platforming persists.

The divisive Jaguar entry is included, complete with its own quirks and retro appeal, albeit unchanged in ways that may frustrate even seasoned players. Further enriching the package, 'The Purrfect Collection' includes a "Meowseum" filled with original advertisements, box art, and manuals.

Exclusive video interviews, such as one with acclaimed artist Ken Macklin, offer deeper insights into the character’s creation and his journey through gaming culture.

Music and archival extras are accessible from the outset, encouraging exploration of the franchise’s legacy without the barrier of unlocks. Although the Bubsy games have developed a reputation for mixed quality, this well-curated collection gives players a chance to form their own informed opinions.

Whether reliving 16-bit nostalgia, evaluating the infamous 3D experiment, or appreciating the preservation effort from Atari and Limited Run, 'Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection' stands as a comprehensive tribute to one of gaming’s most polarizing mascots.

Available now on Nintendo Switch and other platforms, it’s a must-see for retro enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone curious about gaming’s fascinating history.

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