Bubble Bobble
Released: 1986
Pitch: Help Bub and Bob trap monsters in bubbles and save their girlfriends.
I am sad to say that I've played very little Bubble Bobble in my life but always do enjoy it. It's such a simple game—the pitch basically says it all—but it's a masterclass in how something simple, executed well, can be so compelling. Of course, the super catchy music doesn't hurt!
There's something I love about all this cutesy mixed with 'CLEAR STAGE WHEN ALL ENEMIES ARE DESTROYED."
Me and my friend tried to beat this game when we were kids. He slept over at my house, and we spent the whole night playing this. We got up to the last boss, and got killed. We were furious. I've never touched the game again, but there will always be a place for it in my heart.
I remember hearing that you can't get the best ending without playing co-op. I wish we'd had this game when I was a kid.
I want horns and fins. Neat game. I know I've played it but the bubble-blowing seems novel to me like maybe I didn't play it enough to remember that.
I freaking love this game. Rented the NES version all the time as a kid, and my brother Jeff and I played it on a PSOne collection when he was little.
I thought of you when writing this up, Cary 