I would consider myself a bubble Bobble expert.
I don't have any speed running records or anything like that, but I played Bubble Bobble a LOT. When my parents bought me a used NES it came with a few games like Mario, Metroid and Bubble Bobble. Bubble Bobble was one of the first video games I completed.
Bubble Bobble Madness is a ROM Hack of this NES classic.
Bubble Bobble Madness is a 100 level game just like the original. However, the levels are custom [and much more difficult]. A quick search of this game shows that it's considered a "more difficult" version of Bubble Bobble. The levels in this ROM Hack are amazing. Some of them are made from smaller modules like tiny skulls. Some levels spell out words or are in the shape of the character.
There is no doubt this version of the game is more difficult. You can tell from the beginning. You have to fight advanced enemies early on. You have to hop on your bubbles up the wall a lot. A lot of the levels have areas that are so difficult you have to time perfectly.
The enemies get a bit glitchy sometimes with the insane combinations that you have to fight. Sometimes it's more about luck because you have to jump up to areas with many enemies and try and shoot them within a split second. Luckily, you can replay the game starting at the level you lost. Without a save game function, this game is virtually impossible. At least for the average player. It wouldn't shock me if no one has beaten this game without a restart.
Bubble Bobble Madness is harder, but also has higher quality level development.
I especially enjoy the level that is shaped like the character. There are also some really nice custom tiles. The overall composition of the levels are great. They are very fun to play.
After a while, there are some weird custom monsters like these number sets. They are easy to beat though, they just walk around and jump. Don't get freaked out by the numbers, just beat them quickly so they don't turn red.
The weird thing about this game, is you need to beat it with 2 players. This is weird for a ROM Hack where most people play alone!
If you play with 1 player only, you will end up taking a different route around level 90 and will reach an alternate ending. I will show the boss I defeated and also the alternative ending screen.
I might be biased because I love the original, but I'm giving this ROM Hack an 8/10 [even with the stupid fake ending]. I think the level creation is amazing. 😎 Very excellent design work. More difficult than the "real" Bubble Bobble with some very challenging monster mashups. Very playable ROM Hack. Would highly recommend to any NES fans.
