Parasol Stars is out on Xbox, Switch and PlayStation from the 11th of July 2024 and we have been putting it through its paces on the Switch. We’ve been keeping tabs on this it was first announced as the Bubble Bobble series is one of our favourites. This is the third game in the main series but didn’t make it to arcades. It was originally released on the PC Engine before ports to NES, Amiga and other systems.
Those wanting to add this platform classic to their physical collection can still order Switch and PlayStation copies from Strictly Limited Games. There is a choice between standard and special editions as well as an art card to round off the celebration of this excellent release. The game has been published by those good folk over at ININ Games.
Firstly the original PC Engine version has been faithfully emulated. During our playthrough, we noticed no slowdown or lag. At this juncture, it’s also worth mentioning that the emulator has rewind features, save states and cheat options which make the game much easier to complete. However, veterans can also choose the arcade mode that doesn’t allow any save states or rewind.
Whether you use the emulator’s features or not, Parasol Stars is a magical platform game with unique mechanics. You defeat enemies by collecting droplets that generate projectiles, or you swipe at enemies to knock them out before delivering the final blow. Along the way, you will fight large bosses, with each needing a different strategy, and contend with puzzles that require out-of-the-box thinking.
You complete each level by defeating all the enemies on screen, similar to the original Bubble Bobble. There are eight main worlds, each containing several levels, and two hidden worlds that can only be accessed by unlocking secrets that require collecting power-ups in a certain order. It all sounds straightforward, but getting the power-ups to appear on screen is a puzzle in itself at times.
All this adds up to a platformer that seems simple during the first play but soon becomes quite complex with lots of secrets and extra points to uncover, as well as the two extra worlds at the end. Parasol Stars is a tough game, but not unfair, and to see everything it has to offer will take a few playthroughs at the very least. What we can say for certain is this is a true platforming classic that deserves more recognition.
It’s not just the excellent gameplay and mechanics that make Parasol Stars a winner. The overall presentation, from the bright sprites to the vibrant chiptunes, is wonderous at times and there is a feel-good factor about the bold visuals, even some of the bosses have cute faces to go alongside their bizarre ensembles. It’s not far-fetched to say the graphics and music are worth the entry price alone.
Retro fans should be looking to purchase this fantastic game, even more so because it’s less known or available than other games in the Bubble Bobble series. This also rings true if you’ve never played this entry in the series, just dive in. It’s also under £10 on digital storefronts, so considering this includes the added emulator extras it feels like a real bargain package. Plus, there is a local two-player option that will add some longevity with friends. A must buy.
