Bubble shooting puzzle still effective, immediately accessible. Varied modes, fun two-player. No major innovation over predecessors but formula remains addictive. Ideal for family or friend sessions.
Your verdict
Category
Puzzle1 player3+
Description
Bubble-shooting puzzle game to free imprisoned characters. Published by Taito, released in North America in 1997. Hundreds of levels with varied configurations, two-player versus mode, new special-effect bubbles and animated illustrations between stages. The third installment in the Puzzle Bobble series, known as Bust-A-Move in the West.
Bust-A-Move 3 review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Gameplay
"Solid"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
The third round of this cult puzzle enriches the formula with new items, special bubbles and fresh modes that spice up the colour hunt. Aiming true under the threat of the ceiling stays as exhilarating, the challenge a notch higher. As clear and addictive as ever, this entry extends the fun while endlessly renewing the urge to start over.
Third Puzzle Bobble entry, released as Bust-A-Move 3 by Acclaim on the North American Saturn in 1997, when the install base was thinning fast. Taito's bubble shooter still plays brilliantly, but its pull comes mainly from a modest NTSC print run against far wider PlayStation and arcade exposure. Complete copies command strong money on lasting versus-puzzle demand rather than true scarcity.
