If you're a fan of classic arcade games, you probably have fond memories of the bubble-popping fun in Bubble Bobble. Its exciting multiplayer gameplay, cute characters, and mission to rescue friends have stood the test of time. Fortunately, developers are creating modern games that capture the same joy and camaraderie. In this post, we’ll explore five fantastic games like Bubble Bobble to play in 2025, each delivering its own unique twist on this retro classic. Get extra points and dive into worlds similar to the cave of monsters.
1. Smoothcade
Designed for players who love chaotic cartoony teamwork, Smoothcade pays tribute to Bubble Bobble with its engaging layouts, cute characters, and co-op gameplay.
Release Date: Nov 2024
Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam
Price: $7.99 USD
Rating: 9.5/10
Why You’ll Love It: The game showcases bright levels filled with adorable enemies and exciting power-ups. You can play cooperatively or challenge others in PvP mode.
The controls are smooth and intuitive. With combo mechanics that allow for strategic cloud trapping, you’ll enjoy mastering various techniques. The art style is vibrant and eye-catching, offering players a nostalgia trip that feels fresh. Buy Smoothcade today. The Story mode offers 100 unique levels, 10 fruity bosses, and additional modes that keep players to returning to the Isles of Smoothcade. A dedicated speedrun mode, proc-gen battle mode and endless mode, and a replay mode ensures several hours and days of fun! If you have the Steam version, each level has a leaderboard and the Speedrun mode has a global leaderboard for each world.
2. Bubble Bobble 4 Friends
While released in 2019, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends is the most recent title in the Bubble Bobble series.
Release Date: April 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Steam
Price: $39.99
Rating: 8/10
Why You’ll Love It: Play as beloved characters like Bub and Bob in an original bubble bobble format, now with 4 local player support.
With its classic gaming homage, Bubble Bobble 4 Friends uses the same mechanic of capturing enemies by blowing bubbles. It takes Bubble Bobble 2 and expands on its concepts. It misses the mark with the price and amount of time it takes to complete, as its 50 levels compared to other titles in this list is a short-coming. Though it remains a home arcade favorite as it expands the series. The players control bub and bob with simplistic intuitive controls. The game features special bubble power-ups that can help player earn extra points and capture enemies with ease.
3. Snow Bros. Nick & Tom Special
Snow Bros. Nick & Tom Special brings a lively take on the snow-throwing experience suitable for all ages.
Release Date: May 2022
Platform: Nintendo Switch
Price: $19.99
Rating: 7.5/10
Why You’ll Love It: In this game, players take control of two snowball-hurling snowman brothers power their way through against various enemies.
Snow Bros. Nick & Tom Special is an HD masterpeice of the original Snow Bros, offereing various new modes (and playable characters!). While the game lacks any new mechanics to expand the series, it is certainly a must-have for those buying arcade games for their console!
4. Joe & Mac - Caveman Ninja
For fans of strategy, BubbleArmy: Tactics Unleashed elevates the bubble genre to a new level.
Release Date: June 2025
Platform: Nintendo Switch, Steam
Price: $29.99
Rating: 6/10
Why You’ll Love It: This is a classic arcade game with platforming and cooperative gameplay. It shares a similar lighthearted feel and fun action elements, much like Bubble Bobble.
Rock on in your game room with a different meaning behind "cave of monsters"
Travel back to the prehistoric past with Joe & Mac, the dynamic duo ready to smash their way through dinosaurs and danger to save their village!
In a time when "Rock & Roll" meant rocks and "Fast food" was impossible to catch, these two cave bros lived a peaceful life... until some sneaky Neanderthals kidnapped all the village women! Now it's up to Joe & Mac to rescue them, battling vicious dinosaurs and deadly plants in this wild, colorful action-platformer, packed with redesigned HD graphics. The classic arcade fun is back, bigger, better, and even more epic!
5. Super Bomberman R
What could be better than a bubble-popping game? A whole party of them!
Release Date: July 2025
Platform: All major platforms.
Price: $39.99
Why You’ll Love It: Super Bomberman R lives up to task of a vibrant local party game with similar vibes to the infamous Bubble Bobble game.
Super Bomberman R marks the return of Bomberman! Set bombs and gather power-ups to navigate through the traditional ‘Battle’ or ‘Story’ mode.
In ‘Battle’ mode, up to eight players compete in a maze until the ‘last man standing’ emerges victorious.Explore ‘Story’ mode, where one or two players team up to complete 50 stages and rescue the galaxy.
Wrapping Up the Bubble Fun for Games like Bubble Bobble
As the video games world evolves, we are thrilled to see new titles that honor the legacy of Bubble Bobble. Each of these five games offers something distinctive while maintaining that iconic bubble-popping charm, in the same vain that pac man remains a staple classic gaming example. Whether you're into intriguing puzzles or team-based strategy, you’ll find a game that resonates with your gaming style.
So grab your friends, select a title, and immerse yourselves in the colorful fun of bubbles and teamwork. The essence of joy and cooperation remains at the heart of these wonderful games.
Happy gaming!
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