Bust-A-Move 2: Arcade Edition

Overview

Bust-A-Move Again (known outside of North America, and in some digital re-releases, as Puzzle Bobble 2) is a tile-matching puzzle game developed and released by Taito for arcades (using Taito F3 Package System hardware) on July 1995.

Along with a new set of levels, this sequel to Bust-A-Move adds new special bubbles (including ones that cause all same-colored bubbles to pop), new indestructible blocks on the playfield, non-linear progression in Puzzle Mode, and a new game mode: a one-player Versus Mode against a variety of computer opponents.

Unlike the previous game, the bubbles are now filled with simple shapes (such as red hearts and orange stars) instead of Bubble Bobble enemies. The original arcade version outside of Japan is unique as it uses original music and backgrounds while replacing the cutesy characters with a disembodied pair of hands turning a crank. Although this change was reverted back for the other international releases, it can still be found in the version included in the North American PS2 version of Taito Legends 2.

The Japanese version was re-released later that year as Puzzle Bobble 2X, featuring an additional set of levels while adding a special holiday-themed attract mode. The game was also re-released by SNK worldwide in 1999 for Neo Geo MVS hardware, which was known in advertisements as Bust-A-Move Again "EX".

The game was later ported to home consoles, titled outside of Japan as Bust-A-Move 2: Arcade Edition and published outside of Japan by Acclaim. It was first ported to the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn in 1996, both of which had controversial North American box art. It was later ported by Probe to the Nintendo 64 (outside of Japan) and Game Boy in 1998. It was also ported to the PC in 1996. The PS1 version was later digitally re-released via PlayStation Network for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable on September 10, 2008 in Japan only. The original arcade version was also included in the 2005 Taito Memories Gekan compilation (exclusively in Japan for the PlayStation 2) and the 2006-2007 Taito Legends 2 compilation (outside of Japan) for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC.

Gameplay

The objective of the game is to remove all the bubbles off a stage without the bubbles going underneath the line.

Types of Bubbles

Normal Bubbles: There are no special qualities on what these bubbles can do. Just pop 3 or more bubbles of the same color to free the characters that are held inside.

Star Bubbles: Shoot this special star bubble at a normal bubble to cause all the bubbles that are alike in color to pop! However, if you shoot it at another star bubble, it will have no effect whatsoever.

Metal Bubbles: A very special and mighty bubble that destroys any bubbles in its way: however, it will pop when it reaches the top.

Jama Bubbles: You cannot bust these bubbles. You must get rid of them by popping its neighbors.

Jama Block: This bubble can never be popped, and you can't drop them due to bubbles sticking to them.

Game modes

Puzzle Game

1 player game where you have to make your way to the top on a map that is spread out in all directions by choosing a level, and you clear all the stages within a level.

Player vs. Computer

See you you can beat a variety computer characters in a head-to-head challenge.

Player vs. Player

Play against a friend in a head-to-head challenge to see who can survive the longest.

Time Attack

Clear stages as fast as you can to see who can pop the bubbles the quickest. 1-2 players can play.