I’ve got something of a storied history around here with Bubsy. I’ve never been especially impressed by the sarcastic bobcat’s gaming outings, but the trailer for Bubsy 4D had me intrigued enough to check out this demo for a preview. To my own surprise, I think there’s actually a good deal of potential in this new Bubsy title, which may be because of its new developer, Fabraz. Given that Accolade doesn’t exist anymore and the mixed results of the last two Bubsy titles, Atari had to find a studio that could make something fresh out of the franchise, and it feels like they may have found a winner with Fabraz.
Given the last 3D platformer that starred Bubsy, I had no clue as to what to expect from Bubsy 4D’s playstyle. Thankfully, I found it to be both responsive and quite satisfying. Bubsy can jump, pounce, glide, and even turn into a large and surprisingly bouncy fuzzball. All of these methods of movement can be used to get through levels quickly, and I always love being able to speed through a platformer.
Credit: Atari
Three levels (as well as a tutorial) were included in the demo, all set in the game’s first world. You’re mostly avoiding water pits while platforming, and most of the time, it’s not too challenging. There was a challenging section where I participated in a time trial over a huge suspension bridge, testing my skills with the aforementioned abilities. I didn’t really run into any issues with platforming or the controls, which is already a good first step for Bubsy. If anything, it’s actually quite fun to hop and pounce around as the titular bobcat, with this easily being the most fun Bubsy game yet.
“Bubsy 4D has a good look overall. The entire cast has gotten similar redesigns that work pretty well for all of them, and I dug the vibrant colors that permeated the demo’s stages.“
Then there’s Bubsy himself, who’s gotten a bit of a makeover – both in his appearance and personality. He’s still got plenty of sarcastic quips to toss out, but it feels a little less forced and a bit more Sonic-esque, if that makes sense. It works better than his old personality, just like his new look. Bubsy is a little thinner and taller, and I dig the white suit and red tie – it’s a fun way to update his old shirt. He does still talk a fair amount, though, so be prepared to listen to him throw out zingers as you play.
Credit: Atari
Bubsy 4D has a refreshing look.
Bubsy 4D has a good look overall. The entire cast has gotten similar redesigns that work pretty well for all of them, and I dug the vibrant colors that permeated the demo’s stages. The voice acting and music were also more memorable and energetic than in previous Bubsy games, so I’m looking forward to seeing how all of the different worlds look and sound in the full game.
Believe it or not, I’ve come away from Bubsy 4D with a rather optimistic feeling about the whole thing. I think this could actually be a solid Bubsy title, and I hope that turns out to be the case. God knows the character could use the good publicity, and who knows – maybe a Bubsy renaissance is on the way? That might be a bit much, but I’ll be playing Bubsy 4D regardless.
