Bubbler (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Bubbler


developer = U.S. Gold
publisher = Ultimate Play The Game
designer =
engine =
released = 1987
genre = Arcade
modes = Single player, two player
ratings = N/A
platforms = ZX Spectrum
Amstrad CPC
MSX
media = Cassette
requirements = 48K RAM (Spectrum)
64K RAM (Amstrad CPC)
input = Keyboard, joystick

"Bubbler" is a ZX Spectrum video game developed by Ultimate Play The Game and published by U.S. Gold in 1987. Although it uses isometric projection, as with Ultimate's second-generation isometric releases such as "Nightshade" and "Gunfright", "Bubbler" used a scrolling display rather than the flip-screen of earlier titles such as "Knight Lore" and "Alien 8".

As with the contemporary Ultimate title "Martianoids", "Bubbler" was not written by the partnership of Tim Stamper and Chris Stamper. It was instead programmed by a team at U.S. Gold, and was therefore an Ultimate game in name only. It was Ultimate's final title for 8-bit home computers. In 1988 the company became Rare Ltd, embarking on a long-running partnership with Nintendo to develop console games.

Introduction

Typically for an Ultimate release, players are given a tantalising and cryptic introduction :

:"After a hundred years or more, you discover that VADRA's assistant, a lesser wizard called KINTOR who had helped VADRA to overthrow IRKON, has now been imprisoned. KINTOR's power was increasing and would soon be equal to that of VADRA and VADRA feared this as KINTOR was becoming sympathetic to the plight of the IRKON people. Before his powers became too great, VADRA encapsulated KINTOR in a sphere of energy which slowly drained his life force, and then condemned him to a dungeon.

:Before KINTOR became completely powerless he endowed you with the ability to move and fire globules of energy which will destroy any living entity in its path, so that you can escape from the prison with vital information on how to destroy VADRA. As VADRA's power is gradually diminished, KINTOR's power is thus rejuvenated, giving you extra time to complete your mighty task.

:The corks have been hidden under trapdoors which you must pass through, but beware, some of the trapdoors emerge over the black void of the prison floor which will kill you. VADRA's spellbound followers, the guardians of the prison, can also pass through these trapdoors but only you know how to pick up the magic corks. Beware of other dangers in VADRA's prison, as your now formless body is delicate and is easily pierced by sharp objects.

:If you can cork all the BUBBLERS in the prison you will escape and the knowledge that KINTOR has given you will destroy VADRA.

:CAN YOU CORK THE BUBBLER?"

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External links

* [http://www.ultimate-wurlde.com/games/bubblerintro.shtml "Bubbler"] at Ultimate Wurlde
*WoS game|id=0009318|name=Bubbler
* [http://www.crashonline.org.uk/41/bubbler.htm "Bubbler" review] at "CRASH" magazine