Puzzle Bobble 2

Infobox VG
title = Bust-A-Move 2


developer = Taito/Probe Entertainment
publisher = Taito
distributor = Acclaim Entertainment
designer =
release = 1995
genre = Puzzle game
modes = Up to 2 players simultaneously
cabinet = Upright
arcade system = Neo-Geo, Taito F3 System
display = Raster, standard resolution
input = Joystick (2-way); 1 button
platforms = Arcade, Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64, PC, Game Boy

"Bust-A-Move 2" is the first sequel to "Bust-A-Move", and is also known as "Puzzle Bobble 2" outside Europe and North America. Released into the arcades in 1995, Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64 and PC conversions followed. The game was included in Taito Legends 2. The game is a spin-off from Bubble Bobble.

The game builds on the original by adding a tournament style variation on the two player game for play against the computer and by adding a branching map to the one player game, allowing the player to periodically select one of two groups of five levels to play next, leading to different game endings. Some of the contestants in the new tournament mode are based on characters from Bubble Bobble, including variations on a "Monsta" and a "Mighta".

Some versions of the game, including the PlayStation, feature time trial competitions in which a single player attempts to finish simple rounds quickly enough to beat previous time records or two players simultaneously attempt to beat the records and each other.

Completion of the single player game gives the player a code which can be entered to unlock 'Another World' for the single player game, which features subtle changes to the existing levels to increase their difficulty and changes to all backdrops to resemble levels from Bubble Bobble. The various enemies from Bubble Bobble also make an appearance in the background of the credits sequence.

Bust-A-Move 2X

Taito later repacked Bust-A-Move 2 with an optional alternative set of levels and some new attract mode animations (including holiday-themed ones) as "Bust-A-Move 2X".

Ports of Bust-A-Move 2 to the PC and Sega Saturn are of Bust-A-Move 2X and additionally include a level editor/designer. A port of 2X was made to the PlayStation but was not released until some time after a port of Bust-A-Move 2 was released; therefore, it is not so well known.

Cover Art

This game has become notorious for one version of its cover art. The original US version of the Saturn edition featured a picture of several large balls with screaming, blue, human faces with white sticks forcing their eyes open. This cover earned it a place on Gamespy.com's Top Ten Worst Covers list. [http://archive.gamespy.com/top10/january03/covers/index2.shtml]