Bust-A-Move 2 - Arcade Edition (GB)

Bust-A-Move 2 - Arcade Edition (also known as Puzzle Bobble 2) for the Game Boy is an excellent adaptation of the classic bubble-popping puzzle game from arcades. The primary objective of the game is to clear all the bubbles from the screen before they reach the bottom line.

Players control a cannon located at the bottom of the screen, which can be rotated left or right to aim. From this cannon, colored bubbles are launched upwards. Your task is to shoot bubbles to form groups of three or more bubbles of the same color. When such a group is formed, they will burst and disappear from the screen, earning points for the player.

Bubbles that are no longer attached to any other bubbles after a group is cleared will also fall down and disappear, creating valuable chain reactions and bonus points. This is a crucial strategy for achieving high scores in Bust-A-Move 2.

The game features several different modes. The Arcade mode takes players through a series of increasingly difficult stages, each with a unique bubble layout. The goal is to complete all stages. The Vs. CPU mode allows players to compete against the computer, where quickly and efficiently clearing bubbles will send "junk" bubbles down the opponent's screen to hinder them. There's also a Puzzle mode, where players must solve specific puzzles with a limited number of bubbles or within a certain number of shots.

The graphics on the Game Boy, while monochromatic, clearly display the bubbles and effects. The cheerful sound effects and background music also contribute to the distinctive entertaining experience of the Bust-A-Move series. It's a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master, requiring quick reflexes, strategic planning, and sometimes a bit of luck.