Classic Bubble Bobble (Europe) (GBC)

In Classic Bubble Bobble, players control one of two adorable dragon characters, Bub or Bob (the GBC version typically focuses on a single-player experience). Your primary objective is to clear over 100 stages by defeating all enemies present on each single-screen level. Each stage is a compact area filled with platforms and obstacles.

The unique gameplay mechanic revolves around Bub and Bob's ability to blow bubbles. When you blow bubbles, they float out and can trap enemies. Once an enemy is encased in a bubble, you must quickly touch that bubble to pop it, transforming the enemy into fruit, candy, or other items to collect. If you don't pop the bubble in time, the enemy can escape and continue to pursue you.

Throughout your adventure, you will find various power-ups and helpful items. Different colored candies can enhance your abilities, such as increasing your movement speed, extending your bubble-blowing range, or allowing you to blow special bubbles (e.g., fire, water, or lightning bubbles). Shoes provide a speed boost, while umbrellas can help you skip certain stages. Collecting enough fruit and diamonds will also boost your score.

Every few levels, you might encounter special enemies or "bosses" that require different strategies to defeat. The game has a time element: if you take too long to complete a stage, a "Skel-Mon" (skull ghost) will appear and chase you, making the game more challenging. Classic Bubble Bobble is a perfect blend of platformer action and puzzle-solving, requiring players to have quick reflexes and strategic thinking to overcome its challenges.