Summary

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Puzzle
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2
Developers: Taito
Publishers: Acclaim Entertainment, Taito

Super Bust-A-Move (2000): A Comprehensive Review

Super Bust-A-Move is a puzzle game released in 2000 for the PlayStation and Dreamcast. It is the fifth installment in the Bust-A-Move series, and it introduces several new elements to the gameplay, such as large bubbles, small bubbles, conveyor belts, and irregularly shaped levels.

Gameplay

The goal of Super Bust-A-Move is to clear all of the bubbles from the screen by shooting bubbles of the same color at them. When three or more bubbles of the same color are connected, they will burst and disappear. The player can control the direction and power of their shots, and they can also bounce bubbles off of the walls and ceiling to reach difficult-to-reach areas.

Super Bust-A-Move introduces several new elements to the gameplay that make it more challenging and exciting than previous games in the series. Large bubbles are found in certain levels, and shooting a bubble of the same color at them makes every bubble in the level change into that color. This can be very helpful for clearing large groups of bubbles, but it can also be dangerous if the player is not careful.

In some levels, the pointer and the bubbles that are shot are of a very small size, enabling the player to shoot bubbles between small gaps. These bubbles grow into normal size after being clustered. This can be useful for reaching bubbles that are otherwise inaccessible, but it can also make it more difficult to control the direction of the shots.

Occasionally, a conveyor belt will surround the level. This makes bouncing off the ceiling and the walls significantly tricky, since the bubbles’ trajectory will change upon bouncing. This can make it difficult to clear the bubbles from the screen, but it can also add an extra layer of challenge to the gameplay.

Levels do not always have the usual rectangular shape. Some of them are jagged or have walls inside them, which forces the player to change strategy. This can make the game more challenging, but it can also add variety to the gameplay.

Small blocks appear in some levels. They change the bubbles’ trajectories, much like walls, but they move down with the level and fall off when they touch the line. This can make it difficult to clear the bubbles from the screen, but it can also add an extra layer of challenge to the gameplay.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Super Bust-A-Move are colorful and vibrant, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The game’s soundtrack is also very catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Overall

Super Bust-A-Move is a fantastic puzzle game with new and innovative elements that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game’s graphics and sound are also top-notch, and they help to create a fun and immersive experience. Overall, Super Bust-A-Move is a must-play for fans of puzzle games and Bust-A-Move fans alike.

Tips for Playing Super Bust-A-Move

Plan your shots carefully. Before you shoot a bubble, take a moment to think about where it will land and how it will affect the other bubbles on the screen.
Use the walls and ceiling to your advantage. You can bounce bubbles off of the walls and ceiling to reach difficult-to-reach areas.
Don’t be afraid to use the special bubbles. The large bubbles, small bubbles, and conveyor belts can all be very helpful for clearing the screen of bubbles.
Be patient. Super Bust-A-Move can be a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. If you get stuck, don’t give up. Just keep trying and you will eventually clear the screen of bubbles.

Super Bust-A-Move Secrets

Hidden levels: There are two hidden levels in Super Bust-A-Move. To access the first hidden level, you must complete the game on the Normal difficulty setting. To access the second hidden level, you must complete the game on the Hard difficulty setting.
Alternate endings: There are two alternate endings in Super Bust-A-Move. To see the first alternate ending, you must complete the game with Bub and Bob. To see the second alternate ending, you must complete the game with Klug and Pom.
Cheat codes: There are several cheat codes that you can use to unlock special features in Super Bust-A-Move. To enter a cheat code, pause the game and then press the following buttons:
- Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A – This code will unlock all of the levels in the game.
- Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, X, Y – This code will give you infinite lives.
- Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Start – This code will give you invincibility.

Super Bust-A-Move Legacy

Super Bust-A-Move was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered to be one of the best puzzle games of all time. The game has been ported to several other platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PlayStation Portable. Super Bust-A-Move has also been re-released on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

The Super Bust-A-Move series has continued to grow in popularity over the years, and there have been several sequels and spin-offs released. The most recent game in the series is Super Bust-A-Move 2, which was released in 2019.

Super Bust-A-Move is a classic puzzle game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of puzzle games and Bust-A-Move fans alike.