Classic Taito platformer Parasol Stars heading to modern consoles this year

The golden age of arcade gaming during the late 1980s and early 1990s left an indelible mark on the hearts of gamers worldwide. Among the plethora of beloved classics that adorned the arcade halls, Parasol Stars, Rainbow Islands, and the original Bubble Bobble were standout titles that continue to evoke feelings of nostalgia for both veteran players and newcomers alike. ININ Games is capitalizing on this idea and has announced that it will be releasing the classic Taito platformer Parasol Stars: The Story Of Bubble Bobble III on modern consoles later this year. Bubble Bobble, released in 1986 by Taito, is an iconic platformer that captivated arcade-goers with its delightful simplicity and innovative gameplay. Players took on the roles of Bub and Bob, two adorable dinosaurs, as they embarked on a quest to rescue their girlfriends from the clutches of the menacing Baron Von Blubba. The game’s core mechanic involved blowing bubbles to trap enemies and then popping those bubbles to eliminate foes. As the levels progressed, the challenge escalated, and players had to strategize and time their moves carefully to survive the treacherous mazes. Power-ups, hidden secrets, and cooperative gameplay for two players added to the excitement and replayability of this arcade classic.

Rainbow Islands, released in 1987 by Taito, took a departure from the platforming formula of Bubble Bobble and introduced a vertical-scrolling adventure that was as challenging as it was charming. Players controlled Bub and Bob, who were now human characters, as they scaled vibrant and vertically-oriented levels, each representing a different color of the rainbow. The game introduced a unique method of attack – the ability to shoot rainbows, which players used to defeat enemies and access higher platforms. The level design encouraged exploration and rewarded players with bonuses and power-ups for efficiently dispatching foes. With its catchy music and compelling gameplay, Rainbow Islands quickly won the hearts of arcade enthusiasts. Parasol Stars, released in 1991, was the sequel to Bubble Bobble, and it built upon the success of its predecessor while introducing new elements to the mix. Developed by Taito, the game retained the lovable characters, Bub and Bob, but this time they wielded colorful umbrellas that allowed them to harness the power of the elements. The introduction of elemental abilities, such as fire, water, lightning, and stars, made the gameplay more dynamic and strategic. Players could switch between different parasols to exploit enemy weaknesses and overcome environmental challenges. Moreover, the cooperative gameplay returned, making the journey even more enjoyable when shared with a friend. One of the most remarkable aspects shared by these three games is their timeless appeal. Decades after their original release, they continue to be celebrated across various gaming platforms and emulators, attracting new generations of players who crave the authentic experience of the arcade era. The pixel art and charming character designs have a nostalgic allure that appeals to gamers who fondly remember their first encounter with these titles. Additionally, the gameplay mechanics, though simple by today’s standards, remain engaging and addictive, proving that great game design transcends time.

source: ININGAMES

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