Developed By: Ratalaika Games (port), Taito (original)
Published By: ININ Games
Categories: Retro, Arcade
Release Date: 07.11.24
Price: $9.99

You ever play Bubble Bobble? Well, Parasol Stars is The Story of Bubble Bobble III. And if you have, you’re going to feel right at home. The title wasn’t lying after all. Wait wasn’t Bubble Memories The Story of Bubble Bobble III?

As we start, we’re greeted to possibly the best front end a Ratalaika joint has ever had. It’s a cute little animation that plays when you decide if you want the English or Japanese release, going back and forth between Bubby and Bobby as you choose, the one you choose then jumps into the pit and we begin. With the tried and true Ratalaika menu.

Parasol Stars very much feels like a prettier (and boy is this a nice looking arcade game) Bubble Bobble, but with Bub and Bob as humans now, returning from Rainbow Islands. The goal? Clear the screen of enemies and turn them into fruit, then onto the next screen. How is his done? Use your parasol to grab those little creatures and toss them at their friends, holding it either ahead or above. If held above, it can catch water drops, grab five of them and you can toss a HUGE water ball and just have everything flow down into the bottom of the stage. It’s so satisfying when it works. There’s even elemental drops, of which you’ll see as soon as the first boss.

How one fancies single screen arcade games is very much going to to decide if they enjoy Parasol Stars. Or hell, a whole lot of older Taito games. I don’t mind them, not my favorite, I grew up with beatemups. However, playing this game like intended with another person is a blast. Solo is still fun, but doing it all in one sitting can be a bit of a drag.

Final Thoughts

I think I’d rather have a collection of Bubble Bobble games and it’s sequels and offshoots, but a singular game getting a focus and even that cute region select screen is great too. ININ Icons is off to a hell of a start and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.