Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading. In this installment, we’re covering Bubble Ghost Remake by developer Nakama Game Studio.
Bubble Ghost Remake: (The Explanation)
Bubble Ghost Remake, as the name suggests, is a remake of the 1987 Game Boy Game of the same name. The remake is developed by Nakama Game Studio and features the original 36 stages but completely revamped with a brand new art style for modern platforms as well as new stages bringing the number over 40 in total. We had the privilege of playing a demo of this game a few years ago at the video game event Gamepolis in Malaga, Spain. I very much enjoyed it then while it was still in development and have been aching to play the full version ever since to see how much it has been improved upon.
Starting with the story, Bubble Ghost Remake follows the recently deceased inventor Heinrich Von Schinker who has returned home to his old castle as a small ghost, only to learn that his home is now overrun with his out-of-control inventions and wild creatures taking up residence. He also encounters a strange bubble that he is somewhat intrigued by. So much so that he finds himself protecting the bubble at all costs from the many dangers that have befallen his castle home.
The players take control of Heinrich and can freely manoeuvre the ghost across the screen, can pass through solid objects and contact with enemies cannot harm him. The bubble on the other hand, is extremely fragile and a mere touch with a wall, flame, projectile, enemy, etc will cause it to pop instantly. The objective is simple, move the bubble by blowing it through each stage whilst avoiding obstacles at any cost. If the bubble pops, you will have to return to the beginning of the stage and try again. You can rotate Heinrich 360º in eight different directions and can use this to manipulate the direction of the bubble to push it in the direction, you would like it to go. You can lightly tap A to push the bubble gently or hold the button down to push it further and quickly.
Each stage in the game becomes slightly more elaborate than the last, with more twists and turns, and intriguing puzzles to challenge you and your approach on how you solve each one. Some stages will have candles that you will have to blow out so the flame doesn’t pop the bubble as it goes past. Other stages will have doors that you may have to blow windmill like contraptions in order to open up the way. You may even find stagers that have a combination of all sorts of obstacles to make them more challenging to navigate. Not to mention, that there are also bosses to confront on occassion that will have you learning their patterns so you can anticipate their moves and avoid them whilst also leading them to harm themselves as you can’t personally attack them.
Bubble Ghost Remake features three difficulty modes, story mode, arcade mode, challenges, secret rooms, alternate endings, hidden collectibles that expand on the game’s story, and a speed run mode for those who want to aim for the best times in each stage and share them online and be inducted into the game’s Hall of Fame. Also, for achievement hounds, the game also has achievements to unlock as well for those who want to get as much out of this game as possible.
I have quite enjoyed my time with Bubble Ghost Remake. I very much enjoy the art style and the gameplay elements. I will admit that some of the puzzles did stump me at first and that patience is key on a first-time run. I might not be attempting any speed runs any time soon, but on the plus side, I got to appreciate the game for the fun and spooky romp that it is, all the more.
Game Specifications:
Developer: Nakama Game Studio
Publisher: Selecta Play
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Action, Adventure
No. of Players: 1 player (Single System)
Release Date: March 27, 2025 (EU & NA)
Price: $19.99
File Size: 1.2 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
