Bubsy 4D Is A Fun Platformer Throwback That Can’t Escape The Genre’s Historic Struggles [Review]

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Bubsy 4D is a new 3D platformer intentionally designed with an old-school feel, and it has both strengths and weaknesses. Bubsy first appeared in 1993 as a competitor to popular games like Super Mario Bros. and Sonic the Hedgehog, gaining a following before the disappointing release of Bubsy 3D in 1996 caused the series to stall. While there have been several attempts to bring Bubsy back, this latest version from Atari and Fabraz seems to be the most promising yet.

Bubsy 4D is a modern take on the 3D platformers of the 90s, specifically aiming to recapture the spirit of games like the original Bubsy 3D. While it introduces some fun and inventive gameplay, it unfortunately shares many of the same frustrating issues that plagued those older games. If you’re looking for a nostalgic trip or are interested in classic gaming, Bubsy 4D isn’t flawless, but it might just convince Atari to revisit the character in the future.

Pros: Cons:
Fun platforming gameplay offers a natural sense of movement. Wonky camera angles can throw off the experience.
Solid controls and clever challenges are a joy for fans of 3D platformers. Relatively short length and unexceptional difficulty may leave more experienced players underwhelmed.
A snarky throwback vibe fits the colorful settings. Technical hiccups can throw off the momentum of the gameplay.

Bubsy 4D’s Highlights Will Have Platforming Fans Jumping With Joy

After a 20-year hiatus, Bubsy 4D brings the classic character into the world of 3D platforming. Bubsy is launched into space to retrieve the Golden Fleece, stolen by a race of sheep-like aliens called the Baabots. The game feels both familiar and modern, borrowing elements from classic 3D platformers while occasionally stumbling into some of the genre’s old pitfalls. Successfully navigating the large levels and solving creative challenges is satisfying, and mastering Bubsy’s movement – which includes double-jumping, pouncing, floating, and curling into a ball – is key to completing each objective.

Once you master the controls, completing levels with a smooth, unbroken sequence of moves is incredibly rewarding. Exploring the levels and finding clever ways to traverse the maps – like leaping across large gaps without touching the ground – presents a naturally fun challenge. However, the game struggles with some common 3D platformer issues. A sometimes awkward camera, difficulty judging distances, and occasional glitches can disrupt the experience and break your immersion. When it works well, Bubsy 4D offers a delightful balance of challenge and flow, but these technical problems can unfortunately hinder that enjoyment and make the game more frustrating than it needs to be.

Bubsy 4D’s 3D Worlds Are Fun But Can Feel Empty

What makes Bubsy 4D interesting is seeing how today’s developers tackle the classic platformer style that was popular in older games. The game features three different planets, each with several levels to explore, where players search for blueprints, golden fleece, and simply experience an adventure. While the levels are visually bright and colorful, they can feel a bit too open and start to feel similar after a while. There are enemies, but the game isn’t very challenging because of the many checkpoints placed throughout the levels.

It’s actually more common to mess up a jump because you’re watching the camera than it is to be defeated by an enemy, which shows how simple and fair the game is. Although you gain new abilities as you progress, they don’t drastically change how the game plays. Mostly, finding blueprints just gives completionists a reason to explore the levels thoroughly. While it might not have the complex layers of platforming found in games like Super Mario Sunshine or the varied movesets of Ratchet & Clank, Bubsy 4D‘s colorful environments and playful personality definitely tap into a sense of nostalgia.

Bubsy 4D Is A Retro Platformer, For Better And For Worse

Bubsy 4D clearly aims to recapture the feeling of classic platformer games. When it works best, it offers a fast-paced, exploratory experience in bright, colorful worlds. While the levels can sometimes feel a bit empty, the game generally succeeds in recreating that old-school feel. The gameplay has been improved and simplified, and when Bubsy’s movement feels good, it’s genuinely enjoyable.

Like many platformers from the same era as the original Bubsy games, Bubsy 4D sometimes struggles with camera and control issues, which can interrupt the fun. The game’s humor is also a bit uneven – it might appeal to those feeling nostalgic, but it doesn’t quite overcome the limitations of this older style of game. Despite its flaws, Bubsy 4D is an enjoyable retro title that shows how 3D platforming can still be fun today. When the platforming is at its best, it’s genuinely entertaining and suggests Bubsy could make a successful comeback. If you’re a fan of classic platformers, this game is a brief, charming, and imperfect example of the genre. Hopefully, the developers will have a chance to improve the gameplay and address the genre’s issues, allowing Bubsy to move forward and have a brighter future.

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2026-05-21 16:14