Bubbles

Name: Bubbles
Programmer(s): W.J. Biess
Publisher: Tellus Systems
Year: 1983

Description:

Bubbles was a unique arcade game released for the Apple II computer in 1983. Created by Broderbund Software, the same company behind hits like Choplifter and Lode Runner, this game put players in control of a soap bubble trying to survive in a dirty sink.

The game starts simple. You control a small bubble that floats around the screen. Your goal is to clean the sink by absorbing dirt particles, grease spots, and other grime. As you collect these dirty objects, your bubble grows larger. But there's a catch. The bigger you get, the harder it becomes to avoid dangerous objects like razor blades, roaches, and cleaning brushes that can pop you instantly.

Players use the joystick to float their bubble around the sink. The controls feel floaty, which makes sense since you're playing as a bubble. You can't move too fast or make sharp turns. This adds to the challenge and makes the game feel different from other arcade games of the time. The physics feel realistic for 1983, with your bubble drifting and bouncing off the sink walls.

Each level introduces new hazards. Early levels have just a few ants and spiders to avoid. Later levels add more enemies and faster-moving dangers. Some dirt particles move around, making them harder to catch. The game gets intense when your bubble is huge and you're trying to squeeze between two razor blades to grab the last piece of dirt.

The graphics push the Apple II's capabilities. The sink looks like a real sink with a drain, faucet, and curved edges. Enemy sprites are detailed enough to recognize what they are. The bubble itself changes size smoothly as you play. Sound effects are basic beeps and bloops, but they work well. A satisfying pop sound plays when you burst.

Bubbles stands out because it's not about shooting or jumping. It's about careful movement and deciding when to take risks. Should you grab that grease spot near the spider, or play it safe? The game makes you think differently than typical arcade games.

The game includes 10 different sink layouts. After completing all 10, the game loops back to the first sink but with increased difficulty. High scores are saved, encouraging players to beat their personal best.

While not as famous as other Broderbund games, Bubbles showed creativity in game design. It proved that Apple II games could be original and fun without following typical arcade formulas. The game remains a hidden gem in the Apple II library, remembered by those who played it for its unusual concept and challenging gameplay.