Developer: Taito Publisher: Working Designs Release: 10/91 Genre: Action
Wow. This one surprised me. Parasol Stars is a game I have been aware of for a very long time but never did get around to. Considering my adoration of the Bubble Bobble series there really is no excuse on my part to be honest. My recent play through of Bubble Symphony reminded me that this one is still on the list and now I am kicking myself for not playing it sooner. Parasol Stars is an excellent evolution of the series mechanics and one of my favorite games on the system.
The series naming conventions are a confusing mess. Rainbow Islands is the true sequel to the original Bubble Bobble. This is despite the later release of a NES exclusive Bubble Bobble II. Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is not an arcade game originally and is a PC Engine title first. Although it was released in Japan and the US on the Turbografx-16 it is a bit obscure as that system was not popular in America. The NES port skipped America despite hitting Japan and Europe for no explainable reason. I will admit thinking Bubble Symphony was Bubble Bobble III for this reason but alas I was mistaken. If you want to take it a step further Taito would add to the confusion by adding this game’s subtitle to Bubble Memories, technically the fifth game in the series but also the third arcade release. See what I mean?
Bubby and Bobby now have parasols rather than rainbows and the game is mechanically dense. The parasol has many functions like Scrooge McDucks’s cane. You can open it in front of you to stun and grab enemies, hold if aloft for protection and to grab water droplets and use it as a parachute. It can also be used as a shield. Every level has one of four elemental droplets that roll along the field. These drops (water, lightning, fire, star) can be used as projectiles to stun enemies. But if you collect five they merge into one big drop with a unique power. These should be familiar to fans of the series although the star is new. Like the first game you can jump on objects for extra height like drops but you can use stunned enemies too now!
Parasol Stars returns to the design principles of Bubble Bobble rather than Rainbow Islands. You once again must clear each map of all enemies within an invisible timer to progress. The maps vary with some being a single screen and others that scroll. The pacing together with the fantastic level design is Parasol Stars greatest strength. The different droplets are usually the quickest avenue to clear the field. But of course collecting the droplets is an adventure depending on the enemies present. You can use larger enemies to stun smaller ones in a chain by placing them strategically. Tossing enemies around will reveal a massive number of items, so many in fact it is staggering. There are a plethora of power-ups such as crosses and miracles that instantly kill everyone or the invincibility power heart as well. This is on top of your large tool set makes clearing levels fun.
There are eight themed worlds with seven levels, six normal levels and a boss battle. Each planet presents new challenges that add to the fun. World Three, Oceanic Star, is the first to challenge you with less straightforward maps. The Machine Star is dense with enemies with many larger robots that will have you brushing up against the time limit frequently. These levels are more open to accommodate its machines and as such more dangerous. The Gamble Star has some of the most creative stages in the game. Enemies are in unreachable areas and you must make use of the more advanced mechanics and items to reach them. The boss battles are some of my favorite in the series as they are simple and do not wear out their welcome. Once you see the pattern the execution is quick. These are more palette cleansers than wars of attrition.
The snappy pacing makes a single run feel like a breeze. Parasol Stars is challenging in parts but always manageable. But like every game in the series you need to meet certain conditions to fight the final boss. If you can find the three hidden items you get two more worlds that are extremely cool and nods to past Taito titles. I did not know this going in although I should have. But it was an easy excuse to play through the game again, not that I needed any further incentive. It is that good in my opinion.
In Closing
Parasol Stars is fantastic in nearly category and one of the strongest titles in the Turbo Grafx library. Even though it was not an arcade game it still has the look of one with the gameplay to match. Taito knock it out of the park every time with this series and Parasol Stars may be the best one overall. That is high praise that I do not give out lightly but it is deserving of it.
