This game is positively loaded with gameplay modes and options. You can follow a series of branching puzzles in single-player puzzle mode, or go through a very silly plotline in story mode. If that's still not enough, you can check out the Puzzle Edit Mode, and make your own mind-stumping puzzles for your friends to play. When it comes to multiplayer, Puzzle Bobble 4 is as good as it gets. Graphically, Puzzle Bobble 4 shines.
Sound effects are just as crystal-clear, as are the delightfully indecipherable vocal taunts.
There's no support for the analog pad, though squeezing the trigger buttons will nudge your bubble-launcher one degree to the right or left. Simply stated, Puzzle Bobble 4 is the best puzzle game to hit stands since Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo . And in retrospect, I can finally see why that long-haired Puzzle Bobble freak would never leave the arcade. The interface is appropriately bubbly, with a loading screen that dares to be plaid. The soundtrack is just as bubbly as the graphics, with indecipherable Japanese taunts getting tossed around every few seconds.