Bubble Bash 3
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| Bubble Bash 3

Gameloft isn't known for its originality, with plenty of its biggest titles owing more than a nod to some already established licences. Still, if the games are fun, it doesn't always matter where the inspiration comes from.

Take Bubble Bash 3. It's unashamedly a Puzzle Bobble clone from start to finish, but it adds enough of its own tweaks, and ensures the core bubble popping mechanic works well enough, that you won't begrudge it its lack of any real innovation.

Forever popping bubbles

The game is all about matching coloured bubbles. You start each game with a collection of them floating above you on the screen, and it's your job to thwack other bubbles up to join them. Match the colours in groups of more than three and the bubbles will pop.

You control the angle of your shot with '4' and '6', and unleash your bubble blast by tapping '5'. You can switch bubbles before you take your shot, but if you use the power too often a bird will come along and drop a rock - which can't be cleared without dislodging it - into proceedings.

At the end of each level you get a chance to collect some coins as well, by guiding a bucket-headed sea dog around the bottom of the level as lumps of gold cascade around. You can spend this cash in the shop on a variety of game-changing boosts, although none of them is really necessary if you know what you're doing.

Pop pop

There are power bars to fill up to unleash special shots, and different bubbles and blobs that have new and unique powers. Even the bubbles themselves can move around the screen, making your shots that little bit harder.

Loading times could do with being a little bit faster, but there are plenty of levels to pop your way through, and the cartoon visuals keep everything looking sweet and syrupy.

Bubble Bash 3 is an example of what Gameloft does best. It takes an existing idea, throws in a few changes and tweaks, and leaves you with an enjoyable, addictive little game. It's unlikely you'll remember it once you've had your fun, but it'll keep you entertained for a while all the same.

Bubble Bash 3

Fun and fleeting, Bubble Bash 3 is easily forgettable, but entertaining all the same
Score
Harry Slater
Harry Slater
Harry used to be really good at Snake on the Nokia 5110. Apparently though, digital snake wrangling isn't a proper job, so now he writes words about games instead.