Bubsy was never quite the unstoppable force that Mario or Sonic became, but the quick-witted feline’s oddball, comical nature made him undeniably memorable. For years, his endearing appeal persisted more as an internet meme than a true mascot, yet that legacy makes the go-for-broke energy of Bubsy 4D all the more admirable.
This latest entry attempts a modestly sized, meta-level redemption story, giving Bubsy his proper due as equal parts parody and legit legacy sequel. It sees the washed-up video game mascot clumsily make a comeback, reluctantly saving the galaxy from the returning Woolies and a new enemy known as the BaaBots. Guided by his friends and his Gen-Z-coded niece and nephew, Bubsy is forced back into the spotlight, whether he likes it or not.
While many retro-inspired 3D platformers tap into nostalgia, Bubsy 4D takes a more self-deprecating approach. It is acutely aware of the series' shaky legacy without being mean-spirited, creating a portrayal of a down-on-his-luck character that is surprisingly charming.
A Return to Classic 3D Action
Developed by Fabraz, the studio behind Slime-San and the recent Demon Tides, Bubsy 4D plays out exactly like you’d expect a classic 3D action-platformer from the ‘90s, with the added edge and charm of a Saturday Morning Cartoon. The game leans heavily into freeform platforming, rewarding players who can skillfully chain different maneuvers to barrel through a variety of stages.
The core loop focuses on building momentum. Unlike the awkward controls of 1996's Bubsy 3D, this title is all about speed. Bubsy utilizes dash and rolling abilities to build up pace, which, while not quite at Sonic’s velocity, is particularly satisfying to master. The physics and rhythm of the action create a compelling, dynamic flow that feels like a welcome new direction for the franchise.
My favorite moments came from darting through worlds built around computer e-waste, climbing tall towers and using Bubsy's ball form to zip through the air to cross the map. At its best, Bubsy 4D nails that slick, satisfying sense of mastery over your character, especially one as fun and whimsical as Bubsy.
Charm Over Content
Despite the stellar movement, the game’s structure is its primary weakness. The campaign is brief, lasting under four hours for a standard playthrough. While I appreciate the bite-sized nature of the experience, the content doesn’t feel as complete or ambitious as it could have been.
The stages themselves suffer from a lack of depth:
- Sparse Exploration: The open-zone levels feel uninteresting compared to the tighter, more focused stages.
- Limited Engagement: There are very few enemies to fight and side-activities to discover across the relatively few stages in the main campaign.
- Frustrating Precision: The movement style can feel slippery and imprecise. Most failures came from awkward moments of falling off ledges, using up all jumps and leaps in a futile attempt to save myself.
It took time to come to grips with the movement style, and during higher-end stages that require precision, this became a frustrating hurdle. Just as the game was building to a cool peak with rising quality in level design, I unexpectedly hit the final stages and the ending. The result is an unfulfilling conclusion that leaves you wanting more.
Parody and Polish
What elevates Bubsy 4D above its structural flaws is its stylish tone and charm. The game is packed with nods to classic Bubsy games and general video game tropes, making it a full-on parody of 3D platformers. The characters lean into the heightened, cartoon reality of an action-platformer without breaking the fourth wall directly.
The game includes several quality-of-life and novelty features:
- Coyote Time: Unlockable moves that poke fun at the game design concept that lets you linger in the air after running off a ledge.
- Costumes: A variety of outfits, including a retro-3D skin from Bubsy’s ill-fated first trip into the third dimension.
- Classic Controls: An option to toggle on the tank-style controls from Bubsy 3D for full authenticity or an extra challenge.
- 9 Lives Mode: A permadeath mode that limits your hits before a permanent game over for those seeking a serious challenge.
The pause screen also features occasional gags, such as Bubsy panicking when he finds himself whisked away from the action and left sitting in a menu. These details highlight the game's awareness of its own absurdity.
Final Thoughts
Bubsy 4D is a stylish, energetic platformer that succeeds in capturing the spirit of 90s 3D games while acknowledging its own legacy. The movement is dynamic and rewarding, and the humor is sharp. However, the short campaign and sparse stage design prevent it from reaching its full potential. It is a charming, if incomplete, return to form that will appeal to fans of fast-paced platformers and those who appreciate the meme history behind the character.
