Game: Bust a Move ’99| Release: March 1st, 1999| Genre: Puzzle| Publisher: Acclaim| Developer: AIsystem Tokyo

Bust a Move 99 is a puzzle video game developed by Taito Corporation and released for the PlayStation in 1998. The game is the third entry in the Bust-A-Move series, following Bust-A-Move 2: Arcade Edition, and features similar gameplay mechanics to its predecessors.

The gameplay of Bust a Move 99 revolves around shooting bubbles of various colors from the bottom of the screen towards a cluster of bubbles at the top of the screen. The objective of the game is to match three or more bubbles of the same color, causing them to disappear and clear the screen. The game’s main mode is Puzzle Mode, in which players progress through increasingly difficult levels by clearing the screen of bubbles. The game also features a Vs. Mode, which allows two players to compete against each other in a split-screen battle.

One of the most significant additions in Bust a Move 99 is the inclusion of a story mode. The game’s story follows the characters Bub and Bob as they journey through various worlds, facing off against a variety of opponents in puzzle battles. While the story mode adds a bit of depth to the game’s otherwise straightforward gameplay, it can also be a bit tedious at times, as players must complete a series of battles before progressing to the next stage.

In terms of graphics and sound, Bust a Move 99 is a mixed bag. While the game’s colorful visuals and cute character designs are appealing, the overall presentation is somewhat lackluster. The game’s sound effects and music are serviceable but not particularly memorable, and some players may find the game’s repetitive sound effects and music to be grating over time.

Overall, Bust a Move 99 is a solid entry in the Bust-A-Move series that offers plenty of addictive puzzle gameplay. While the game’s story mode can be a bit tedious at times, the game’s core puzzle mechanics remain engaging throughout. The game’s graphics and sound are a bit lackluster, but they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. Fans of puzzle games or the Bust-A-Move series should find plenty to enjoy in Bust a Move 99.

Bust a Move ’99 Gameplay

Bust a Move 99 is a classic puzzle game that delivers solid gameplay mechanics that are both easy to understand and difficult to master. The game’s core gameplay revolves around shooting bubbles of different colors to create matches of three or more of the same color, causing them to disappear and clear the screen. The game offers a variety of different game modes, including Puzzle Mode, Vs. Mode, and Story Mode, providing players with plenty of options for how they want to play.

The Puzzle Mode is the game’s main mode, featuring a series of increasingly difficult levels that challenge players to clear the screen of bubbles within a set number of moves. The game’s mechanics are easy to understand, but the later levels require strategic planning and quick reflexes to complete. The Vs. Mode allows players to compete against each other in a split-screen battle, adding an extra layer of competition to the game. Finally, the Story Mode adds a bit of depth to the game’s otherwise straightforward gameplay, following the characters Bub and Bob on their journey through various worlds.

The gameplay mechanics of Bust a Move 99 are simple yet effective, and the game offers a satisfying level of challenge that should keep players engaged for hours. The various game modes provide players with plenty of options for how they want to play, and the game’s mechanics are easy to pick up but difficult to master. The game also offers a good amount of replay value, as players can go back and try to beat their high scores or complete levels they may have struggled with before.

Overall, Bust a Move 99 is a great puzzle game that offers solid gameplay mechanics and plenty of options for how players want to play. While the game’s graphics and sound may be a bit lackluster, the gameplay more than makes up for it. I would rate Bust a Move 99 a solid 8 out of 10 for its engaging gameplay and satisfying level of challenge.

Bust a Move ’99 Story

Bust a Move 99 features a Story Mode that follows the characters Bub and Bob on their journey through various worlds, facing off against a variety of opponents in puzzle battles. While the inclusion of a story mode adds a bit of depth to the game’s otherwise straightforward gameplay, it is not the game’s strongest feature.

The story in Bust a Move 99 is relatively simplistic, with Bub and Bob traveling from world to world to compete in puzzle battles against a variety of opponents. While the concept is straightforward, the execution is somewhat lacking. The dialogue is uninspired, and the characters lack depth, making it difficult for players to become invested in the story. Furthermore, the story mode can be somewhat tedious at times, as players must complete a series of battles before progressing to the next stage.

Overall, while the inclusion of a story mode adds a bit of depth to the game, it is not the game’s strongest feature. The simplistic story and lack of depth in the characters and dialogue make it difficult for players to become invested in the story. As such, I would rate the story in Bust a Move 99 a 5 out of 10. While the story mode is not terrible, it is not the game’s selling point and may not be of interest to players looking for a deep and engaging narrative.

Bust a Move ’99 Difficulty

Bust a Move 99 offers a satisfying level of difficulty that should keep players engaged without becoming frustratingly hard. The game’s core mechanics are easy to understand, making the game accessible to players of all skill levels. However, as the game progresses, the levels become increasingly challenging, requiring strategic planning and quick reflexes to complete.

The game’s Puzzle Mode offers a good balance of difficulty, with early levels providing a gentle introduction to the game’s mechanics, while later levels offer a satisfying challenge. The game’s Vs. Mode also adds an extra layer of challenge, as players compete against each other in split-screen battles. Finally, the Story Mode offers a range of difficulties, with some battles being relatively easy and others requiring more skill and strategy.

Overall, the difficulty level in Bust a Move 99 is well-balanced, offering a satisfying challenge without becoming frustratingly hard. The game’s accessible mechanics make it easy for players to jump in and start playing, while the increasing difficulty of the later levels and game modes provides a satisfying level of challenge. I would rate the difficulty level in Bust a Move 99 a solid 8 out of 10, as it strikes a good balance between accessibility and challenge.

Bust a Move ’99 Graphics

Bust a Move 99 features graphics that are colorful and bright, with cute character designs that are appealing to the eye. However, the graphics are somewhat dated by today’s standards, and the overall presentation may seem lackluster compared to modern games.

The game’s bubbles and backgrounds are well-designed and colorful, making it easy to distinguish between the different colors and elements on the screen. However, the graphics lack detail and can appear pixelated or blurry on modern displays. Additionally, the character designs are cute but not particularly detailed, and the game’s overall presentation is somewhat plain.

The game’s graphics are serviceable, but they are not its strongest aspect. While the graphics are colorful and bright, they lack detail and may not hold up well when compared to modern games. As such, I would rate the graphics in Bust a Move 99 a 6 out of 10. While the graphics are not terrible, they do not stand out as a strong point of the game.

Bust a Move ’99 Controls

Bust a Move 99 features simple and responsive controls that are easy to master. The game’s core mechanics revolve around shooting bubbles from the bottom of the screen towards a cluster of bubbles at the top of the screen, and the controls are intuitive and easy to understand. Players use the directional pad to aim their shots, and the X button to fire bubbles.

The game’s controls are responsive and accurate, allowing players to make precise shots and react quickly to changing situations. The controls are easy to master, and players should be able to jump into the game and start playing without any difficulty.

Overall, the controls in Bust a Move 99 are well-designed, simple, and responsive, making it easy for players to focus on the game’s mechanics and enjoy the gameplay. I would rate the controls in Bust a Move 99 a solid 9 out of 10, as they are intuitive and easy to learn, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game.

Bust a Move ’99 Sound

Bust a Move 99 features sound effects and music that are serviceable but not particularly memorable. The game’s sound effects consist mainly of the sound of bubbles popping and the occasional sound effect when a power-up is activated. The music is upbeat and catchy, but it can become repetitive over time, especially during longer play sessions.

While the sound effects and music in Bust a Move 99 do not detract from the overall experience, they also do not add much to it. The sound design is functional but unremarkable, and players may find themselves turning down the volume or playing with the sound off after a while.

Overall, while the sound design in Bust a Move 99 is serviceable, it is not a standout feature of the game. The sound effects and music are functional but unremarkable, and players may find themselves growing tired of the repetitive soundtrack after extended play sessions. As such, I would rate the sound design in Bust a Move 99 a 6 out of 10. While it is not bad, it also does not add much to the overall experience.

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