Survios, the studio behind Creed: Rise to Glory (2018) and Raw Data (2017), announced its currently developing a VR version of the ’90s tile-matching arcade puzzle game Puzzle Bobble (1994).

Also known as Bust-a-Move in some regions, the game is being developed in partnership with Taito, the Japan-based creators of the original franchise.

“You’ll be able to enjoy the familiar, lovable world of Puzzle Bobble in 3D,” Taito’s Yuichi Toyoma says in a video announcement.

There’s no gameplay video yet, however a concept image shows that the VR adaptation of Puzzle Bobble will involve a hand-held slingshot, challenging users to match-up a colored 3D cluster of bubbles.

Taito also intends on putting all new tracks created by the studio’s in-house sound team, Zuntata.

There’s no release date yet, although we’ll have our slingshots ready when Survios and Taito release word.

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Scott Hayden
Well before the first modern XR products hit the market, Scott recognized the potential of the technology and set out to understand and document its growth. He has been professionally reporting on the space for nearly a decade as Editor at Road to VR, authoring more than 3,500 articles on the topic. Scott brings that seasoned insight to his reporting from major industry events across the globe.
  • Carsten Hoffmann

    wow, Puzzle Bobble! I remember it well from back in the day! There is this SteamVR game called Rainbow Reactor which is quite similar … I wonder if these guys will get sued now. Would be a shame though, fun game!

    • Charles

      I was a fan of the predecessor NES game, Bubble Bobble.

      • Carsten Hoffmann

        yes, when ever I see a picture of Bub or Bob that iconic music starts playing in my head ;D

      • Martin355

        I was a fan of the original arcade version of Bubble Bobble, but also its predecessor Chack’n Pop.

        • Charles

          Interesting, I had no idea there was a predecessor to Bubble Bobble. I’ve played so many NES games I never owned on an emulator, but apparently I never ended up on that one.

  • VR5

    A lot of these old school puzzle games would work well in VR. They don’t even have to be adapted to 3D, just grabbing/manipulating/aiming the items with your hands can make them worthwhile in VR. And you can build new mechanics around choosing what item to use etc.

    • Carsten Hoffmann

      I agree, many seemingly simplistic game ideas become a wholly different thing in VR, due to the immersion and natural feel of the interaction!

  • And it is 90s again! Now I can’t wait for VengaBoys VR…

  • silvaring

    So unexpected. One of the most classic and well known arcade games of all time. Hope the studios involved do it justice.

  • Tunk

    There ist allready a VR Game like this.
    Called Rainbow Reactor and atm on 75% Sale for 4.49€.

    https://store.steampowered….

    Has a kind of Basketball touch indeed. You dont shot the Balls with a gun, you must through them.