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Review of Bubsy 3D on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Nov 1996
Cover image of Bubsy 3D on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 2
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 25 Nov 1996
Genre: Platformer
Developer: Eidetic
Publisher: Accolade

Introduction

Upon firing up 'Bubsy 3D', one might need to buckle in. This isn't your typical 3D platformer; this is more like a chaotic rollercoaster ride through a malfunctioning funhouse. If you've ever thought, 'Man, I really miss the days of easily controllable characters,' then you may want to sit down for this jabbering cad of a bobcat, because your nostalgia isn't about to get any healing here.

Gameplay

Here's the pitch: you control Bubsy, a bobcat who must collect, get this, atoms to escape the planet Rayon. Besides atoms (which are apparently that important in our universe), you'll also be collecting rocket parts as if they're Pokémon. The gameplay tends to feel more like a convoluted scavenger hunt but with less intensity and a lot more confusion. Controls? Imagine trying to do the cha-cha in a snowstorm while juggling chickens. Pure joy yet deeply frustrating. The camera seems like it's trying to escape too, so by the time you're getting a grip on the controls, your view shifts to something that looks suspiciously like an abstract painting. Floating is streamlined; swimming means managing your oxygen like you're in an underfunded survival film where everyone forgot to budget for scuba gear. Boss fights feature two Woolie queens, which sounds slightly like a villainous diva meets a pet hairball. Oh, and don't forget Bubsy's snark-laden quotes, which will either endear him to you or make you consider turning the console off in sheer horror.

Graphics

Bubsy 3D's graphics are a blast from the past, and not in a good way. They scream 'early PlayStation!' and not in a nostalgic way but more in the 'please help me, I'm trapped in a polygon prison' sense. Visuals are reminiscent of flat-shaded polygons with weird atonal colors that successfully manage to make Rayon look like a headache. By some miracle, all that mess manages to reflect the game's confusion quite aptly. They boast a level of roughness reminiscent of a high school art project where paints were mixed too liberally, but the character designs do stand out - at the very least, you've got a bobcat that's attempting to do his best. In a sea of colorful creatures, Bubsy himself stands out like a neon sign in a blackout.

Conclusion

In summary, 'Bubsy 3D' makes a compelling case for why some characters either should or should not transition to the third dimension. His adventures on Rayon might have you questioning your life choices faster than you can say 'Where's my jar of snickers?' Unless you're a masochist or a retro aficionado keen on experiencing all that came before, you might want to give Bubsy the ol' 'no way, José.' The game, while memorable, serves primarily as a study on how not to make a 3D platformer. This is not just a game; it's a cautionary tale, whispering 'Abort mission!' from every pixel. So will you join in on the madness, or take your cats in 2D? It's up to you. Just remember: this bobcat shouldn't be the first animal you throw into a 3D plane; that's a lesson well learned here.

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