Bubble Bobble Arcade Cheat Codes: Mastering the Game

"Bubble Bobble" is one of the most iconic arcade games ever created, released by Taito in 1986. The game features two adorable dragons, Bub and Bob, who must navigate through 100 levels of puzzles and enemies to rescue their girlfriends. The gameplay is simple yet addictive, as players must trap enemies in bubbles and then burst them to clear each level. Despite its apparent simplicity, the game becomes increasingly challenging as players progress. For those who wish to enhance their gameplay, understanding the various cheat codes and tips available can make a significant difference. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the cheat codes for "Bubble Bobble" on arcade machines, helping you to master this classic game.

Cheat Codes Overview

Cheat codes in "Bubble Bobble" offer players various advantages, such as extra lives, level skips, and more. However, accessing these codes often requires specific knowledge of the arcade machine's operation, including how to enter service mode or input button sequences during gameplay. This guide will detail the most effective cheat codes and how to use them.

Service Mode and Debug Menu

Before diving into specific cheat codes, it's essential to understand how to access the service mode or debug menu on arcade machines. These modes are often required to input cheat codes and can provide various options to customize your gaming experience.

1. Entering Service Mode

   • Steps:

     1. Open the coin door on the arcade machine to access the service switch.
     2. Flip the service switch to enter service mode.
     3. Use the joystick and buttons to navigate the menu.

   • Benefits:

     • You can adjust difficulty settings, number of lives, and other game parameters.
     • It allows access to the debug menu, where many cheat codes can be entered.

2. Debug Menu Access

   • Steps:

     1. While in service mode, locate the option for the debug menu.
     2. Activate the debug menu by following the on-screen instructions.

   • Features:

     • Enables access to various hidden features and cheats.
     • Allows players to skip levels, modify game variables, and more.

Specific Cheat Codes

Once you've accessed the service mode or debug menu, you can start using specific cheat codes to enhance your gameplay. Here are some of the most useful cheat codes for "Bubble Bobble."

1. Extra Lives

   • Code: On the title screen, press Up, Down, Up, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Jump.
   • Effect: Increases your lives to 9 at the start of the game.
   • Tips: Use this code if you're struggling to make it through the tougher levels.

2. Level Skip

   • Code: While playing, pause the game and press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Jump.
   • Effect: Skips the current level and moves you to the next one.
   • Tips: This code is particularly useful for bypassing difficult levels that you can't seem to beat.

3. Unlock All Levels

   • Code: During the title screen, press and hold the Jump button, then enter the sequence Up, Left, Down, Right, Up, Left, Down, Right, Jump.
   • Effect: Unlocks all levels in the game, allowing you to start from any level.
   • Tips: Great for practicing specific levels or exploring the entire game without starting from the beginning.

4. Hidden Room Access

   • Code: In specific levels, such as Level 20, jump to the top of the screen and press Up, Jump, Down, Jump, Left, Right, Jump.
   • Effect: Unlocks a hidden room filled with power-ups and bonuses.
   • Tips: Hidden rooms are essential for collecting items that contribute to higher scores and special endings.

5. Super Bubble Power

   • Code: Press and hold Jump + Fire, then enter Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right.
   • Effect: Enhances the power of your bubbles, making it easier to trap enemies and clear levels.
   • Tips: This cheat is perfect for players who want to breeze through levels more efficiently.

Unlocking Special Endings

"Bubble Bobble" is famous for its multiple endings, which are determined by how you play the game and which secrets you unlock. Some cheat codes are specifically designed to help you achieve the best ending.

1. Good Ending

   • How to Unlock: Complete the game in two-player mode with both players surviving.
   • Cheat: Use the extra lives cheat to ensure both players make it to the end.
   • Result: Rescues both girlfriends and reveals the true ending.

2. True Ending

   • How to Unlock: Collect the Crystal Ball in Level 99 and then complete Level 100.
   • Cheat: Skip directly to Level 99 using the level skip cheat, then collect the Crystal Ball.
   • Result: Unlocks the true final boss and the complete story ending.

Advanced Strategies

While cheat codes can give you an edge, combining them with strategic gameplay will maximize your success in "Bubble Bobble." Here are some advanced strategies to consider:

1. Bubble Jumping

   • Technique: Use bubbles to jump higher and reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
   • Cheat Assistance: Use the super bubble power cheat to make bubbles more effective as platforms.
   • Application: Essential for reaching secret rooms and avoiding tough enemies.

2. Chain Combos

   • Technique: Trap multiple enemies in bubbles and burst them all at once for a combo bonus.
   • Cheat Assistance: Use the extra lives cheat to practice combo chaining without fear of game over.
   • Application: Combos are crucial for high scores and extra bonuses.

3. Item Collection

   • Technique: Collect items that appear after defeating enemies to gain special abilities and points.
   • Cheat Assistance: Unlock hidden rooms where many items are located using the hidden room access cheat.
   • Application: Collecting items can drastically alter your gameplay experience, making levels easier and increasing your score.

Conclusion

"Bubble Bobble" remains a timeless classic that continues to challenge and entertain players. While the game is straightforward in concept, its difficulty curve can be steep, especially in later levels. The cheat codes and strategies outlined in this guide provide you with the tools to master the game, whether you're aiming for a high score, trying to see all the endings, or just want to explore the game in its entirety. Remember, while cheat codes can make the game easier, the true joy of "Bubble Bobble" lies in its challenge and the satisfaction of overcoming it. So, use these cheats wisely, and happy bubbling!