Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III is an arcade game developed by TAITO. As the third installment in the Bubble Bobble series, it follows Rainbow Islands and continues the legacy of the beloved bubble dragons, Bub and Bob. 

In Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III, Bub and Bob return in their human forms to embark on a thrilling cosmic journey. Their mission is to save neighboring worlds from enemies using a parasol as their main weapon. Combining platformer and adventure game elements, this game appeals to both longtime fans and new players alike.

Cosmic adventures with an umbrella

Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III features eight planets, each offering unique levels and a challenging boss fight. Additionally, there are two hidden levels that players can unlock. Using your parasol, you can stun enemies, pick them up, and throw them as projectiles. By lining up multiple dazed enemies, players can take them out with one hit. You can also use your parasol as a shield.

The game offers a local two-player co-op mode where your buddy isn't just for support — they can also be wielded as a weapon. However, beware that strategic planning is key, or your buddy might end up in trouble. Defeated enemies drop valuable items that can boost your score. Players must quickly pick them up before they disappear from the screen. Moreover, when clearing levels, you get special items like extra lives.

However, a significant drawback is the absence of a tutorial or game manual. Upon starting the game, you're immediately thrust into the first level. While it's easy to pick up, a bit more context would greatly enhance the experience. Another downside is the lack of an autosave feature, requiring you to save your progress regularly. Despite these issues, the game still provides exciting gameplay opportunities.

A must-play for Bubble Bobble series fans

Overall, Parasol Stars: The Story of Bubble Bobble III blends nostalgia with fresh twists in Bub and Bob’s cosmic adventure. Each world presents unique challenges that require varied approaches, keeping it interesting. Despite lacking a tutorial and autosave feature, its engaging gameplay, diverse levels, and cooperative mode promise hours of whimsical fun. It stands as a worthy continuation of the beloved arcade series.