Bubble Bobble 2 is basically the NES sequel we should've gotten first—none of that Rainbow Islands or Parasol Stars detour. You're back to playing as those little bubble-spewing dinosaurs Bub and Bob, trapping enemies in floating bubbles and popping them for points. The controls feel just like the original, but the stages throw in some new twists, like ice floors that send you sliding or weird gravity shifts.

First few levels lull you into thinking it's just Bubble Bobble again, then suddenly you're dealing with enemies that split in two or platforms that vanish mid-jump. The music's still that same upbeat, slightly deranged loop you either love or mute after an hour. If you missed the pure bubble chaos of the first game, this one delivers—just don't expect it to go easy on you.