PixlBit

The formula remains the same, except for some small enhancements and 3D effects.

Taito and Square Enix have found yet another home for their Bust-a-Move (Puzzle Bobble) series in the 3DS. While the gameplay will remain the same, players will have access to the game's implementation of auto-stereoscopic 3D.

As usual, Bust-a-Move asks players to fire colored bubbles from the bottom of the screen to the top with use of the Pointer device. At the top of the screen hangs a variety of bubbles, all of which players must clear off by matching three or more bubbles of the same color. Upon matching, players will clear not only those bubbles, but any that hang from the collection, encouraging players to take tougher shots and bounce bubbles off the walls to match the highest sitting bubbles.

After so many turns, the device that holds the bubbles at the top of the screen will descend, making for a more frantic environment. After so many turns without clearing the board, the holding device and bubbles will crash down into the pointer causing failure.

Bust-a-Move Universe doesn't claim to vary from this basic formula in the least, but does offer a few modes this time around that players may not have had a chance to experience before. The Puzzle Mode will offer a variety of boss battles, in addition to multiple stages of bubble clearing madness. The game will also feature Challenge Mode, tasking players with clearing nonstop bubbles in either 100 or 300 second increments.

Players can grab Bust-a-Move Universe alongside their launch 3DS on March 27 for the budget price of $29.99.