Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch
Genre: 3D Platformer, 90s mascot game, cartoon

Back in the 90s during the 2D mascot platformer boom started by Sonic The Hedgehog, developer Accolade wanted to add their own Tex Avery animation spin to the trending formula. This resulted in the 2D title Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, a well-meaning but over-marketed game with lush graphics and sound but awkward & difficult gameplay. Bubsy’s role in video game history has been nothing short of a punchline, being in mid-card titles and in the PlayStation 1 exclusive rushed-for-development Bubsy 3D (which at least predated Super Mario 64 in being the first 3D mascot platformer title).

Fast forward to now, and we have a new Bubsy game sequel -Bubsy 4D- from developer Fabraz, who made this year’s sublime Demon Tides. The results are twofold: I know now which title got the most time to get work done on, and I finally get to experience the best Bubsy platformer title around.

Granted, that’s not saying much, but it’s better than nothing.

Cat Scratch Fever

The cartoony premise of Bubsy 4D is an amalgamation of the first game and the one-episode cartoon pilot that only freaks like myself sought after; Bubsy has to fight evil sheep aliens who have now stolen the world’s wool supply and enslaved their former enemies the Woolies. So off to space Bubsy and his crew go, which includes scientist Vergil, his young cousins Teri and Terry, and possible love interest Oblivia who always gets his name wrong as part of a 90s cartoon show running gag. Bubsy 4D’s art style is simple yet clean and vibing with its Saturday Morning show aesthetics, fitting well with its punchy voice work, soundtrack, and overall funky tone. The planets you get to go through are themed in a unique way too, from literal arts-and-craft landscapes to even trash islands with CDs and 90s computer parts as obstacles.

Stages and progress are linear, as you have 15 main levels to clear. Each of them have their gimmicks ranging from swinging spots to enemy placements that require you to pounce on them for added trajectory and air traveling. You can collect wools as currency to buy cosmetics for Bubsy, with one of them being a hilarious ode to his inspiration from Sega. Blueprints are scattered at hidden parts of a level that lets you unlock skills for platforming and possible speedrun tools for your next run or two.

Unlike past Bubsy titles, this feline has all the moves ripe for platforming and air-jumping supremacy. Bubsy can double jump, float, wallclimb, walljump, and pounce onto targets. He can stay in the air with a combination of the aforementioned platforming moves, alongside other power-ups you can get if you’re diligent with your blueprint hunts. He can also turn into a rolling furball that lets him roll through halfpipes and sliding areas super-fast at the cost of limited turning controls and increased velocity.

And yes, you’ll have fun going through the game’s levels and even some of the creative boss fights. That is, until it’s over so fast and the fact that not one stage and its design may not stick in your head for a long time. Bubsy 4D isn’t the most expensive game out there, and I would argue that you will get your money’s worth just playing a few hours of this fun mascot platformer. But I’ve always been the guy who loves his 3D platformer games; this title is not going to make you a convert especially with its limited appeal to anyone who isn’t even familiar with 90s platforming history involving the SNES and Sega Megadrive.

Pussy Power

Bubsy 4D has some charm and seminal fun in its platforming, as well as spot-on controls and feel. However, the stages aren’t that memorable, and it’s over so quick unless you’re doing Nine Lives/Tank mode and practicing for future speedrunning, and is very bare longevity-wise. Even for indie gaming standards, there’s a good number of cracks that make this sequel feel more like a cash-in rather than a genuine send-off, as lovely-sounding as its soundtrack is.

Unless you really need a linear 3D Bubsy fix, you’re better off with Fabraz’s past title Demon Tides which at least has more time being spent on development-wise. At best, this cat’s a little too malnourished and needs more kibbles and bits to get its purr engine going at full volume.

Final Score: 60/100

Review copy provided by publisher.