Bubble Ghost is one of those charming little games from the late '80s that’s straightforward, quirky, and still fun if you’re in the right mood. Developed by Christophe Andréani and first released in 1987, it puts you in control of a ghost whose goal is to guide a bubble through various rooms full of hazards. Sounds simple? It is, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.

Gameplay

The core mechanic is as old-school as it gets. You control the ghost and blow air to move the bubble around the screen. The bubble is delicate, so it bursts if it touches anything sharp or hazardous—candles, spikes, or other obstacles. The challenge comes from navigating tight spaces and timing your moves just right to keep the bubble safe. It’s a mix of puzzle-solving and skill that requires patience, precision, and a steady hand.

Each level is essentially one screen, so it’s easy to jump in and out of the game. The difficulty ramps up steadily, but it never feels unfair—it’s just tricky in that classic “try, fail, and try again” way.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, the graphics are simple but clean. The environments are varied enough to keep things interesting, and the animations of the bubble and ghost are surprisingly detailed for a game of this era. The color palette does its job, though it’s nothing flashy.

The sound design includes light, airy tunes that match the whimsical vibe of the game. The sound effects, especially the bubble popping, are memorable and add to the charm.

Replayability and Length

This isn’t a long game. You can finish it in one sitting if you’re skilled enough, but the difficulty might make you take a few breaks along the way. There’s not much variety beyond what you see in the first handful of levels, so once you’ve beaten it, there’s little reason to go back unless you’re chasing nostalgia or high scores.

Who Is It For?

This game is for anyone who loves retro games or enjoys a short, focused experience. It’s perfect if you grew up with titles from the ’80s or early ’90s and want to relive those simple, pick-up-and-play vibes. However, if you’re used to modern games with complex mechanics or deep stories, Bubble Ghost might feel too basic. It’s more of a snack than a full meal.

Final Thoughts

Bubble Ghost is a fine old-school game. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and provides a decent challenge. While it won’t blow your mind, it’s got enough charm to justify a quick playthrough, especially if you’re into retro gaming. Just don’t go in expecting anything more than what it is: a small, clever game from a simpler time.

Bubble Ghost is one of those charming little games from the late '80s that’s straightforward, quirky, and still fun if you’re in the right mood. Developed by Christophe Andréani and first released in 1987, it puts you in control of a ghost whose goal is to guide a bubble through various rooms full of hazards. Sounds simple? It is, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Gameplay The core mechanic is as old-school as it gets. You control the ghost and blow air to move the bubble around the screen. The bubble is delicate, so it bursts if it touches anything sharp or hazardous—candles, spikes, or other obstacles. The challenge comes from navigating tight spaces and timing your moves just right to keep the bubble safe. It’s a mix of puzzle-solving and skill that requires patience, precision, and a steady hand. Each level is essentially one screen, so it’s easy to jump in and out of the game. The difficulty ramps up steadily, but it never feels unfair—it’s just tricky in that classic “try, fail, and try again” way. Graphics and Sound For its time, the graphics are simple but clean. The environments are varied enough to keep things interesting, and the animations of the bubble and ghost are surprisingly detailed for a game of this era. The color palette does its job, though it’s nothing flashy. The sound design includes light, airy tunes that match the whimsical vibe of the game. The sound effects, especially the bubble popping, are memorable and add to the charm. Replayability and Length This isn’t a long game. You can finish it in one sitting if you’re skilled enough, but the difficulty might make you take a few breaks along the way. There’s not much variety beyond what you see in the first handful of levels, so once you’ve beaten it, there’s little reason to go back unless you’re chasing nostalgia or high scores. Who Is It For? This game is for anyone who loves retro games or enjoys a short, focused experience. It’s perfect if you grew up with titles from the ’80s or early ’90s and want to relive those simple, pick-up-and-play vibes. However, if you’re used to modern games with complex mechanics or deep stories, Bubble Ghost might feel too basic. It’s more of a snack than a full meal. Final Thoughts Bubble Ghost is a fine old-school game. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and provides a decent challenge. While it won’t blow your mind, it’s got enough charm to justify a quick playthrough, especially if you’re into retro gaming. Just don’t go in expecting anything more than what it is: a small, clever game from a simpler time.