When you think about classic games which have been cloned endlessly, Puzzle Bobble is always one of those in the top ranks. Sometimes more commonly known as Bust-A-Move, a spin-off from the successful Taito arcade game Bubble Bubble, this is certainly a title in which many generations of the gaming populace are familiar with.

Like other smash hit puzzles, the concept is very simple but it's the execution, level design and presentation that capture the mind and spirit, and Crazy Piri, who are rapidly becoming the CPC puzzle game kingpins, have lovingly recreated the full arcade experience on the Amstrad.

With Bub and Bob being reborn on the CPC by CNG Soft a few years back with Bubble Bobble 4 CPC, it's lovely to see them back in their addictive puzzling sideshow.

Puzzle games on the Amstrad are sort of a speciality for the system, it can really shine with these type of games. From classics like Chip's Challenge or Puzznic, to more recent entries like Ludic Break The Loop or Imperial Mahjong, these are excellent examples of great cerebral games on the platform.

Puzzle Bobble is another to join that impressive list, with its arcade roots faithfully represented, superb use of glorious colour, a varied and nostalgic soundtrack and, of course, its highly addictive gameplay.

With 100 levels it's got a lot of playtime in its locker also. Yes, puzzle games are part of the fabric of the CPC and this is one of the finest embroideries on that comforting garment.

Playing to the strengths of the hardware, the use of colour is beautiful to see on display here. Bright, cute, defined and animated excellently. The key movements are tight and smooth with sharp controls, with the bubbles maybe having a slightly over-forgiving trait of sneaking into gaps where they maybe shouldn't.

The music is wonderful; appropriate SFX, a little synth speech and arrangements of classic chiptunes that match the backgrounds, which themselves are screen grabs from some of the best Amstrad arcade ports of the past.

The Arkanoid and Chase HQ settings are especially pleasing.

Overall, it's a spot-on port of the much-cloned classic, but feels far more official. And as for the addictive nature of it? I'm actually playing it still as I write this...

I've been waiting years for a decent Puzzle Bobble clone for the Amstrad! With it being single screen and the available colours from the CPC's palette it should be a match made in heaven - and it is at last!

I had super great fun playing this with a big, beaming smile plastered over my face! It's not meant to be arcade perfect here, indeed the game goes its own way with excellent backgrounds and music themed around other classic Taito games.

My only wish is for the bubble launcher to move a bit quicker left and right and a bum note in the Chase HQ music fixed! The good news is that they're already planning a revised version soon...

Presentation 75%
Attractive and arcade faithful, recreated wonderfully if a little brief.

Graphics 87%
Gloriously colourful and animated with excellent classic game backgrounds.

Sound 92%
New arrangements of the Taito classics are a joy to hear again.

Addictive Qualities 95%
Loads of levels, lots of fun and highly replayable.

Overall 92%