Who would have thought that the most controversial lynx in video game history would ever grace the scene again? Bubsy 4D arrives as an almost surreal proposition, the result of a collaboration between Atari and Fabraz studio, attempting to recapture the essence of 3D platformers with a touch of dark humor and a healthy dose of self-awareness regarding its own historical failure.
Let's not kid ourselves, this is a project that feels like a meme come to life . The game doesn't try to compete with giants like Mario or Sonic, but instead prefers to poke fun at itself and that disastrous Bubsy 3D on PlayStation, offering an experience that ranges from mediocre to surprisingly addictive for speed enthusiasts.
Game mechanics and the spirit of Speedrunning
The heart of this installment lies in its expansive movement system . You can jump repeatedly, glide through the air, climb surfaces with your claws, and, most notably, transform into a ball of fur to roll at top speed. This last ability is what truly defines the pace, allowing you to traverse levels in a fraction of the original time once you master the technique.
The game is divided into three planets with five stages each, where the objective is to recover the gold strands stolen by the BaaBots. For more demanding players, the game includes online leaderboards and ghost data, making it clear that Fabraz designed the game's structure with speedrunning and route optimization in mind.
Despite this approach, the controls can be somewhat tricky. Because the animations are extremely exaggerated and cartoonish, it's sometimes difficult to judge the exact landing , although the team has included a reticle to help mitigate this accuracy issue.
Technical, visual and sound aspects
Visually, Bubsy 4D is a modest game. The levels have themes based on sewing, stationery, and computers, but the character detail is quite low , even reminiscent of titles from the PS2 era. However, the colors are vibrant and the imaginative level design is commendable, although some sections feel too empty or repetitive.
Where the game truly shines is in its sound design. The music, composed by Fat Bard, is a genuine gem, blending jazz, big band, and electro-swing to make the experience much more enjoyable. Furthermore, the dialogue constantly breaks the fourth wall, although it's a shame that some of the funniest lines are only available in English without subtitles.
For those seeking depth, there is the option to spend thread in the central ship to acquire purely aesthetic outfits , including parodies of other famous characters, or to find hidden blueprints that unlock health upgrades and new movement capabilities.
Performance on Steam Deck and PC
When running this title on PC and handheld consoles like the Steam Deck, the overall experience is smooth, although there are reports from users who have experienced drastic frame rate drops in other demanding games, raising concerns about whether external hardware issues might be affecting performance. However, Bubsy 4D is not a demanding game and should run smoothly thanks to its simple graphics.
As for length, the main story can be completed in about six hours , reaching approximately 60% of the total content. The rest is dedicated to time trials and collecting games. The game feels like a B-movie experience: it's not a masterpiece, but it has enough personality to be a pleasant snack for those who enjoy less conventional 3D platformers.
Bubsy 4D presents itself as a curious comeback that prioritizes humor and speed over technical perfection. With challenging gameplay and an exceptional soundtrack, it manages to rescue the franchise from oblivion, even if it falls short in visual quality and overall polish, making it ideal for those looking for something light and fun without complications.