Bubble and Squeak

Bubble and Squeak

Overview & History

Developed by Audiogenic and published by Sunsoft in 1994, Bubble and Squeak is a charming, often overlooked platformer for the Sega Genesis. The storyline follows two young space cadets, Franklin and his sister Tammy, whose spaceship crash-lands on an alien planet after being attacked by the sinister Wickermen. In the wreckage, Franklin befriends Squeak, a furry, yellow, ball-like alien creature wearing a propeller hat. Together, they must navigate hostile environments, outsmart bizarre extraterrestrial lifeforms, and rescue Franklin's captured sister. While originally slated for release on the Amiga, the Genesis port stands out for its vibrant, colorful sprites, distinct British cartoon aesthetic, and a memorable soundtrack composed by Allister Brimble, blending whimsical melodies with catchy synth-pop beats.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay revolves around standard side-scrolling platforming infused with unique companion-based mechanics reminiscent of titles like The Lost Vikings. Franklin possesses a basic jump and a distinctive ray-gun attack to stun enemies, but he relies heavily on Squeak to progress. Squeak is not just a passive follower; players must command the alien using specific directional prompts to activate switches, reach high platforms by utilizing Squeak's propeller hat, and trigger localized explosive devices. Throughout the multi-world journey—spanning lush jungles, icy caverns, and mechanical fortresses—Franklin must collect scattered star items and fuel canisters while dodging environmental hazards. If Squeak takes too much damage, he enters a vulnerable state, forcing players to rescue him quickly before losing a life, adding a tense layer of tactical escort management to the vibrant, puzzle-infused platforming action.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause