A Surprising but Familiar Return
When Atari announced Bubsy 4D, many assumed it was a joke. Given the franchise's historical reputation for delivering some of the industry's lowest-quality experiences—most notably the infamous Bubsy 3D—the idea of reviving the character seemed absurd. However, the project was placed in the hands of Fabraz, a studio known for high-quality platformers like Slime-san and Demon Tides. Despite this pedigree, the result is a game that, while mechanically passable, remains fundamentally unpleasant to play.
Mastering the Movement
At its core, Bubsy 4D plays like a hybrid of Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Mario Odyssey. The character is highly mobile, capable of double jumps, glides, and complex momentum-based maneuvers. However, the learning curve is steep and often frustrating. Early on, controlling Bubsy feels clumsy, as he often bounces awkwardly off surfaces. It is only after significant practice that the mechanics click, revealing a robust movement system that feels rewarding once mastered.
The game also introduces a 'furball' mode, which turns the protagonist into a high-speed projectile. While initially difficult to navigate, players can learn to chain jumps and momentum shifts to turn corners and overcome obstacles. Like many classic platformers, it follows the 'easy to learn, hard to master' philosophy, though the lack of polish makes the trial-and-error process feel more like a chore than a challenge.
The Exhaustion of 90s Nostalgia
The real issue with Bubsy 4D isn't the platforming—it's the tone. The game leans heavily into an exaggerated, Saturday-morning cartoon aesthetic that feels entirely out of place in 2026. This is compounded by a script filled with uninspired, fourth-wall-breaking humor. As one example of the game's tired wit:
«When you pause, Bubsy pipes up: 'Paws menu, get it?' This is what we're dealing with here: videogame characters noticing they're videogame characters.»
A Lack of Creative Direction
Beyond the cringeworthy dialogue, the level design lacks cohesion. Players are presented with disjointed obstacles, floating platforms with uninspired backdrops, and environmental textures that feel like they were lifted from a dated 90s cinema carpet. While 3D platformers often struggle to move past the 'mascot' era—a trend seen in titles like Astro Bot or Ratchet & Clank—the genre is capable of much more.
There are modern examples, such as Pseudoregalia, Solar Ash, and Neon White, that prove 3D platformers can offer unique, mature, or stylistically fresh experiences without relying on recycled cereal-box nostalgia. Bubsy 4D ultimately serves as a reminder that a solid engine isn't enough; without a modern perspective, the genre risks remaining stuck in the past.