IN THE KNOW
» PUBLISHER: TAITO
» DEVELOPER: TAITO
» RELEASED: 1991
» PLATFORM: PC ENGINE, VARIOUS
» GENRE: PLATFORMER
DEVELOPER HIGHLIGHTS
SPACE INVADERS
RELEASED: 1978
PLATFORM: ARCADE, VARIOUS
BUBBLE BOBBLE
RELEASED: 1985
PLATFORM: ARCADE, VARIOUS
THE NEWZEALAND STORY (PICTURED)
RELEASED: 1988
PLATFORM: ARCADE, VARIOUS
Parasol Stars was the first original title in the Bubble Bobble series not to be developed for arcades. Initially designed by Taito on PC Engine, it was then ported to various computers and consoles by Ocean for the European markets. It may be less known than its predecessors Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands but it builds on everything these two classics laid down. Parasol Star’s story continues directly after Rainbow Islands. Bub and Bob, still in their human form, have been presented with magical parasols as thanks for rescuing Rainbow Island’s inhabitants. However, a new evil has started invading nearby planets and the duo must utilise their new parasol powers to save the day.
’ project planner, Kataru Uchimura, joined Taito in 1988 and he played a key role in its development, most notably through designing levels, balancing the game, creating core game design and deciding on the game’s specifications. Uchimura starts by telling us how the idea for the game came about. “Although I was the game designer for , I was also a fan and came out. I’ve great memories of playing with my friends on and competing with them on after school.”
