About

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Puzzle Bobble 3 is a <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/block-matching/3015-3778/" data-ref-id="3015-3778">tile-matching</a> puzzle game developed and released by <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/taito-corporation/3010-135/" data-ref-id="3010-135">Taito</a> for <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/arcade/3045-84/" data-ref-id="3045-84">arcades</a> (using <a href="/taito-f3-system/3015-9725/" data-ref-id="3015-9725">Taito F3 Package System</a> hardware) in September 1996.</p><p>The third in the <a href="/bust-a-move/3025-78/" data-ref-id="3025-78">Bust-A-Move</a> series (and the first to use the "Puzzle Bobble" name in North America), Puzzle Bobble 3 adds new gameplay changes (such as the lack of a descending ceiling and the addition of scrolling playfields) and a new bubble type (the Rainbow Bubble, which changes when a bubble bursts next to it). It also expands on Versus Mode, adding a cast of characters (each with their own unique attack pattern) that is each based on a genre of popular Japanese <a href="/arcade-cabinet/3055-1232/" data-ref-id="3055-1232">arcade machines</a> (including a cameo appearance by <a href="/sonic-blast-man/3005-12725/" data-ref-id="3005-12725">Sonic Blast Man</a>).</p><h2>Ports</h2><p>Puzzle Bobble 3 was ported to numerous consoles, usually with a different name for each region. All Japanese releases were published by Taito, while all others were published by <a href="/acclaim-entertainment-inc/3010-88/" data-ref-id="3010-88">Acclaim</a> (with the exception of the Saturn version in North America, which was published by <a href="/natsume/3010-145/" data-ref-id="3010-145">Natsume</a>, and the PC version). It was ported to:</p><ul><li>The <a href="/saturn/3045-42/" data-ref-id="3045-42">Sega Saturn</a> as <em>Puzzle Bobble 3</em> (for Japan in March 1997), <em>Puzzle Bobble 3 for SegaNet</em> (also for Japan in August 1997, featuring <a href="/online/3015-559/" data-ref-id="3015-559">online multiplayer</a> via SegaNet), and <em>Bust-A-Move 3</em> (outside of Japan in late 1997).</li></ul><ul><li>The <a href="/playstation/3045-22/" data-ref-id="3045-22">Sony PlayStation</a> as <em>Puzzle Bobble 3 DX</em> (for Japan in November 1997), <em>Bust-A-Move 3 DX</em> (for Europe in February 1998), and <em>Bust-A-Move '99</em> (for North America in February 1999). This version was digitally re-released in Japan via the <a href="/playstation-network/3015-2623/" data-ref-id="3015-2623">PlayStation Network</a> for the <a href="/playstation-3/3045-35/" data-ref-id="3045-35">PlayStation 3</a> and <a href="/playstation-portable/3045-18/" data-ref-id="3045-18">PlayStation Portable</a> on December 10, 2008.</li></ul><ul><li>The <a href="/nintendo-64/3045-43/" data-ref-id="3045-43">Nintendo 64</a> as <em>Bust-A-Move 3 DX</em> (for Europe in November 1998), <em>Puzzle Bobble 64</em> (for Japan in March 1999), and <em>Bust-A-Move '99</em> (for North America in April 1999). This port was done by <a href="/distinctive-developments-ltd/3010-5851/" data-ref-id="3010-5851">Distinctive Developments</a> and is known for its bonus four-player Versus Mode.</li></ul><p>The game also received ports exclusive to Europe as <em>Bust-A-Move 3 DX</em>, one for the <a href="/game-boy/3045-3/" data-ref-id="3045-3">Game Boy</a> (in 1998) and one for the <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a> (on January 2002). The GB version was ported by <a href="/probe-entertainment/3010-1892/" data-ref-id="3010-1892">Probe</a>.</p><h2>Modes</h2><p>Bust-A-Move 3 DX features five different modes of play</p><ul><li>Arcade Mode</li><li>Challenge Mode</li><li>Win Contest Mode</li><li>Collection Mode</li><li>Edit Mode</li></ul><h2>Characters</h2><p>In either Versus Modes, players can choose from one of eight playable characters:</p><ul><li><a href="/bub/3005-335/" data-ref-id="3005-335">Bub</a> (classic game, <a href="/bob/3005-140/" data-ref-id="3005-140">Bob</a> is used for <a href="/mirror-match/3015-2541/" data-ref-id="3015-2541">mirror matches</a>)</li><li>Chinkulu (<a href="/quiz/3015-5714/" data-ref-id="3015-5714">quiz game</a>)</li><li>Pulichio (crane game)</li><li>Malissa (erotic <a href="/mahjong/3015-6519/" data-ref-id="3015-6519">mahjong game</a>)</li><li>Musashi (fighting game)</li><li>Luna Luna (<a href="/tarot-cards/3055-1107/" data-ref-id="3055-1107">Tarot</a> machine)</li><li>Jack (card game)</li><li><a href="/sonic-blast-man/3005-12725/" data-ref-id="3005-12725">Sonic Blast Man</a> (punching game)</li><li>Debblun (boss)</li><li>Drunk (final boss)</li></ul>