Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (Japan)
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (Japan): TG16 Platformer
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III is the third game in Taito's Bubble Bobble series, following the classic Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands. It was released exclusively in Japan for the NEC TurboGrafx-16 in the early 1990s. Developed and published by Taito, this action-platformer dropped the bubble-blowing and rainbows in favor of a parasol-based combat system.
You guide a young protagonist through side-scrolling stages, using a parasol to deflect and capture enemies. Once enemies are trapped inside a bubble-like state, you can toss them like projectiles to clear the screen or defeat tougher foes. The core loop involves exploring each stage, collecting power-ups, and reaching the exit while avoiding hazards. Some stages feature boss battles that require pattern learning and precise timing with the parasol.
What makes Parasol Stars worth trying today is how it shifts the Bubble Bobble formula into a more action-oriented platformer. The parasol mechanic feels distinct from its predecessors and offers a satisfying risk-reward dynamic. As a Japan-only TurboGrafx-16 title, it remains a niche gem for import collectors or anyone curious about Taito's lesser-known sequels. It's not a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it delivers solid arcade-style play with colorful visuals and a fair challenge.
How to Play Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (Japan) Online
Getting started: When you boot up the Japanese ROM, you will see title screens and menus in Japanese. Press Start (Enter) to progress past the title. Use the D-Pad (Arrow Keys) to navigate the menu and press A (X) to confirm. If you need to change options, use Select (V) to toggle settings. The game starts immediately after selecting a game mode.
The main objective is straightforward: guide your character through each stage using the D-Pad to move. Press A (X) to jump and S (B) to attack with the parasol. Holding the attack button opens the parasol above you, which can block falling objects or capture enemies. Once an enemy is trapped in a bubble, you can grab and throw it with the attack button. Use thrown enemies to break blocks or hit other foes. Collect fruit and other items to score points.
Pay attention to enemy patterns and stage layouts. Some platforms are fragile and collapse after a few seconds. If you get hit, you lose a life. The game ends when all lives are gone, but you can continue by pressing Start on the game over screen. Since menus are in Japanese, experiment with the controls if you are unsure - the core gameplay is intuitive enough to figure out quickly.
Parasol Stars - The Story of Bubble Bobble III (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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