Summary
- Popucom is a co-op 3D platformer that combines elements from popular games like Splatoon and Bubble Bobble, offering a unique gameplay experience.
- The game features familiar graphics and mechanics, reminiscent of Splatoon and Bubble Bobble, as well as enemies straight out of Returnal, but also introduces its own distinct gameplay elements.
- The multiplayer aspect is a major focus, as players team up to battle enemies and overcome challenges in a colorful and mysterious world.
Combining the familiar graphics and mechanics of games like Splatoon and Bubble Bobble, while even giving a hint of Returnal, developer Hypergryph has announced the new co-op 3D platformer Popucom. The game will take players on a journey through a mysterious, foreign world as they battle to restore peace in this new multiplayer platforming game.
First revealed in an official announcement trailer earlier this week, Popucom is advertised as a fantasy adventure where players will need to team up with friends to find either victory or defeat in a world of color. Popucom gives extremely strong Splatoon vibes, but its unique differences in gameplay make it stand out from the competition.
In the high-energy announcement trailer, players get a look at the graphics, gameplay, and characters of Popucom. The trailer starts off with a cute cinematic before diving right in to gameplay. Two protagonists similar to Inklings in the Splatoon game franchise are seen wearing helmets and arm canons a la Mega Man. They use their weapons to fire colorful blasts of slime at large rolling spheres comprised of different colored bubbles. The two characters then begin running and jumping their way through the course ahead, utilizing their color-coded blasters to change and move platforms, affecting the surrounding environment. In almost identical fashion to games like Bubble Bobble, they are seen defeating enemies by matching their colored blasts to the enemies' bubbles. The game is also shown to implement a match-3 system, encouraging strategizing when fighting to quickly defeat the curious rainbow creatures.
Popucom's playable characters and overall graphic style give strong Splatoon-vibes, though the color-based gameplay is highly reminiscent of Bubble Bobble. Surprisingly, some of the game's enemies and bosses look as though they are straight out of Returnal. The biggest focus of the trailer was the multiplayer element, with the end of the trailer showcasing four characters coming together to face off against a giant insectoid bubble monster.
Popucom is scheduled to have a booth and further announcements at Tokyo Game Show 2023, plus a playable demo and exclusive merchandise. Interested fans can currently enjoy the adorable bubble-popping mini-game Popuu on the Popucom official website.
As co-op multiplayer games remain one of the most popular genres, Popucom looks to provide familiar yet refreshing gameplay along with eye-catching enemies and a family-friendly energy. Given the success of the game's apparent spiritual predecessors, fans of Splatoon, Bubble Bobble, and perhaps Returnal will want to keep an eye out for more details on this colorful new 3D platformer.
Popucom is in development for PC, PS4, and PS5.
Source: Popucom