Popucom review: Bubbles and buddies

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Experiencing Hypergryph’s Popucom proved quite challenging. Being primarily a cooperative game designed for multiple players, my companion (my son) was restricted from screens shortly after we began, and then I had to travel. However, even amidst the logistical hurdles, I found myself continually drawn back to Popucom. This isn’t just because it bears an amusing title in all caps. It’s a genuinely entertaining, intriguing little game that merges the short-range shooting style of Splatoon with elements reminiscent of Puzzle Bobble – a rather unusual blend indeed.

More bubbles, more problems

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve stumbled upon a captivating video game concept that stands out among the crowd – one where you find yourself on a vibrant planet inhabited by bubble-monsters! Quite unexpectedly, there’s someone at your base working on a bomb, and it’s up to you and your co-op partner to collaborate in collecting materials from the world around us. Along the way, we also get the chance to snag some trendy attire and accessories. In essence, while there are more urgent matters demanding our attention, like bursting those bubbles, this game offers an exciting blend of adventure, teamwork, and fashion!

The core idea of this game involves a unique dynamic where you and your partner start in each level with two distinct colors. By pressing a button, you can swap these colors, which affects both your primary weapon and any other tools that rely on color (like a shield). Most things you encounter, such as enemies or switches, have assigned colors that are significant to either you or your partner. Your objective is to collaborate effectively to navigate through each level, uncover hidden treasures, and ultimately construct the bomb together.

Colorful depth

Popucom stands out due to the indispensable role collaboration plays in it. At first glance, it might seem like a carefree, family-friendly game where one player with superior skills could carry the other to victory. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Success relies heavily on effective communication and teamwork as each level must be navigated together. Challenges can range from activating switches of alternating colors to enable passage, to a tough battle against a colossal enemy with bubble limbs (a nod to Puzzle Bobble). There are also instances where you’ll need to manipulate a ball that acts as a teleportation device, or control drones resembling little cats piloting UFOs to move boards across gaps like improvised bridges. Despite the fun and adorable aspects, every advancement requires effort.

Popucom stands out because as you gather tools, they seamlessly integrate into your toolset and the game design takes this into account. Unlike many puzzle-focused games that may focus on one tool before moving onto the next, Popucom is cumulative. Once you get a tool like the drone or teleporting gimmick, you’ll use it from start to finish. Some challenges might be more open-ended, while others require specific solutions, but in all cases, Popucom encourages you to utilize every aspect of the gameplay mechanics. The result is an engaging and intellectually stimulating gaming experience that blends genres and keeps your mind actively involved throughout.

Structural flaws

Playing Popucom requires a companion, as it is solely designed for cooperative gameplay and lacks online matchmaking. You’ll either need a friend who owns the game or a reliable local partner to play with at all times, since the main campaign doesn’t support single-player mode due to its complex features. Unfortunately, this adds an element of commitment to mastering the game’s intricacies, and while matchmaking could have made the experience less daunting, it is not available, which might make the game a bit challenging for some players.

In simpler terms, when it comes to this particular game, there’s a more social, multiplayer mode available, ideally for 3 or 4 players. However, this part of the game can only be accessed with a group, not individual players or random strangers who might disrupt the gameplay. If you’re just two players, unfortunately, that section is off-limits. But don’t worry, there’s an official Discord community where you can connect with other players if you’re willing to put in some extra effort.

Beyond this, Popucom incorporates interactive features that are active in real-time, offering rewards and unlockable content. Additionally, there’s extra content available for purchase, some of which looks appealing, such as the limited-time, paid DLC collaboration with the Rabbids. However, Popucom’s price for the basic game isn’t exorbitant, but it’s questionable when the model encourages repeated purchases while not providing a substantial player community as an incentive to continue playing.

At its heart, Popucom offers an enjoyable, innovative, and intellectually stimulating cooperative experience, blending concepts not commonly found together. If someone asked for a Puzzle Bobble equivalent as a shooter, they probably wouldn’t get many responses. The additional features, such as the adorable kitty UFO drone, make it an intriguing collection of challenges that progressively intensify and present solutions that are both surprising and enjoyable to uncover. My main concern is that it could be more user-friendly for newcomers.

Popucom is available now on PC. A code was provided by the publisher for this review.

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2025-06-28 16:57