Bubble Bobble is a platform game for the Nintendo Entertainment System featuring single-screen levels. Players control Bub and Bob, navigating each level by eliminating enemies. They can blow bubbles to trap foes or create platforms. Trapped enemies turn into fruit once popped. Power-ups like lightning and water appear in bubbles, providing additional gameplay mechanics. A time limit adds urgency, as Baron Von Blubba appears if players take too long.
Bubble Bobble is a platform game, with each level being a single screen. The enemies must be cleared from a level to go to the next one. With one player controlling Bub and the other controlling Bob, the player can jump and collect items for points (such as fruit). The real power Bub and Bob have however is the ability to blow bubbles. These bubbles can be as platforms to leap on, or to trap enemies. Enemies trapped in a bubble must be popped by jumping into them, wherein they'll turn to fruit. Additionally, power-ups sometimes float by in bubbles. They include lightning, which flies out horizontally at enemies, and water, which drags the player and enemies straight down flowing over platforms. Taking too long to complete any level will summon Baron Von Blubba, who will float around the screen trying to destroy the player.