Retro developer Davide Bottino, known for Toki C64 Remastered and his work with Zzap! Magazine Italia, has released Bubble Bobble C64 Remastered, a fan-made enhancement of Taito’s 1987 Commodore 64 port originally developed by Software Creations and published by Firebird.
Launched on October 6, 2025, the project gives the C64 version of Bubble Bobble a complete graphical overhaul while preserving its classic gameplay. Every sprite and background has been redrawn pixel by pixel using direct references from the arcade original, offering sharper detail and greater fidelity across both CRT and modern displays.
The remaster also restores arcade touches like the iconic “Pon” bubble pop sound, revamped bonus items, and a fully redesigned font faithful to Taito’s original. Beyond the visuals, it adds numerous gameplay tweaks, including fixed item drops, corrected diamond colors, and an improved continue system that now works seamlessly after game over.
Bottino described the project as a labor of love, calling Bubble Bobble “an epic adventure” that shaped his childhood and inspired this tribute. The remaster remains free and non-commercial, created “with the utmost respect for Taito” and the 1987 C64 version’s original developers.
You can download Bubble Bobble C64 Remastered for free or name your own price via itch.io
it’s a great version, shame it doesn’t have the arcade start screen.