Bubsy 4D review: Improved mobility, linear levels

A review of Bubsy 4D reports that developer Fabraz expanded Bubsy’s move set and designed the game around fast traversal across 15 levels. The title is the seventh game starring the talkative bobcat and focuses on short, time-based runs and leaderboards. Players start with Bubsy’s standard jump and glide and gain a double jump, a long horizontal pounce and a ball form that builds momentum. Additional abilities are unlocked by collecting blueprints; examples listed include a wall grip that prevents sliding, a crouch jump and a twirl jump. Movement is described as responsive, and a stage timer plus online leaderboards become available after a player’s first completion of a level. Medals are awarded for faster, cleaner runs and serve as a primary incentive to replay stages. Levels are grouped across planets with distinct themes. The review cites an example planet, Craftus, where players must ride retracting tape measures. Stages contain collectible yarn balls and blueprints, but after those items are collected the areas are largely static. The reviewer characterizes the level layouts as appearing open but operating as linear obstacle courses with limited routes and few incentives to explore. Enemies are present but sparse and can generally be avoided, which reduces their impact on encounter design. The game runs with steady performance on PS5 and uses cartoon-style visuals and bright color palettes. The DualSense controller receives subtle use; haptic feedback and adaptive trigger resistance are applied to convey gliding and pouncing actions. The review notes the supporting cast has minimal interaction with the player, and many move unlocks are tied to an in-game shop. The assessment states the overall design emphasizes speed and leaderboard play rather than extended exploration or combat depth.