Bubsy the Bobcat has long been the punchline of gaming history, thanks largely to the infamous Bubsy 3D, a title that clawed its way onto countless “worst games ever” lists back in the ’90s. With controls that felt like wrestling a greased eel and levels that induced more frustration than fun, the franchise seemed destined for the litter box of forgotten mascots. So, imagine the collective jaw-drop when Atari announced a revival: Bubsy 4D, developed in partnership with Fabraz, the indie wizards behind stellar platformers like Slime-san and Demon Turf.
In an interview with the Iron Lords, Fabraz revealed they’re embracing the shade thrown at Bubsy 3D, turning it into fuel for a comeback that’s as self-aware as it is ambitious. I recently sank my claws into a substantial demo of Bubsy 4D, and folks, this isn’t just a redemption arc—it’s a revolution. Among the pantheon of classic 3D platformer mascots vying for relevance, Bubsy now stands as the closest challenger to Mario’s throne. Yes, you read that right: more than Sonic, Crash, Banjo, or anyone else you want to throw into the mix.
This game channels Fabraz‘s signature “expressive 3D platforming” style, delivering a bobcat who controls like a dream. With a tight, expansive moveset, customizable abilities via in-game purchases, and systems built for speedrunning replayability, Bubsy 4D is one of the first non-Nintendo 3D platformers in over a decade to genuinely nip at Mario’s heels. Ironically, the only title edging it out in my book is Fabraz‘s own upcoming Demon Tides. If this demo is any indication, Bubsy is back and better than anyone could’ve expected.
Presentation & Soundtrack — Woolly Wonders and Jazzy Jams
Visually, Bubsy 4D hits a solid mid-tier stride—good enough to charm, but not quite the graphical powerhouse that could steal the show. The character designs are a highlight, breathing fresh life into Bubsy and his crew with vibrant, personality-packed models that pop against the game’s woolen worlds. The levels are completely crafted from yarn, fabrics, and textiles. However, the textures fall short of true woolly wonder; it’s no Yoshi’s Woolly World, where every stitch feels meticulously crafted. Environments can look a tad flat, lacking the depth and detail that could elevate the immersion.
Animations are another mixed bag. Platforming feels responsive, but some moves lack fluidity. Bubsy’s glide, while mechanically invaluable, is weird in the sense that it’s just Bubsy T-posing in the air. Death sequences drag on awkwardly, feeling both prolonged and unpolished, like a placeholder that slipped through. Cutscenes and dialogues suffer from stiffness too, with characters posing rigidly during exchanges, which undercuts the game’s otherwise lively vibe.
On the audio front, the soundtrack fits the cartoony chaos like a glove: a jazzy, upbeat medley of horns, strings, and whimsical tunes that evoke classic Saturday morning vibes. It’s serviceable and never grating, but it doesn’t deliver any earworms that’ll stick with you post-play. This is arguably the game’s weakest link. Overall, the presentation package is decent; it won’t offend your senses, but a dash more polish could transform Bubsy 4D from a charming indie effort into a visual and auditory stunner.
Characters & Dialogue — Feline Friends and Corny Quips
Where Bubsy 4D truly shines is in its cast and comedy, infusing the game with heart and hilarity that redeem the bobcat’s corny legacy. Bubsy himself is a wisecracking delight, spouting one-liners that are groan-worthy in the best way. His supporting crew adds layers of fun: Terry and Terri, his energetic nephew and niece, manage the in-game shop where you snag costumes and abilities. These aren’t just cosmetic; they overhaul gameplay, like granting Bubsy a Wile E. Coyote-style air-walk off ledges. These abilities allow you to customize your platforming style to enhance your preferences.
Virgil, the no-nonsense inventor, kicks Bubsy’s lazy tail into gear and provides a VR headset hub for tutorials and practice zones—perfect for mastering moves without pressure. Then there’s Oblivia, Bubsy’s hard-of-hearing pal, whose ongoing gag of mangling his name (Snubsy? Flubsy?) lands every time, adding wholesome humor to the mix. Antagonists get an upgrade too: the classic Woolies, alien yarn-thieves eyeing the Golden Fleece, now share the spotlight with Baabots—cyborg sheep empowered by Woolie experiments, bringing intellect and menace to the fray.
Bubsy makes sure to quip throughout your entire experience. Pausing will have the 4th wall-breaking bobcat grill you for halting the action and tweaking settings (with a great reaction to enabling Bubsy 3D‘s tank controls). There’s also the option of muting his chatter (which, naturally, prompts more sass). It’s all self-referential and endearing, making characters feel alive. While the humor elevates the experience, it’s the gameplay that cements Bubsy 4D as a must-play.
Gameplay — Pouncing Purr-fection
Forget the clunky catastrophe of Bubsy 3D—Bubsy 4D leaps light-years ahead, outpacing nearly every non-Mario 3D platformer from the past decade, including 2024’s acclaimed Astro Bot. At its core is a robust moveset that screams expressive freedom: double jumps, dives, glides, wall climbs, jumps, and homing attacks. There’s also the speedy hairball mode akin to Sonic’s spin dash, but with more robust control and physics that reward precision and creativity.
Layer on purchasable abilities, and the depth explodes. These tweaks let you tailor Bubsy’s style. Whether you’re prioritizing speedrunning or exploration, levels brim with freedom. Casually meander around to collect everything or optimize every mechanic for blistering runs. Enemies like Woolies and Baabots dot the landscape but pose little threat so far. A homing attack dispatches them quickly, keeping focus on platforming. The demo’s levels showcase clever design that encourages multiple playthroughs.
Speedrunning is baked in masterfully: leaderboards track players’ times for each level, including the tutorial (which, as of the time of this writing, I’m currently #1, even edging out Fabraz‘s devs). Ghost races allow you to study top performers and optimize your run to beat them. Restarts are quick enough to stave off frustration from trial-and-error. It’s casual-friendly too, with levels that feel polished and purposeful. Although it’s not as ambitious as Demon Tides‘ open worlds, the level-based designs match its excellence. Fabraz is poised for a double-whammy of top-tier 3D platformers next year. In my eyes, it may be time to position them—and Bubsy—alongside Nintendo and Mario at the top of the genre.
In Conclusion
Bubsy 4D isn’t just a revival; it’s a triumphant tale of redemption. A tarnished icon has skyrocketed from the bottom of the barrel to the challenger position. While the presentation could use more fluff and the soundtrack lacks punch, the stellar characters, witty dialogue, and groundbreaking gameplay make it a contender for best 3D platformer outside Mario’s domain. If the full release builds on this demo, expect Bubsy to claw his way into gamers’ hearts anew. Fabraz has woven magic once again, so don’t sleep on this feline phenom.
The demo for Bubsy 4D is now live on Steam. Please check it out if anything in our impressions piqued your interest!
