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Super Pang Game Review

Super Pang (also known as Super Buster Bros.) is a puzzle shooter arcade video game by Capcom released in 1990 for arcades and later for other platforms. It’s a classic.

The gameplay here is quite interesting and unlike any I’ve seen in other games. You need to pop all of the bubbles that appear on the screen with various weapons, but the most often used one is the harpoon. The game can be played in two different modes: Panic and Arcade.

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Let’s first analyze the Panic mode as it is my less favorite mode. Yes, I liked this mode too, but I simply wasn’t invested in it the same way as I was with the other one. Here, the goal is to pop all of the bubbles until you reach the final level, and the only help you get is one clock and a power-up to kill all bubbles at once. The mode consists of bubbles just appearing throughout until you beat it, and thus it lacks the adventurous tone of the first mode. And it’s also way too difficult. I managed to beat it only half-way through.

Arcade mode is where the game shines. You get to travel the world by visiting many different countries throughout all continents. The standout aspect here is its different level designs. By adding all the different blocks at different placements in the levels, the game became much more interesting to play, and frankly quite sophisticated even. It also manages to utilize on its different setting so well thanks to for example adding ice in Canada so that the platforms become slippery to walk on. Those little tidbits made for a very rewarding gaming experience.

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Yes, Super Pang is just as much of a puzzle game as it is a shooter. You need a lot of careful planning to pass certain levels. One example of such planning is the idea of reducing all large balloons to the small ones using a certain power-up. That can be great in some moments, but absolutely crippling in many other levels where you have no place to maneuver all those little devils properly.

Speaking of the power-ups, you can also get a shield here, and of course it’s the most helpful thing possible. It’s present just for the right amount without ever being thrown too much. That made the game perfect in terms of difficulty level, but more on that in just a moment. The various animals such as crocs and penguins can eat the balloons, so they are always welcome. And of course the weapons are excellent with the one that sticks on walls for a longer period of time being once again very helpful or quite devastating depending on the circumstance.

This game is very difficult. I managed to beat it set on normal, but hard and expert modes are also present, and the normal one itself is immensely difficult. But I loved that about this game as its mix of requiring both extremely fast reflexes and maneuvering as well as a strong grasp on tactics and puzzling made for one incredible journey. Its Arcade mode also lasts for just the right amount of time without ever overstaying its welcome, thus making for an easily revisited game.

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Super Pang is not as amazing technically speaking. The soundtrack is okay, but nothing particularly memorable in any shape or form. The character design is solid, but the graphics are not all that great nor are they particularly smooth. Again, I loved the level designs and the look of the protagonist, the bubbles and everything else, but the backgrounds could have used more fluidity to them. The controls are excellent and the game is just simple enough that it becomes timeless.

Due to a very creative, original gameplay, greatly utilized power-ups, good modes and a particularly terrific, demanding difficulty level, Super Pang is an absolute classic and a hidden gem that deserves more love nowadays. It’s not as amazing technically speaking, but it’s so rewarding in terms of its simple, yet effective gameplay mechanics that it holds great replay value.