Bubsy Bobcat
| Bubsy Bobcat | |
|---|---|
 Sega Genesis cover art for Bubsy 2 | |
| First appearance | Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind (1993) |
| Last appearance | Bubsy 3D (1996) |
| Created by | Michael Berlyn |
| Voiced by |
Brian Silva (1993)[1] Rob Paulsen (1994)[2] Lani Minella (1996) |
| Information | |
| Species | Bobcat |
| Gender | Male |
| Family |
Terrence (nephew) Theresa (niece) |
Bubsy Bobcat, also called Bubsy the Bobcat or just Bubsy, is a fictional anthropomorphic bobcat created by Michael Berlyn, and appearing in a series of video games of multiple platforms.
Concept
After playing Sonic games for several hours each, Michael Berlyn decided to conceive a character. The way Sonic goes airborne and lands safely was the inspiration for one of Bubsy's moves.[3] Some elements from vintage cartoons were also applied.[4]
Personality
Bubsy is portrayed is games as often showing a smirk. His facial expression suggests he does not mind what awaits in his next act, and that he just finds it enjoyable.[5]
Upon being attacked an enemy or touching an environmental hazard, Bubsy can lose lives in a variety of ways. He would crumble to pieces, melt into a puddle, blow away like a ruptured balloon after touching sharp objects, etc.[6]
Powers and abilities
Bubsy has no super powers, and therefore defeats enemies mostly by pouncing on them. His trademarked move is gliding like a flying squirrel which enables him to reach platforms that are too far for his jump or to descend slowly from a high place.[7] His glide can also be used like a pounce.[6]
One of his weaknesses is his lack of swimming ability, and that he would inevitably sink upon falling into a pond or lake. And unless he uses his glide move, he would end up two-dimensional upon falling from a certain height.[8]
In the first Bubsy video game, Bubsy would lose a life after receiving a single hit, although his stamina has increased threefold in the second game.[7] He also can't be harmed by cold stuff (enemy ice cream) despite showing a cold expression.[9]
Game appearances
Bubsy debut in Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind. He would appear in a sequel called Bubsy 2. A third sequel titled Bubsy in Fractured Furry Tales was followed. Bubsy then appeared in his first 3D outing in Bubsy 3D which would serve as the character's swan song.[5]
In 2013, Tommo Inc. acquired the rights to Bubsy. They are currently looking to resurrect the franchise.[10]
Other appearances
Television
A TV special based on the games was released in 1993, titled "What Could Possibly Go Wrong."[11]
Comics
Bubsy also appeared in comics. The comics served as backstories for the character's first two games.[6]
Reception
Bubsy was awarded "Most Hype for a Character" of 1993 by Electronic Gaming Monthly.[12] GamesRadar, however, included Bubsy in a list of the 13 most hateful video game mascot characters of the '90s.[13] Despite lukewarm popularity and game sales, Bubsy achieved a cult following.[5]
Merchandise
Besides games, Bubsy also appeared in T-shirts retailed by Amazon.[10]
References
- ↑ Accolade. Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind. Sega Genesis/SNES. Accolade. Scene: End credits.
- ↑ Accolade. Bubsy 2. Sega Genesis/SNES. Accolade. Scene: Game credits (accessible only at options).
- ↑ Interview with Michael Berlyn
- ↑ "News - Playing Catch-Up: Bubsy's Michael Berlyn". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
- 1 2 3 Vince Thornburg (July 18, 2006). "History of: Bubsy". Sega-16. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- 1 2 3 "Bubsy "What Could Possibly Go Wrong?" - A One and Done Special". The Super Saturday Short-lived Showcase. August 29, 2015. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- 1 2 Tim Maurer (July 11, 2005). "Bubsy II". Sega-16. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- ↑ Rodger Swan (March 28, 2007). "Bubsy in Claw Encounters of the Furred Kind". Sega-16. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- ↑ GavLuvsGA (July 2, 2002). "Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- 1 2 Sentient Pizza (December 16, 2015). "Bubsy Two-Fur Arrives on Steam Tomorrow!". Steam Community. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- ↑
- ↑ "Electronic Gaming Monthly's Buyer's Guide". Electronic Gaming Monthly. 1994.
- ↑ David Houghton (September 7, 2009). "The 13 most hateful video game mascot characters of the '90s – Page 3". GamesRadar. Future US. Retrieved February 3, 2012.