Bubsy’s back, and even Sonic is being mean about it

By Brenna Hillier

Bubsy the Bobcat, forgotten 90’s would-be platformer mascot, is back.

Ancient, forgotten publisher Accolade has popped back up into existence and announced a new Bubsy game. Yes, Bubsy, the “edgy” Bobcat platform star from the 90’s.

The Internet has not been kind. Here’s a rundown of notable headlines regarding Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back:

• “Nobody wanted this” – Kotaku
• “Bubsy … they’re making another one of those” – Polygon
• “Nostalgia mining reaches perilous low” – AV Club
• “The annoying 16-bit platformer” – PCGamer
• “This year *would* give us a new Bubsy game, wouldn’t it?” – Destructoid

Twitter was covered in sick burns, natch. Inevitably the official Sonic feed, which gets its kicks being just rude enough to be almost tolerable, joined the fun:

Bubsy, is that really you? Blink twice if you want us to save you.

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) June 8, 2017

Oh sure @sonic_hedgehog NOW you return my phone calls!

Bubsy 🙂 https://t.co/EMEJtoGnDW

— Bubsy (@BubsyThe_Bobcat) June 8, 2017

Sweet szechuan sauce, it really is you. You’re signing tweets like letters in the 90’s.

Yo, @Megaman. You need to see this.

— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) June 9, 2017

Sadly this promising beginning quickly descended into vomit-worthy brandter with the Mega Man Twitter replying with po-faced, in-character politeness. I couldn’t read any further because I am too old not to be instantly and debilitatingly nauseated by corporations using social networks.

A press release describes the eponymous hero as “a gaming legend in the 90s … that skyrocketed to the middle of the charts”, and Accolade has produced an “interview” with Bubsy himself which suggests it’s keeping a sense of humour and perspective on the whole situation.

Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back will release for PC, PS4 and Xbox One in northern autumn, apparently. It is under development at Black Forest games, the team behind Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams.