In an unexpected turn of events, the notoriously criticized Bubsy 3D is receiving an official three-dimensional sequel nearly thirty years later: Bubsy 4D. While the upcoming 3D platformer hasn't received an official release date yet, this announcement has generated excitement among nostalgic gamers who first experienced Bubsy 3D on the PS1 during the 1990s. Many are curious whether Bubsy 4D can successfully reinvent the classic character within a three-dimensional gaming environment.

The Bubsy franchise originally began in the early 1990s as 2D side-scrolling platformers, with three titles released between 1993 and 1994. In an attempt to expand its audience, Bubsy 3D launched for PlayStation in 1996 and rapidly gained notoriety as one of the worst games in history. This title became a prime example of failed transitions from 2D to 3D gaming, receiving widespread criticism for its awkward controls, confusing camera angles, uninspired environments, and Bubsy's unsettling voice performance. Although the series saw revivals with Bubsy: The Woolies Strike Back in 2017 and Bubsy: Paws on Fire in 2019, the franchise had never ventured back into three-dimensional territory until now.

Developer Fabraz and publisher Atari have now resurrected the three-dimensional version of Bubsy with the announcement of Bubsy 4D for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 1 and 2, and PC platforms. The new installment promises to deliver Bubsy with an "updated personality" featuring a redesigned appearance and physics-based gameplay mechanics described as having a "deeply expressive moveset." Bubsy 4D will include three distinct planets each containing five levels, presenting unique challenges to players, along with a spaceship hub featuring new characters. Atari has confirmed that the platformer will incorporate fully voiced cinematic sequences, with protagonist Bubsy being voiced by Sean Chiplock. Additional features will include online leaderboards and numerous unlockable costumes and abilities. The gaming community hopes this title will become an exciting addition to the platformer genre, finally moving beyond the disappointing legacy of Bubsy 3D.

Bubsy 4D represents another significant step in Atari's renewed commitment to the Bubsy franchise. This follows last year's announcement of Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection, currently being developed by Limited Run Games with a scheduled release date of September 9.

The upcoming Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection will feature multiple classic titles: Bubsy in Fractured Furry Tales (Atari Jaguar version), Bubsy in Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind (SEGA Genesis, Super Nintendo, and Super Famicom editions), Bubsy 2 (Game Boy, Sega Genesis, and Super Nintendo versions), and Bubsy 3D (PlayStation edition). Naturally, Bubsy 4D won't be included in this compilation, meaning enthusiasts will need to exercise additional patience before they can experience the newest chapter in this resurrected series.