# METAL SLUG 1 vs BUBBLE BOBBLE classic

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BUBBLE BOBBLE classic at 74% against METAL SLUG 1's 28%. BUBBLE BOBBLE classic also leads on price (Free vs $2.99) and rating (4.5 vs 3.2). METAL SLUG 1's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 6) and ads (none vs shown). On ratings volume and device support there is nothing between them.

BUBBLE BOBBLE classic is free to download; METAL SLUG 1 costs $2.99 up front. BUBBLE BOBBLE classic sells 6 one-off in-app purchases. METAL SLUG 1 asks for nothing beyond the download.

BUBBLE BOBBLE classic holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.2. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 579 and 502 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 28% of METAL SLUG 1's written reviews are positive against 74% of BUBBLE BOBBLE classic's.

METAL SLUG 1 ships an update every 32 months, BUBBLE BOBBLE classic fortnightly. Both last shipped on November 11, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | METAL SLUG 1 | BUBBLE BOBBLE classic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.2 (579 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-slug-1/id574641836/reviews) | **[4.5 (502 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-bobble-classic/id1497822213/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **579** | 502 |
| Positive reviews | 28.2% of reviews | **73.5% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 32 months | **Fortnightly** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#30** | — |
| Size | 59 MB | 160 MB |
| Requires iOS | 14.0 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 9+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [SNK CORPORATION](https://appshunter.io/developer/343539874) | [MOBIRIX](https://appshunter.io/developer/349276666) |

## What reviewers say

### METAL SLUG 1

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/metal-slug-1/id574641836)

**Currently charting:** #30 Top Paid · Casual, #81 Top Paid · Action (US App Store)

Battle through diverse battlefields to thwart General Morden's rebel army. Enjoy classic arcade action or select specific stages in mission mode. Rescue POWs for weapon upgrades and utilize the versatile METAL SLUG tank for devastating attacks.

**Highlights:** Arcade Mode, Mission Mode, POW rescues for weapon upgrades, Multipurpose METAL SLUG tank, Customizable controls with autofire, Wi-Fi co-op gameplay, Game Center achievements

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Classic arcade gameplay
- 🎨 Faithful graphics and visuals
- 💰 Great value for money

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎮 Unresponsive or buggy controls
- 🔍 Overlapping buttons obscuring gameplay
- 🔴 Compatibility issues with newer iOS versions

**Reported bugs**

- Joystick getting stuck or unresponsive
- Inability to continue after losing all lives
- Audio issues like slow or missing sound effects

**Requested features**

- Customizable button layout and size
- Support for external controllers
- Grenade button mapping for controllers
- Performance optimizations for newer devices


### BUBBLE BOBBLE classic

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bubble-bobble-classic/id1497822213)

Relive the classic arcade experience with this beloved title. Capture enemies in bubbles and defeat them using intuitive controls. Discover power-ups and special bubbles to aid your quest through challenging stages.

**Highlights:** Capture enemies with bubbles, Automatic shot function, Collect alphabet bubbles for extra lives, Power-up items to enhance abilities, Special bubbles with unique effects, Unlockable super game mode

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (6)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Purchase 300 Dia | $2.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 500 Dia | $4.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 1,100 Dia | $9.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 3,600 Dia | $29.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 6,500 Dia | $49.99 | one-time |
| Purchase 15,000 Dia | $99.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎮 Authentic arcade experience
- 👍 Nostalgic and fun gameplay
- 💯 Brings back childhood memories
- 🕹️ Classic game mechanics

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🎮 Clunky touch controls
- 🔍 Difficulty seeing character
- 💰 Excessive ads and in-app purchases
- 🐛 Crashes and freezes

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on startup
- Unresponsive controls
- Graphical glitches and visual issues

**Requested features**

- Controller support
- Customizable controls
- Save progress and continue later
- Two-player mode
- Level select or checkpoint system


## Frequently asked questions

### Is METAL SLUG 1 free?

METAL SLUG 1 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is BUBBLE BOBBLE classic free?

BUBBLE BOBBLE classic is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, METAL SLUG 1 or BUBBLE BOBBLE classic?

BUBBLE BOBBLE classic is rated higher. METAL SLUG 1 averages 3.2 out of 5 from 579 ratings, while BUBBLE BOBBLE classic averages 4.5 from 502 ratings.

### Do METAL SLUG 1 or BUBBLE BOBBLE classic have ads?

BUBBLE BOBBLE classic shows ads; METAL SLUG 1 does not.

### Which is updated more often, METAL SLUG 1 or BUBBLE BOBBLE classic?

METAL SLUG 1 ships an update every 32 months, and BUBBLE BOBBLE classic fortnightly. Most recently, METAL SLUG 1 was updated on November 11, 2026 and BUBBLE BOBBLE classic on November 11, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*