Bubblet allows you to play the game in one of four different ways. Each of the styles offers its own unique challenges, and the high scores for each style gets recorded separately. The four different styles of play are:

• Standard - This is the default style of play. There is a set number of bubbles and bubbles fall straight down in order to fill in the spots left by popped bubbles below them. If a column is completely cleared of all bubbles, any columns to the left will shift over to the right.
  
• Continuous - The bubbles behave just as in Standard however the game can continue beyond the initial set of bubbles. After cleared columns have shifted to the right and exposed an empty column on the left of the screen, the "Next" column (see the bottom of the screen) will fill in. That way, a game can continue longer than a Standard game.
  
• Shifter - This style has a set number of bubbles. It differs from Standard in that, after the bubbles shift down, bubbles will also shift over immediately to the right so that there are no holes at all in the bubble layout.
  
• MegaShift - Just like with Shifter, remaining bubbles move down and to the right after a bursting. Add the "Next" column behavior like in Continuous mode and you have MegaShift!

An added feature that really enhances the game is multi-gaming which allows up to four players to compete in one game. If the 'best board' option is set each player competes with the same set of bubbles. Now you can see who really is the best player without the best set of bubbles. Alternately, there is a multiplayer version titled 'strategy attack' where the players take turns bursting bubbles on the same board. In this version strategy really comes into play because you must try to score points for yourself while also trying to prevent your opponents from scoring points.

Pros:
The amazing draw of such a simple game continues to amaze me even after having Bubblet on my Palm for several months. Every single person who has played Bubblet on one of my Palm's has enjoyed playing it. Those with PalmOS devices of their own ask me to beam it to them so they can play it themselves.

The simplicity of the game is great, especially if you have young children that you want to keep entertained on long road trips. You could set the game to multiplayer and your kids could all compete against each other. That is sure to still the incessant "Are we there yet?" questions that often accompany a long road trip.

Oopdreams took a game that is simple, added a few twists, and ended up with a great product. The various styles of play break the monotony and introduce new challenges. You may play on style for a week, and then switch styles the next week. Or you may play one style while riding the subway on your way to work, and yet another on your trip home.

For those of you who want to let others try the game, but are worried that these newbies will lower your average Oopdreams has incorporated a "Guest Mode." The guest mode can be related to exhibition games in athletics. The games are just as fun, but they just don't count in the final statistics. It's a great way to let inexperienced people learn how to play the game.

Cons
Just about the only negative to Bubblet is the cost. Bubblet registration costs $12.00. Although the game is definitely worth the price I still have trouble spending that much on any software for my Palm.

Concluding Remarks
Bubblet is undeniably one of my favorite games on the Palm. Oopdreams has created a product that has universal appeal, is simple for everyone to enjoy, and is challenging enough to keep you entertained for hours at a time. I highly recommend that you download and give Bubblet a try. Just remember the warning, and be sure to have a spare set of batteries, or your charger available.

I guess it's time to rate Bubblet on my trusty scale of 1-10. I'm pleased to announce that Bubblet has received a perfect score of 10 out of 10!

Screenshots

• Bubbet Info/Download page