Bust-a-Move 3
↗ 18%
😊 7.9/10
(Sega Saturn - PAL, Puzzle)
Complete
$32.35
Loose $17.97
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Developed_By:
Taito
Published_By:
Acclaim
Released On:
01 Jan 1997
Bust-a-Move 3 is a puzzle game where the player's task is to remove all the bubbles in each stage by connecting three or more of the same color. Eight characters from different worlds have been transported to Bubble World, and it's up to the player to bring them back home.
The gameplay involves matching colors to clear the screen, with increasing difficulty levels as the game progresses. The player must think strategically to clear the bubbles before time runs out.
There are five different playing modes to choose from:
Arcade mode provides a classic gaming experience.
Challenge mode adapts to the player's performance, making the game more difficult or easier as needed.
Win Contest mode allows players to challenge all eight characters and compete against others.
Collection mode features levels designed by other Bust-a-Move players, each with its own unique challenge.
Edit mode lets players create and play their own puzzles.
Sega Region Code:
T-8155H-50 (Spain)
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Number of Players Supported:
1-2 Players
Prices as of 19 Sep 2026
Typical $32.35–$32.35 (last 90 days)
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Game Guide
Extracted from the original game manual
How to Play
Getting Started
Set up your Sega Saturn system by following the instructions in the Sega Saturn Instruction Manual. Plug in Control Pad 1. For 2-player games, plug in Control Pad 2 also.
Note: Bust-A-Move 3 is for one or two players. Place the Bust-A-Move 3 disc, label side up, in the well of the CD tray and close the door.
Turn on the TV or monitor and the Sega Saturn. The Sega Saturn logo will appear on screen. If nothing appears, turn the system off and make sure it is set up correctly before turning it on again.
If you wish to stop a game in progress, or if the game ends, press the Reset Button on the Sega Saturn console to display the on-screen Control panel.
Important: Your Sega Saturn compact disc contains a security code that allows the disc to be read. Be sure to keep the disc clean and handle it carefully. If your Sega Saturn system has trouble reading the disc, remove the disc and wipe it carefully, starting from the center and wiping straight out toward the edge.
Controller Layout
•
R Button
•
X Button
•
Y Button
•
Z Button
•
C Button
•
B Button
•
A Button
•
L Button
•
Directional Pad (D-PAD)
•
Start Button (START)
•
Open CD Door
•
Control Pad 1
•
Control Pad 2
This product has been rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board. For information about the ESRB rating, or to comment about the appropriateness of the rating, please contact the ESRB at 1-800-771-3772
How to Play
Simplicity is one of Bust-A-Move 3's best qualities. No matter which game mode you're in, the same basic rules apply. But just because it's simple, don't assume it's easy.
Bursting Bubbles
Fire a bubble from the launcher, and connect it to two or more bubbles of the same color. These bubbles will burst.
Dropping Bubbles
Bubbles suspended by those burst will also be cleared. The larger the cluster cleared, the more points awarded.
End Game
The object of the game is to burst as many bubbles as you can. After each shot, the bubbles that remain descend, one level at a time, toward the Deadline. The game ends when the last bubble crosses the Deadline.
Arcade Mode
In Arcade Mode, you'll advance as far as you can through puzzles of increasing difficulty. Play against the clock, match wits with other game characters in the arcade, or challenge another player.
Game Select
Choose either a One Player game, a One Player vs. the Computer game, or a Two Player game. Selections on these menu screens are made with the Control Pad and A Button.
Difficulty
In Practice Mode, the Sight Line is activated to help you see a bubble's trajectory. The game's default setting is Normal, although the computer plays more aggressively in Hard. In Single-Player Mode, Version 2.5's puzzles are more complicated.
Character Select
Choose your character for head-to-head play, based on their special Attack Patterns.
One Player
This is the essence of Bust-A-Move 3: just you against the puzzle. No distractions, and no one to blame when time runs out. Don't worry, you can always press Continue!
Course Selection
In Single-Player Mode, you'll plot your course through the alphabet to increasingly difficult puzzles. Each lettered level has five rounds to clear before you can advance to the next level. Use Left and Right on the Control Pad to choose your course. The Up and Down keys change your character. Press A to start your game.
Speed Rounds
Speed Rounds are identified by small characters circling the levels letter. During these stages, opaque bubbles continually advance at a rapid rate to replace the ones you've cleared. Measure your progress on the level's meter; the stage is cleared once your character has reached the top.
One Player vs. The Computer
Once you've honed your skills in Single-Player Mode and you're looking for a new challenge, enter the arcade itself and face the game masters!
Know Your Foe
After getting started, you'll move from machine to machine in the arcade, going head-to-head with a different mascot. Each has particular strengths and weaknesses, so be wary! How you do will depend a lot on the character you've chosen to play with. Can you get far enough to reveal the identity of the mysterious Wizard?
You'll get to see a different ending with each character you finish with!
Two Players
Time to show you can dish it out as well as you take it! Settle grudge matches between masters, or give novices a fighting chance by pairing them with one of the stronger characters. For even more fun, play with Special Bubbles in Variety Mode.
Burst Their Bubble
Sending large quantities of bubbles to your opponent is clearly the key to victory. The more bubbles you burst or clear in one shot of the launcher, the harder you make it for your foe. Setting up a big shot is usually worth it, but be careful: Your opponent may be one step ahead of you!
You can start Two-Player Mode while in Single-Player Mode by pressing Start with Player 2's controller!
Challenge Mode
Test Your Mettle
To find out how good you really are, try your luck in The Challenge. You and your character will face five levels of rigorous testing. Clearing the board isn't
Controls
Right or Left on the Control Pad
aims
A or C
launches the bubble
L and R buttons
aim the launcher more precisely
Up
resets the launcher to 90°
Z button
displays or hides the score
Type A - Makes Minor Adjustments to the Left
Makes Minor Adjustments to the Left
Type A - Resets Bubble Launcher to 90°
Resets Bubble Launcher to 90°
Type A - Makes Major Adjustments to the Left or Right
Makes Major Adjustments to the Left or Right
Type A - START
START
Type A - Makes Minor Adjustments to the Right
Makes Minor Adjustments to the Right
Type A - Toggles Score Display
Toggles Score Display
Type A - Shoots Bubbles
Shoots Bubbles
Type B - Resets Bubble Launcher to 90°
Resets Bubble Launcher to 90°
Type B - Makes Major Adjustments to the Left or Right
Makes Major Adjustments to the Left or Right
Type B - START
START
Type B - Shoots Bubbles
Shoots Bubbles
Type C - Makes Major Adjustments to the Left
Makes Major Adjustments to the Left
Type C - No Function
No Function
Type C - L+R Resets Bubble Launcher to 90°
Resets Bubble Launcher to 90°
Type C - START
START
Type C - Makes Major Adjustments to the Right
Makes Major Adjustments to the Right
Type C - Shoots Bubbles
Shoots Bubbles
GAME LEVEL
Sets the game's difficulty to easy, normal, hard, or very hard
MATCH POINT
Games needed to win a match
MUSIC VOLUME
From 0-Off, to 7-Loudest
SE VOLUME
From 0-Off, to 7-Loudest
SOUND
Toggles between Mono and Stereo
MUSIC TEST
Sample any of the game's music
SE LOAD
Load a character's sound effects
SE TEST
Plays the selected sound effect
KEY CONFIG
Choose from three different Controller Configurations
EXIT
Returns to Main Menu
Items & Weapons
STAR BUBBLE
This bubble will clear all those in the cluster the same color as the bubble touches it.
RAINBOW BUBBLE
This will become a normal bubble the color of those burst adjacent to it.
CANNONBALL
This heavyweight destroys every bubble in its path, all the way to the top of the screen.
BLOCK
These pieces cannot be broken, but they needn't be cleared to end a round.
OBSTACLE BLOCK
This block is cleared only when all the bubbles touching it are burst. A round cannot be cleared while Obstacle Blocks remain.
Enemies & Characters
Bubblen
Bubblen is back and ready for more! The wide array of bubbles he sends makes him a well-rounded player.
Purichio
Purichio knows how to endure. Often her foes are too busy digging their way out to focus on an attack.
Chinkle
Chinkle definitely forces her opponent to think. The Rainbow Bubbles she sends are a serious headache for her opponents.
Musashi
The action never stops with Musashi! The bubbles he sends to his opponent come from the top, as well as the bottom.
Marina
It takes a lot of luck to beat Marina, another well-balanced character. She swarms her foes unless they come up with a blue one in the clutch.
Luna Luna
The future is grim for anyone facing Luna Luna. All the bubbles she sends come from above.
S.S.B.
Super Sonic Blastman delivers devastating one-two combinations. Just when your opponent finds an opening, he throws up a block.
Jack
Playing against Jack is certainly a gamble with all the Special Bubbles she deals. She is probably the most formidable offensive character.
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