PAX East 2026: Bubsy 4D – First Impression

In today’s current climate of the video game industry, 3D platformers are a staple for this entertainment sphere. However, the desire for the same energy that this specific genre offered generations before on the PlayStation 2 & Game Cube is a different story. Franchises from them have either since been left dormant or evolved into a new identity to keep up with newer standards for gaming.

But, select developers have taken it upon themselves to fill that void which many players have been longing for. Take Fabraz – originally starting with 2D platformer like Slime-san has went on to ship 3D experiences like Demon Turf. Its recent release, sequel Demon Tides, is no different. It is clear that a certain vision to harbor fluid gameplay and still scratch that nostalgic itch is certainly there.

“The freedom to explore the world as you wish while slowly improving your abilities is genuinely rewarding. It takes lots of time to learn with lots of methods to get through different challenges. It’s a great platformer that is welcoming to newcomers and challenging for veterans,” our review for Demon Tides boasted. When featured at PAX last year, it was one of Rectify Gaming’s most-anticipated titles. The same can also be said for its next project with Atari – Bubsy 4D.

Of course, fans of the Bubsy series have been eager to see the return of the character for decades since the last major installment. And that Atari is taking in reputable developer Fabraz to handle much of the development only ensures a satisfying return for the franchise. When speaking to one Atari employee on the showfloor, he elaborated that the game was originally fished to other game studios before eventually attaching Fabraz to the project.

During the conversation, Fabraz was said to show great enthusiasm for the opportunity and it was a no-brainer to choose the developer to manage the new Bubsy game. In a follow-up it was also addressed that despite the balance between then-Project Tides and a new Bubsy title, Fabraz was capable of leading two major releases. It was explained that plenty of the boneworks from Demon Tides laid out a foundation for what became Bubsy 4D.

For the gameplay itself, Bubsy 4D is a very tight, responsive, and easily addicting experience that answers for the big lines at PAX East this weekend. In the demonstration available on the showfloor, a tutorial and an introductory level is playable for attendees. After playing both, it is easy to say that Bubsy 4D is a game to look out for when it ships later this May.

“Join Bubsy on a new, intergalactic, platforming adventure! Yeah, we couldn’t believe it either,” the plot synopsis reads. “The world’s most infamous, wise-cracking bobcat has returned to 3D with new challenges, new moves, and even more purrsonality – in space! Run, jump, glide, and roll across alien planets, battle robotic sheep, and collect tons and tons of yarn.”

Standard mechanics feel effortless in Bubsy 4D. What makes the gameplay stand out even more is that the title also features an impressive number of other platforming features added to the Bubsy formula that easily complements the protagonist’s characteristics. From the gap-closing pounce to even balling up for speedy traversal, it all makes sense for the universe which is applicable for returning fans as well as those new to the franchise.

Other obstacles like the pin needles that stick into the platforms also spice up how you move across stages. In the demo, finding these new interactive objects opens more possibilities; enabling players to string movements when you lock onto the item. For the amount of thought that went into the movement, the same can also be said for the environments as well.

Alongside the creative vistas & worlds that Bubsy is known for, the use of color also translates greatly when created for the new platformer. It is easy to identify objects and the creativity used within the world design is very satisfying on the eyes. Probably the only complaint is that the available build did not explore a lot of the combat that was featured in the trailers for the game. While not a dealbreaker, it is a considerably large portion of the gameplay loop for Bubsy typically.

If you are interested in Bubsy 4D, you can wishlist the game by heading here.

Bubsy 4D ships on May 22, 2026 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.