Cuby Bop (location test)

Cuby Bop is a two-player ball and paddle game created by Hot-B Co., Ltd. appearing as a prototype during a location test sometime in the 1990s. Players use joysticks to control paddles positioned at the bottom of the screen, attempting to bounce a ball upwards and break blocks arranged above. The gameplay is reminiscent of Breakout, challenging players to clear each stage while avoiding losing the ball. Built on Taito L System hardware, Cuby Bop utilizes a Zilog Z80 processor and a Yamaha YM2203 sound chip for its audio. The game displays graphics in a horizontal screen resolution of 320x224 pixels with a palette of 256 colors. Due to its status as a test version, Cuby Bop never saw full public release, making it a rare glimpse into early arcade development. A useful trick for solo play allows players to advance through stages quickly: pressing the start button on one side of the cabinet will skip ahead. This feature highlights the game’s intended testing phase and offers an alternate way to experience its design.