An umbrella with several jobs
The parasol gives a familiar platform layout several new uses. It can protect Bubby, hold a stunned enemy or gather droplets for a stronger attack. A second player doubles the possibilities for help and confusion. Clearing a screen is only the beginning of understanding what can be collected, combined and carried through it.
Start by learning what the parasol can hold and how to aim a throw. Two-player sessions are particularly good for discovering unintended uses for the other player. Leave the pursuit of every secret for a later visit.
Arcade rules, a home debut
Although it belongs to the Bubble Bobble family and plays like an arcade game, Parasol Stars began on home hardware in 1991. It demonstrates how a compact stage can support repeated experimentation without needing a larger map or a more elaborate story.
Why we chose it for PC Engine
A small set of parasol moves keeps generating new ways to clear a screen, especially with another player.
Explore this console’s game selection ↗Release record
Original worldwide release: 1991. Release records above identify the console editions covered by this collection.
Sources and further reading3 references
- PARASOL STARS ↗Original publisher manual, preserved by Konami · Accessed 2026-10-27
Original North American TurboChip manual; parasol moves, cooperative play and optional backup RAM for high scores.
- Parasol Stars: Pick up your parasol and parachute through the skies! ↗ININ Games · Accessed 2026-10-27
Publisher identifies Taito, the 1991 home-console origin and modern Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PlayStation editions, with storefront links.
- PC Engine mini: Game List ↗Konami · Accessed 2026-10-27
Japanese and North American software editions and their respective years. Installed mini software is a documented playing route, not a claim about current hardware stock.
