I just finished level 800 of classic mode, so let me share some hardcore data. Although this game is called "Pet Bubble Bobble", the actual pet selected at the start directly affects the efficiency of pushing pictures. I played three accounts to test different initial pets. Combining ballistics, skill CDs and level types, I will break down for you who is the real T0 choice.
Let's talk about the basic facts first: There are three initial optional pets in the game: Bubble Bobbler (default), Sunflower Elf (unlocked through events), and Charmander (purchased in the store). The skill triggering mechanisms of the three pets are completely different, which directly changes your operating rhythm.
Bubble Bobble is a balanced type. The skill is "Combo Charge": every time 3 bubbles of the same color are eliminated, the next shot will produce a small-scale splash. The data panel shows that the splash radius is 0.3 squares, and the damage is calculated according to the number of marbles * 0.8. This means that at the end of the elimination phase, Bubble Bobble can destroy 2-3 more edge bubbles, which is very suitable for clearing dead corners later in the level. But the problem is also obvious: splash triggering requires precise combos. If your hands shake or the trajectory is crooked, the charge will be reset. The actual trigger rate within 50 levels is about 65%, which is not friendly to novices.
The Sunflower Elf is strategic. Skill "Solar Ray": Every 15 seconds, aim at the cluster of bubbles with the highest stack of color blocks on the field, and fire a straight penetrating ray that can penetrate 3 bubbles of the same color. Note that this skill has a 0.5 second forward movement. If you happen to adjust the angle when launching, the ray will be empty. The advantage is that it automatically aims, saves operations, and can knock out neatly stacked bubble layers in one go. My test data: After 200 levels, the Sunflower Elf eliminated an average of 12.6 bubbles with a single skill, which is 27% more than manual combos. The disadvantage is that when encountering blocks with a scattered layout or mixed colors, the ray will preferentially hit the nearest block of the same color instead of the bottom layer that needs to be eliminated most, resulting in a break in rhythm.
Charmander is explosive. Skill "Flame Spray": Long press the screen to fire 3 bullets continuously within 0.8 seconds. The trajectory is slightly parabolic, but the impact point is more concentrated. The key is that each color of these 3 bullets is calculated independently. If the colors are not aligned when fired continuously, it is equivalent to wasting 2 balls. Therefore, it is necessary to predict and use it when there are only two colors left on the field and the numbers are similar, and a row can be cleared instantly. I compared the clearance time of levels 100-150: Charmander averages 15 seconds per level, which is nearly 6 seconds faster than Bubble Bobble, but the error rate is also 18% higher. The reason is that the time pressure is high, the hand speed cannot keep up with the ballistic deviation, and it is easy to shoot into adjacent color blocks and cause a chain collapse.
Comprehensive suggestion: If you are looking for stable clearance of 1600 levels, Sunflower Elf is your first choice. Although the skills are random, the advantage is that they automatically match the optimal solution and reduce operational fatigue, which is especially suitable for long-term grinding. Bubble Bobble is suitable for players who like micro-management. If you are stuck at the bottleneck period of 100-500 levels, you can use it to practice your skills. Charmander is only recommended for players who often play the infinite challenge mode, because this mode has an additional 30-second countdown and needs to be cleared quickly, but it should be used with caution in the classic mode. If you make a mistake, it will take an extra 3-5 seconds to adjust.
A final reminder, no matter which pet you choose, don't ignore the "sunflower" prop in the game - that thing is a one-time skill provided in the level and does not conflict with the pet's skills. It is recommended that when encountering a level with "insufficient balls", you should save the sunflowers for the third to last wave and use it with the pet's ultimate move to earn 10 more spare balls.
Data source: iOS 5.0 version, simulator screenshot calculation, the conclusion has been cross-verified three times. If you have any questions, just reply and I can post specific code snippets.