As standalone stories, the plot is standard, entertaining fare for retro cyberpunk anime. Cool fights happen, there's an overarching plot involving people trying to use boomers in a grand scheme to wreak havoc and perhaps not as much character development as one would like; all just like the original ova. However, so many things just don't match up with the original. The huge overarching plot about this ova is the coming of second generation boomers; more human like, far more intelligent and able to mingle with humans. Except, standard boomers could already do all of that in the first ova! Also, supposed 'combat boomers' are much more humanoid in this ova and have far less combat capabilities than an average boomer mook in the original (being robots with guns as opposed to hulking gorilla mechs with laser cannons in their mouths) Its great that boomers have more of a purpose in Bubblegum Crash, being separated as worker and combat class models as opposed to killing machines in human skin but its just confusing when a boomer made for prostitution from AD Police (which happens even before Bubblegum Crisis) is deadlier than a combat boomer here! Other confusing things is the complete lack of the Genom corporation who were the big bad guys of Crisis; some sequel this is! Lastly, Priss also hates boomers which provides an opportunity for character development, except she had boomer friends in the original ova!
Speaking of characters, one thing the continuity didn't mess up is that overall, our main heroines have their personalities carried over intact. The whole crew also had suit upgrades so they have more fire power (or less? they seem to have less attacks now; the exploding punches are GONE!). Nene is now useful in combat, yay! But at the cost of Leon being sorta useless now. The main villain of the first half of Bubblegum Crisis also makes it over as the main villain for Crash. Character development isn't a lot (but at least Linna finally gets some) but that that is to be expected for a 3 OVA series. The 9 rating is for the gorgeous character designs and lively personalities to be honest, what else do you need for a fun anime like this?
The art is far up there as far as 90s ova's are concerned; its Bubblegum after all. Mechanical designs are sweet as to be expected. And animation is consistently smooth.
Music? Bubblegum Crash isn't so music oriented as Crisis unfortunately. I think only the opening and ending themes have Prisses' voice talent. The the two themes are above average AOR rockers. There is a bunch of synth jazz in there too. 80s music I suppose.
Overall, watch this with a casual mindset and do not compare it to the original but rather as a spin off of sorts and you'll have fun! Lots of fun!
