Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rainbow Islands takes the classic platforming formula of its predecessor, Bubble Bobble, and adds a refreshing vertical spin. Bub and Bob trade in their bubble-blowing for the power to summon vibrant rainbows from thin air. These rainbows serve a dual purpose: they can be used as weapons to vanquish foes, or as stepping stones to ascend each level’s towering stages.

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The challenge ramps up organically across ten islands, each comprised of four vertical tiers. The first seven are straightforward but demand precision—timing your rainbow placements just right to trap or stomp enemies for maximum points. Once all seven colored diamonds are collected on every screen, a trio of hidden islands unlocks, rewarding exploratory players with secret levels that truly test platforming skills.

Power-ups and diamonds add layers of strategy to the core action. Speed boosts let Bub and Bob dash up walls, while rainbow-enhancers extend your reach or add multiple hazards at once. Skillful players can chain enemy defeats into high-scoring combos, striving not just for survival but for leaderboard domination.

Graphics

For a mid-’80s arcade title, Rainbow Islands boasts an eye-popping color palette that still holds up today in terms of charm and readability. The backgrounds shift from sunny meadows to stormy peaks, each layer scrolling independently to create a sense of depth that draws you into the rainbow-filled world. Enemies sport distinct silhouettes, making it easy to distinguish between walking critters and those that home in on your position.

Sprite animations are surprisingly fluid given the hardware limitations of the era. Bub and Bob’s playful hops and the trailing arcs of their rainbows feel satisfyingly responsive, which is crucial when you’re timing jumps four levels high. Even boss characters—known collectively as the Boss of Shadows—have enough frames to telegraph their attacks without feeling jittery.

Particle effects, such as sparkling diamonds and popping rainbows, sparkle against the vibrant backdrops, giving each screen a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Whether you’re stomping a trapped enemy or collecting a cascading chain of gems, the game makes every action feel impactful through its bright, candy-coloured visuals.

Story

Rainbow Islands picks up right after the events of Bubble Bobble, with our heroes Bub and Bob restored to human form. Their quest is simple: rescue the island inhabitants kidnapped by the nefarious Boss of Shadows. While the narrative isn’t heavy on plot twists, it provides charming motivation for the vertical odyssey that follows.

The simplicity of the premise works in the game’s favor, keeping players focused on platforming challenges rather than convoluted cutscenes. Small touches in stage intros and boss encounters—like a brief silhouette of the next island’s boss—add anticipation for what awaits at the top. Every island ascent feels like peeling back a layer of the story, gradually revealing the shadowy mastermind behind the chaos.

Multiple endings deepen replay value, encouraging you to hunt down all seven colored diamonds on each island. If you collect them all in the proper order, you unlock three hidden islands and an expanded finale, which adds a satisfying layer of narrative closure. Without spoiling the outcome, know that the “best” ending rewards true completionists with a triumphant showdown against the Boss of Shadows.

Overall Experience

Rainbow Islands stands out among classic platformers for its inventive use of rainbows as both weapon and platform. The game strikes a careful balance between accessibility and depth, making it easy to pick up while offering hidden layers for those hunting high scores or secret stages. Every island presents a fresh twist—be it new enemy types, environmental hazards, or complex stage geometry.

The difficulty curve is well-paced. Early levels act as a friendly tutorial, but by the hidden islands you’ll need near-perfect reflexes and memory of diamond placements. Cooperative two-player mode injects additional fun, as Bub and Bob can team up to build multicolored rainbow bridges and combine power-ups for chaos-filled climbs.

Decades after its arcade debut, Rainbow Islands remains a joyous platforming romp. Its vibrant aesthetic, tight controls, and layered secrets make it a must-play for retro enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you’re chasing the true ending, perfecting your high-score strategy, or simply enjoying Bub and Bob’s rainbow magic, this sequel proves that sometimes a small twist on a familiar formula can yield pure gaming gold.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10