Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bubble Bobble’s core mechanics are timeless in their simplicity and charm. Players control two bubble-blowing dragons, Bub and Bob, whose sole purpose is to traverse single-screen levels, trap enemies in bubbles, and then pop those bubbles to clear the stage. The pacing is brisk: enemies continually spawn and grow more aggressive if left encased too long. Success is a blend of timing, pattern recognition, and cooperative coordination when playing with a friend.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Rainbow Islands takes the foundation laid by Bubble Bobble and transforms it with a vertical-scrolling twist. Instead of bubbles, the protagonists conjure rainbows that serve multiple functions: as platforms to scale the sky, as bridges across chasms, and as projectiles to defeat foes. This multiuse tool introduces fresh puzzle-platforming dynamics—selecting the angle, timing your shots, and deciding whether to build a staircase or smack an enemy directly.

Both games reward exploration and mastery. Bubble Bobble hides bonus rounds, secret doors, and special items that emerge when bubbles are popped in particular patterns. Rainbow Islands ups the ante by incorporating branching paths and hidden diamonds, encouraging replay on each stage to discover alternative exits or bonus areas. The difficulty curves in each game feel fair yet challenging, making them as addictive today as they were on their original arcade cabinets.

Graphics

The visual design of Bubble Bobble is a testament to late-’80s arcade artistry. Bright, candy-colored palettes adorn each single-screen level, while animations—though simple—imbue the dragons and their adversaries with a surprising amount of personality. Enemy designs range from goofy dinosaurs to sneaky ghosts, each popping out of a bubble with a satisfying pixelated flourish.

Rainbow Islands builds on that aesthetic with larger level designs and more intricate background art. Clouds drift lazily in the distance, islands float on pastel horizons, and waterfalls cascade beneath you as you ascend. The re-release offers both the original pixel-perfect presentation and an enhanced mode: sharper sprites, richer backgrounds, and subtle visual effects that retain the classic feel while bringing the world to life on modern screens.

Across both titles, screen transitions are smooth and input response is tight, ensuring that your platforming and bubble-trapping actions always feel accurate. Whether you stick with the nostalgic 8-bit look or switch to the upscaled graphics, the art direction remains consistent—playful, colorful, and instantly memorable.

Story

While neither game prioritizes a deep narrative, they each frame their action in charmingly straightforward terms. Bubble Bobble opens with Bub and Bob setting off to rescue their kidnapped girlfriends. Each round draws you deeper into the Monster Land labyrinth until the final confrontation. The simplicity of the premise allows the gameplay to shine without any unnecessary storytelling bloat.

Rainbow Islands continues the saga by sending our heroes skybound. The narrative premise is minimal—ascend island after island, free trapped birds, and vanquish the evil Baron—but it’s sufficient to justify the vertical climb and the sense of progression. Between stages, short interstitial scenes hint at the growing challenge and reward your perseverance with playful illustrations of the dragons’ journey.

Both games rely on an arcade-style “story through action” approach: you rescue, collect, and advance. The lightweight narrative keeps you focused on the mechanics and the joy of discovery, while the colorful characters and whimsical settings provide enough context to keep each level from feeling repetitive.

Overall Experience

This combined re-release of Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands offers exceptional value for both veterans of the arcade era and newcomers seeking bite-sized, high-quality platforming fun. The twin titles complement one another: Bubble Bobble’s tight single-screen puzzles balance perfectly with Rainbow Islands’ sprawling vertical stages. Together, they serve hours of cooperative and solo play.

Replayability is high thanks to hidden secrets, alternative level exits, and competitive scoring. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect bubble-trap chain or striving to uncover every secret rainbow path, the games are masters of rewarding persistence. Moreover, the option to toggle between original and enhanced graphics ensures accessibility for purists and modernists alike.

Ultimately, this package stands as a shining example of how well-designed mechanics, charming art, and simple yet effective storytelling can endure across decades. It’s a celebration of classic arcade ingenuity and a must-have for anyone interested in the roots of co-op platform gaming.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10