Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rainbow Islands Extra stays true to the core mechanics that made the original arcade classic so addictive. Players control Bub and Bob in their human forms, summoning rainbows to defeat enemies, traverse chasms, and collect treasures. The simplicity of the controls—move, jump, and fire rainbows—belies the depth of strategy required to maximize chain reactions and bonus pickups.

(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 👍)

What sets the Extra version apart is its radical re-arrangement of foes and bosses. Enemies that once appeared in later stages now populate the early levels, providing a spike in difficulty right from the outset. This “New Game+” twist forces veteran players to rethink their approach, as familiar patterns are subverted and riskier maneuvers are rewarded.

The inclusion of three distinct difficulty settings further refines the experience. Beginners can still enjoy the original mode with a gentle learning curve, while enthusiasts can dive into the Extra mode or crank the challenge up to the hardest setting. This tiered structure ensures that newcomers and series veterans alike will find a satisfying level of challenge.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Rainbow Islands Extra is a love letter to the vibrant, candy-colored palette of the original arcade release. Every sprite, from the bouncy Bub and Bob to the whimsical monsters, is rendered with crisp edges and lively animations that pop on modern displays. The charming aesthetic feels just as delightful today as it did decades ago.

Backgrounds are richly detailed, with layers of parallax scrolling that convey a real sense of depth as you climb higher into the sky. Each island boasts its own thematic flair—lush jungles, fiery volcanoes, crystalline caverns—keeping the eye engaged as you progress through the 100 levels. The home console port even applies subtle filter options, allowing players to choose between an authentic pixel look or a mildly smoothed presentation.

While the Extra mode doesn’t introduce brand-new art assets, the reconfigured enemy placements and tweaked sprite behaviors often create fresh visual moments. Spotting a late-game boss unexpectedly thrown into an early stage is both comical and thrilling, reinforcing the idea that this isn’t just a reprint—but a reimagining of the visual journey.

Story

At its heart, Rainbow Islands Extra retains the simple yet charming narrative of the series. Bub and Bob, transformed back into their human forms, embark on a quest to liberate the Rainbow Islands from malevolent creatures that have overrun the idyllic archipelago. The storyline may be minimal, but it’s delivered with a lighthearted flair that matches the game’s playful tone.

Each island represents a new chapter in their adventure, with bosses perched atop lofty peaks serving as the culmination of each stage set. Defeating these guardians restores color and harmony to the world, creating a satisfying emotional payoff that complements the mechanical triumphs. The episodic structure also lends itself well to short play sessions, perfect for handheld or living-room gaming.

Though the Extra mode doesn’t expand the lore, the heightened difficulty breathes fresh narrative life into the adventure. Early encounters with formidable foes underscore the stakes from the very beginning, making every victory feel hard-earned and rewarding. In this way, the story’s simplicity becomes a strength, allowing the gameplay to carry the emotional weight.

Overall Experience

Rainbow Islands Extra is a masterclass in remixing a beloved arcade classic without losing its soul. By rearranging enemies and bosses, the developers have crafted a game that feels both familiar and fearsomely fresh. Whether you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, the challenge offered here is sure to keep you hooked for hours on end.

The dual inclusion of the original and Extra versions, along with three difficulty settings, delivers immense replay value. Casual players can bask in the nostalgia of the classic mode, while seasoned veterans can tackle the punishing rearranged stages or push their skills to the limit on the hardest setting. It’s rare to find a single package that caters so thoroughly to such a broad spectrum of skill levels.

In every aspect—gameplay, graphics, and replayability—Rainbow Islands Extra stands out as one of the most thoughtful arcade revivals in recent memory. Its tight controls, gorgeous visuals, and playful mood merge seamlessly with the cunning level design of the Extra mode. For fans of platformers and retro gaming alike, this is a release not to be missed.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10