Rainbow Islands is a masterful sequel that trades the single-screen trapping of Bubble Bobble for vertically scrolling platforming brilliance. Now in their human forms, Bubby and Bobby must traverse seven themed islands, using rainbows as both temporary bridges and lethal weapons. The mechanic of collapsing rainbows to crush enemies below adds a layer of tactical depth that few NES titles of the era could match, creating a frantic yet rewarding pace as players race against a rising tide.
The NES version is a fascinating study in regional variations, particularly between the Japanese/European Taito release and the North American Ocean version. While both retain the core gameplay, the Taito edition is widely praised for its closer adherence to the arcade original, featuring superior music and more refined physics. Regardless of the version, the conversion successfully captures the vibrant aesthetic of the arcade, pushing the 8-bit hardware to its limits with colorful sprites and inventive boss encounters that keep the gameplay fresh throughout the journey.
Beneath its sugary-sweet exterior lies one of the most demanding challenges on the platform, primarily due to the "Secret of the Diamonds." Achieving the true ending requires players to collect seven colored diamonds in every world by defeating enemies in specific positions, a feat that necessitates precise movement. This hidden complexity elevates Rainbow Islands from a simple platformer to a high-score chaser’s dream, ensuring that while many can reach the final boss, only the most dedicated masters will ever see the credits roll in full.
