Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Platform, Puzzle
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, Game Boy Color, PC (Microsoft Windows), Sega Master System/Mark III, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine, Turbografx-16/PC Engine CD, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: MediaKite Distribution, NEC Avenue, Ocean, Taito, TDK Mediactive
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 (1987)
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is a 1987 arcade game developed and published by Taito. The arcade version was licensed to Romstar for North American manufacturing and distribution. The game is subtitled “The Story of Bubble Bobble 2” and is the sequel to Taito’s hit game Bubble Bobble from the previous year. It is the second of four arcade games in the Bubble Bobble series. The game was ported for numerous home computers and game consoles.
Gameplay
Rainbow Islands is a platform game in which the player controls one of two dinosaurs, Bub or Bob, as they travel through a series of colorful islands. The player’s goal is to defeat the enemies on each island and collect the rainbow at the end.
The player can attack enemies by shooting bubbles at them. When a bubble hits an enemy, it will trap the enemy inside. The player can then pop the bubble, defeating the enemy. The player can also use bubbles to jump higher and reach new areas.
In addition to the regular enemies, each island also has a boss enemy. The boss enemies are larger and more powerful than the regular enemies, and they require a different strategy to defeat.
Story
The story of Rainbow Islands is told through a series of cutscenes that are shown between levels. The cutscenes tell the story of Bub and Bob, two dinosaurs who are on a quest to find the rainbow. The rainbow is said to grant eternal happiness to whoever finds it.
Along the way, Bub and Bob encounter a variety of enemies, including pirates, robots, and aliens. They also meet some friendly characters, such as the Rainbow Fairy and the Bubble Dragon.
Graphics and Sound
Rainbow Islands is a visually stunning game for its time. The graphics are colorful and vibrant, and the character designs are adorable. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a variety of catchy tunes.
Reception
Rainbow Islands was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its colorful graphics, addictive gameplay, and charming characters. The game was also a commercial success, and it sold over 2 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Rainbow Islands is considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time. It is a classic example of the platform genre, and it has been praised for its innovative gameplay and charming characters. The game has been ported to numerous home computers and game consoles, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.
Conclusion
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is a delightful arcade classic that will charm you with its vibrant visuals, addictive gameplay, and adorable characters. It is a true gem from Taito’s golden age of gaming, and it is a must-play for any fan of platformers.
Review Score
8/10
