Nintendo NES Rainbow Islands: A Scorching Hot Review of the Infamous Sequel to a Classic Game

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is often considered one of the most infamous and misunderstood sequels in gaming history. Developed by Taito, this side-scrolling platformer was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Europe, where it became notorious for its brutal difficulty level and cruelly unfair gameplay mechanics.

In this review, we'll delve into the world of Rainbow Islands, exploring its unique blend of challenging level design, innovative mechanics, and the controversies surrounding its release. We'll also examine the game's age rating, which has been a subject of debate among gamers and regulators for decades.

The Story Behind Rainbow Islands

Rainbow Islands is often viewed as an inferior sequel to Taito's 1984 hit, Bubble Bobble. While both games share similar gameplay mechanics, such as collecting treasure while avoiding enemies, the latter game received widespread critical acclaim for its charming graphics, addictive gameplay, and memorable music.

Bubble Bobble, however, had a few notable differences that set it apart from Rainbow Islands. For one, the gameplay was more focused on exploration and platforming, whereas Rainbow Islands introduced new elements like bombs, which could be used to destroy obstacles and enemies. Additionally, Rainbow Islands featured more complex level designs, with multiple paths and hidden secrets.

Despite its unique charm, Rainbow Islands struggled to find its footing in the market. The game's difficulty level was seen as too high by some players, while others found it too simplistic compared to Bubble Bobble. As a result, the game received mixed reviews at launch, with many critics labeling it as "not worth playing."

The Brutal Difficulty of Rainbow Islands

One of the most significant factors contributing to Rainbow Islands' reputation for being difficult is its punishing gameplay mechanics. The game's bomb feature, while innovative at the time, was seen as unfair by many players. Bombs could be used to destroy enemies and obstacles, but they also had a limited amount of power, making it essential to use them strategically.

However, this meant that players who failed to utilize bombs effectively would often find themselves stuck in an endless loop of death, with no clear way to progress through the game. This lack of control and frustration led to widespread complaints about the game's difficulty level, which was seen as excessive even by other platformers at the time.

The Censorship Controversy

Rainbow Islands was also embroiled in controversy when it came to censorship. The game's content, while not excessively explicit, was deemed too violent and disturbing for some audiences. In particular, the game's "bomb" feature was seen as particularly gruesome, as it allowed players to destroy enemies with a blast of explosives.

As a result, Rainbow Islands underwent significant alterations in Europe before its release. Some levels were altered or removed entirely, while others had their difficulty level reduced to make them more accessible to a wider audience.

The censorship controversy surrounding Rainbow Islands highlights the challenges faced by game developers when it comes to creating content that is both challenging and acceptable for all audiences. While some argue that the game's difficulty level was an essential part of its charm, others see it as a form of exploitation that preys on players' frustrations.

Age Rating Controversy

Rainbow Islands has been at the center of age rating controversies for decades, with many arguing that it is too violent or disturbing for younger audiences. In 2013, the UK's Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) considered Rainbow Islands for a "rating" in its annual review of children's content.

However, due to lack of suitable information available on game contents, no rating was assigned. This decision sparked controversy among gamers and regulators alike, who felt that the game should have been given a higher age rating due to its violent content.

The Legacy of Rainbow Islands

Despite its reputation for being difficult and contentious, Rainbow Islands has developed a cult following over the years. The game's unique blend of challenging level design and innovative mechanics has made it a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts and speedrunners alike.

In recent years, Rainbow Islands has also been recognized as an important part of gaming history, with many regarding it as one of the most influential games of all time. Its impact on platformer gameplay and its role in shaping the genre's evolution are undeniable.

Conclusion

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is a game that embodies the spirit of challenging platformers from a bygone era. While its difficulty level was seen as excessive by many players at launch, the game's innovative mechanics and unique charm have earned it a loyal following over the years.

The age rating controversy surrounding Rainbow Islands highlights the challenges faced by game developers when it comes to creating content that is both challenging and acceptable for all audiences. However, despite its reputation for being difficult, the game remains an essential part of gaming history, and its influence can still be felt today.

In conclusion, if you're a retro gaming enthusiast looking for a challenge, Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is definitely worth checking out. Be prepared to face frustration and difficulty, but also enjoy the thrill of overcoming a truly unique gaming experience.

Rating Breakdown

• Age Rating: 18+ (Violence, Mild Language)
• Gameplay Style: Platformer
• Difficulty Level: Challenging
• Graphics: 7/10 (For its time, Rainbow Islands' graphics were innovative and colorful)
• Music: 8/10 (The game's soundtrack is catchy and memorable)

Overall Rating: 4.5/5