Nintendo NES Rainbow Islands - The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 (Japan)

Released in 1989, Rainbow Islands is a platformer game developed by Taito and released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). What makes this game unique is its connection to another popular arcade title, Bubble Bobble. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Rainbow Islands, explore its storyline, gameplay, and age rating.

Background

Rainbow Islands was initially released in 1988 as a sequel to Taito's 1987 hit game Bubble Bobble. While Bubble Bobble introduced players to the concept of trapping enemies in bubbles, Rainbow Islands took this idea and ran with it by introducing new characters, levels, and gameplay mechanics.

Storyline

The story of Rainbow Islands revolves around Bub and Bob, two brothers who are trying to rescue their sister from the clutches of the evil Queen Dina. The game takes place on a series of islands that are being ravaged by pollution and destruction. Bub and Bob must navigate through the islands, defeating enemies and collecting treasure while trying to reach their sister.

Gameplay

Rainbow Islands builds upon the gameplay mechanics introduced in Bubble Bobble. Players control one of two brothers as they traverse through the various levels, each with its own unique challenges and obstacles. The game features a variety of enemies, including flying birds, bats, and even the occasional pirate ship. These enemies can be defeated by trapping them in bubbles or using the power-ups available throughout the game.

One of the standout features of Rainbow Islands is its use of power-ups. Players can collect various items, such as fireballs, bombs, and shields, which grant them new abilities and enhance their existing ones. For example, the fireball power-up allows players to shoot a stream of fire that can be used to defeat enemies or ignite flammable objects.

Graphics and Soundtrack

The graphics in Rainbow Islands are reminiscent of its predecessor Bubble Bobble. The game features colorful, cartoon-like characters and environments, which were typical of Taito's arcade titles at the time. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with catchy tunes that complement the gameplay perfectly.

Age Rating

Rainbow Islands was originally released for arcades in 1989, and it received a rating of "All Ages" from the Japanese government. This means that the game was suitable for players of all ages, regardless of their skill level or experience.

When Rainbow Islands was released for the NES, the age rating changed to "Everyone" (a classification that is equivalent to "E" in modern ratings). The game's storyline and gameplay were deemed suitable for a wide range of audiences, making it an accessible title for players of all ages.

Reception

Rainbow Islands received positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game's charming graphics, catchy soundtrack, and engaging gameplay mechanics. The game was also praised for its ability to build upon the successful formula introduced in Bubble Bobble.

In terms of sales, Rainbow Islands performed reasonably well, especially considering that it was a relatively niche title at the time. However, it never quite reached the same level of success as its predecessor Bubble Bobble.

Legacy

Rainbow Islands has had a lasting impact on the gaming industry, particularly in the platformer genre. The game's use of power-ups and bubble-trapping mechanics have been influential in numerous titles that followed. Additionally, the game's colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack have made it a beloved classic among retro gamers.

Conclusion

Rainbow Islands is a hidden gem in the world of NES games. Its unique storyline, engaging gameplay mechanics, and charming graphics make it an enjoyable title for players of all ages. The game's connection to Bubble Bobble only adds to its appeal, making it a must-play for fans of platformers and Taito.

In conclusion, Rainbow Islands is a great example of how a game can evolve from one concept to another while still maintaining its core charm. If you're looking for a fun and challenging platformer that will transport you back to the good old days of NES gaming, then Rainbow Islands is definitely worth checking out.

Rating: 9/10

Recommended for: Retro gamers, fans of platformers, anyone looking for a challenging yet accessible game.

Not recommended for: Players who prefer more violent or mature content.

Platforms:

• Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
• Arcade (1988)

Release Date:

• Japan: 1988
• North America: 1990
• Europe: 1991

Developers:

• Taito
• Tokyuusha