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

Rainbow Islands is a side-scrolling platformer developed by Taito and released in 1986 for various platforms, including the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). While it may not be as well-known as some other titles in the platformer genre, Rainbow Islands has its own unique charm and gameplay mechanics that have captivated players for decades.

One of the most notable aspects of Rainbow Islands is its connection to another popular game: Bubble Bobble. Released in 1986 for arcades, Bubble Bobble was a breakout hit that introduced players to the concept of trapping enemies in bubbles. The game's success led to the development of Rainbow Islands, which built upon the same gameplay mechanics but with some key changes.

In Rainbow Islands, players take on the role of Lala, a princess who must navigate through five islands, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. The game features a variety of power-ups, including a water gun that can shoot fireballs, a cannon that shoots explosive shells, and a bubble maker that allows Lala to trap enemies in bubbles.

The gameplay is reminiscent of other platformers from the era, but Rainbow Islands has some key differences that set it apart. For example, players must navigate through increasingly difficult levels, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. The game also features a variety of enemies, including snakes, lizards, and other creatures that Lala must avoid or trap in bubbles.

In terms of graphics and sound, Rainbow Islands is still impressive today. The game's colorful graphics and catchy music make it a joy to play, while the sound effects are equally charming. However, some players may find the game's difficulty level to be a bit too high, especially in later levels.

One of the most interesting aspects of Rainbow Islands is its place in the history of video games. Developed during a time when arcades were becoming increasingly popular, Rainbow Islands was one of the first games to capitalize on the trend. The game's success helped establish Taito as a major player in the gaming industry, and it paved the way for future titles from the company.

In terms of age rating, Rainbow Islands is generally considered suitable for players of all ages. However, some parents may want to note that the game does contain some mild violence and cartoonish gore, which may not be suitable for very young children.

The ESRB has assigned a "E" rating to Rainbow Islands, indicating that it is suitable for players of all ages. The game's content is generally innocuous, with no strong language or mature themes present.

However, some parents may want to note that the game does contain some mild violence and cartoonish gore, which may not be suitable for very young children. The game's difficulty level can also be a concern for some players, especially those who are new to platformers.

In terms of gameplay, Rainbow Islands is still enjoyable today, with its unique blend of power-ups and challenging levels making it a joy to play. However, some players may find the game's difficulty level to be too high, especially in later levels.

Overall, Rainbow Islands is a classic game that is well worth playing for fans of platformers and retro gaming. Its unique gameplay mechanics and charming graphics make it a standout title in the genre, and its connection to Bubble Bobble only adds to its appeal.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, Rainbow Islands is definitely worth checking out. With its unique blend of power-ups and challenging levels, this game is sure to please fans of platformers and retro gaming.

Gameplay Mechanics

Rainbow Islands features a variety of gameplay mechanics that make it a joy to play. Some of the most notable include:

• Power-ups: Lala can collect power-ups throughout the game, including a water gun that shoots fireballs, a cannon that shoots explosive shells, and a bubble maker that allows her to trap enemies in bubbles.
• Platforming: Players must navigate through increasingly difficult levels, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. The game requires players to think carefully about their movements and use the power-ups effectively to overcome the challenges.
• Enemy trapping: One of the most unique features of Rainbow Islands is the ability to trap enemies in bubbles. This allows players to avoid or defeat enemies in creative ways.

Challenges

Rainbow Islands features a variety of challenges that make it a joy to play. Some of the most notable include:

• Increasing difficulty level: As players progress through the game, the levels become increasingly difficult, with new and challenging obstacles appearing at every turn.
• Limited lives: Players start with only three lives, which must be used carefully to avoid losing all progress.
• Time limits: Each level has a time limit, which adds an extra layer of challenge to the gameplay.

Conclusion

Rainbow Islands is a classic game that is well worth playing for fans of platformers and retro gaming. Its unique blend of power-ups and challenging levels makes it a joy to play, while its connection to Bubble Bobble only adds to its appeal. With its "E" rating from the ESRB, Rainbow Islands is suitable for players of all ages.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, Rainbow Islands is definitely worth checking out. So why not give it a try? You won't be disappointed!

Rating

• Age rating: "E" (ESRB)
• Gameplay mechanics: 9/10
• Challenges: 8/10
• Graphics and sound: 8/10
• Overall experience: 8.5/10