Bubble Bobble 2: Rainbow Islands
Reviewed by Matt Hull
Graphics 7 out of 10
Like Bubble Bobble, Rainbow Islands doesn't have groundbreaking
graphics. However, RI proves that graphics aren't everything. However,
I'm perfectly content with the "cutesy" enemies and overall, the graphics
are pretty good especially in the ending. The "Arkanoid" level (level 4)
has graphics that fit the Arkanoid atmosphere perfectly! If you're a big
Arkanoid fan and a big collector, you'll want to see this. :) Levels range
from Monster Island to some Japanese Island to a mysterious Bubble
Bobble type level. There's a LOT of nostalgia in RI for Bubble Bobble and
Arkanoid fans. (other Taito games BTW so there's no copyright issue
involved) :) One thing that RI improves on over Bubble Bobble is the
background graphics. They are very well done.
Music 8 out of 10
Whenever there are a lot of tracks, I am usually pleased. Bubble Bobble had
one of the best soundtracks ever for a puzzle game. (most memorable anyway)
Rainbow Islands has some great music also. The nice tracks of level 1 to
the silent stages in the Arkanoid stage, (I personally love the silence in the
Arkanoid stages...it adds some suspense) RI has a great soundtrack. And for
those Bubble Bobble fans who remember that one tune in the sound test
(after the credits roll) that wasn't in BB, it's in the credits roll to
this one.
Play Control 8 out of 10
This is where Rainbow Islands is very intuitive. You press the A button to
jump and the control pad to move like in most games, but the B button fires
your weapon. (rainbows) You can walk on the rainbows via using the control
pad. However, if you jump, the rainbow will fall smashing the enemies in
your way. By zapping enemies with the rainbow, you will get special items
such as fruit that adds up to big points and the pot that increases the size
and speed of your rainbow. If you create a rainbow, jump on it, and blast
the enemy below, it might yield a diamond!! You need to get all 7 colored
diamonds in each level to get the best ending. The play control is very good
in RI.
Fun 8 out of 10
Rainbow Islands is a very good game that is a lot of fun. Although it lacks
a two player mode, (which has made Bubble Bobble what it is today) it's
still a great game. It's just a blast blasting enemies and encountering new
levels. One area where RI lacks is a password feature. This game is LONG
and even if you use the secret stage select, you won't have the diamonds
from previous levels. I was fortunate enough to beat this game in one day.
Challenge 9 out of 10
This game is very challenging and matches the incredible challenge of
some of the puzzles in Bubble Bobble. Mainly the enemies and the time
factor play a part of the challenge in this game. However, just getting
all the rainbows in each level may be the toughest part. Overall, Rainbow
Islands is a great challenge. If you think that this game will be too easy,
you're WAY off. :)
Replay Value 9 out of 10
I haven't actually played this game in a while (having 140 games may
have something to do with it :) ) but can say that it has a ton of lasting
value. Not only are there tons of special items to get and all, but I think
that there are several endings that you can get. The only one I've got is
the best one but I noticed at the end you can wish for three things...so
three things...3 endings?
Overall 8 out of 10
Rainbow Islands has to be one of the most original games that I have ever
played. I don't remember any other games where rainbows are the main
weapon and where you play an Arkanoid stage and hear remixed Bubble
Bobble music. It's great! The game has a boss each level too which is really
cool. If you haven't played this yet and like Bubble Bobble 1 and 2, then I
HIGHLY recommend this game. It is rather rare too! I REALLY like how Taito
included characters from some of their other NES games. I'm surprised that
more NES companies didn't do this. On a side note, I highly recommend the
unsung game BB2 as well. A lot of people haven't played BB2 and it's great!