Regional variant of Rainbow Islands. Same content as the other versions, same excellence. For collectors documenting the different editions of this remarkable Taito platformer.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer2 players3+
Co-op
Description
Platformer featuring Bubby and Bobby throwing rainbows in colorful towers, European version. Published by Taito, released in Europe in 1991. European version of Rainbow Islands on NES.
Rainbow Islands - Bubble Bobble 2 review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
This edition foregrounds the lineage with the original series: a modified title screen, characters presented as the two dragons returned to human form, redrawn introduction cards. In play, the vertical structure and the coloured arcs stay identical, the readability of the ascent admitting no adjustment.
The musical ordering highlights the link with the original series: the main theme reappears in an arranged form, and the item and screen-clear jingles take up phrases already heard. That sonic continuity does the work the title screen announces, without needing to spell it out.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Creating rainbows to climb, crush enemies or reveal hidden bonuses: this poetic, clever mechanic is the whole originality of this Bubble Bobble sequel. Climbing ever higher before the rising water keeps a joyful tension going. Colourful, inventive and brimming with secrets, a charming platformer that rewards skill and curiosity.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
European edition of the Taito platformer, distributed under the Bubble Bobble 2 subtitle specific to the PAL market to stress the lineage with the earlier hit. The European version, rarer than the American one, is recognised by this specific title and its PAL box. Desirability rests on this distinct regional titling identity, sought by collectors assembling the name variants of one Taito series across territories.
Is Rainbow Islands - Bubble Bobble 2 still worth playing in 2026?
A spiritual sequel to Bubble Bobble from Taito, Rainbow Islands has Bubby and Bobby climb vertical towers by creating rainbows that serve as both platforms and weapons to crush enemies. The bright concept, the hidden bonus system and the rising water that presses the player give a unique charm and tension. The colourful art direction and the unsuspected depth still appeal just as much. For a retro arcade platforming fan, someone curious about a Taito classic or a collector, the title keeps a timeless inventiveness and cheer.
