Play Rainbow Islands (Europe) (En,Fr,De,Es,It) Online in your browser

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Rainbow Islands (Europe) (En,Fr,De,Es,It)

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Rainbow Islands: GBC Platformer

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is the Game Boy Color port of Taito's classic arcade platformer. Released in Europe with full support for English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, this version brought the colorful vertical-scrolling action to Nintendo's handheld. While the original arcade game debuted in 1987, the Game Boy Color adaptation arrived later, fitting neatly into the system's library of arcade conversions from the late '90s. You control a small character who can shoot rainbows upward. These rainbows serve two purposes: they defeat enemies when they land on them, and they create temporary platforms you can jump onto to climb higher. The goal is to reach the top of each stage, collecting gems and items along the way. Each level is a vertical tower filled with monsters and obstacles, and you have to think about both attacking and traversing the terrain using your own rainbows. The game keeps the same core mechanics as the original but adapts them to the GBC's smaller screen and controls. If you enjoy classic arcade platformers with a unique twist, Rainbow Islands on Game Boy Color is worth a look. It's a solid port that captures the spirit of the original, though the handheld's limitations mean the screen can feel cramped at times. Still, the rainbow mechanic remains clever and satisfying, making it a nice addition to any retro collection focused on Taito's legacy. It's not a revolutionary title, but it's a faithful and fun adaptation that holds up well for short play sessions.

GAME INFO

Platform: Game Boy Color
Genre: Platformer
Players: 1
Region: Europe

How to play Rainbow Islands online

Getting Started

When you begin a new game, you see a title screen and can press Enter to start. The game presents a world map with numbered stages. Use the D-Pad to select a stage and press X to begin. Your character starts at the bottom of a vertical level. The goal is to climb to the top by using rainbows as platforms while avoiding or defeating enemies.

The core loop is straightforward: press B (S key) to shoot a rainbow upward. If an enemy touches the rainbow, it gets trapped and becomes a platform you can stand on. The rainbow also acts as a solid block you can jump onto from below. Time your shots so you create a staircase to higher areas. Collecting gems and special items increases your score and can give power-ups. You have a limited number of lives, and touching an enemy without trapping it costs a life. The game ends when all lives are gone, but you can continue from the beginning of the stage by pressing Start on the game over screen.

New players should know that rainbows disappear after a few seconds or if you reach the top of the stage, so you need to move quickly. Also, you can shoot multiple rainbows to create wider platforms. The difficulty increases as you progress, with more enemies and tighter spaces. Take your time to learn enemy patterns and use the rainbows both offensively and strategically to navigate the vertical terrain.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button (jump / confirm)
S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
Enter: Start / Pause
V: Select

Rainbow Islands FAQ

Who developed Rainbow Islands?

Originally developed by Taito for arcades, the specific developer of the Game Boy Color port is not widely documented.

What makes Rainbow Islands stand out among Game Boy Color titles of its era?

Its unique mechanic of using rainbows as both weapons to defeat enemies and platforms to climb levels sets it apart from typical platformers on the system.

What type of game is Rainbow Islands?

It is a platformer with puzzle-like elements, focusing on vertical climbing and strategic use of the rainbow attack to overcome obstacles.