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Overview

Developed by Taito Corporation and released in 1990, ‘Rainbow Islands Extra’ is a platform video game that serves as an updated version of ‘Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2’. It is an arcade classic that continues the saga of Bub and Bob, who are on a mission to save the Rainbow Islands, using rainbows as their primary weapon and tool to navigate through various levels.

Gameplay Mechanics

The primary objective of the game is to climb to the top of the island while avoiding or eliminating enemies using rainbows for a combination of attack and platforming. Players can unleash rainbows to defeat enemies, create paths, and collect various items that appear throughout each level. The game maintains a colorful and vibrant aesthetic, consistent with its predecessor, and introduces more challenging enemy patterns and level designs in this extra version.

Levels and Environment

The game consists of several themed islands, each with its own unique set of challenges and enemies. Each island has multiple levels, culminating in a boss fight that requires players to use their rainbow abilities strategically. Collecting certain power-ups and defeating enemies rewards players with bonus points and additional powers, adding layers of strategy and skill development to the gameplay.

Reception and Legacy

While ‘Rainbow Islands Extra’ is not as widely known as its predecessor ‘Bubble Bobble’, it has maintained a particular charm among fans of classic arcade games. The updates and additional challenges in this version have made it a memorable, albeit niche, entry in the platformer genre of the early 90s.

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