Rainbow Islands
Rainbow Islands is a 1987 platformer developed by Taito and the sequel to Bubble Bobble, featuring the dragons Bub and Bob transformed into human boys named Bubby and Bobby. Instead of bubbles, players create rainbows that serve as both weapons to strike enemies and platforms to climb ever upward through vertically scrolling stages, with each island divided into several themed rounds and a boss.
The core mechanic of laying rainbows to bridge gaps, crush foes, and trigger chains of collapsing arcs gave the game a distinctive rhythm. Racing to the top of each island before the rising water caught up, players could collect coloured diamonds in a set order to unlock bonus treasure and, ultimately, hidden extra islands and the true ending. Power-up potions increased rainbow speed, size, and quantity.
Rainbow Islands is remembered as a bright, inventive classic praised for its depth and secrets. It has been included in various Taito retro compilations and remains enjoyable today through those re-releases and emulation.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Rainbow Islands, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Fez Indie
€ 8,99An indie puzzle-platformer with the same sense of colorful climbing exploration and secrets.
Fez runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Yoku's Island Express Indie
€ 19,99A sunny, colourful island platformer built on pinball physics, with the same relentless cheer.
Yoku's Island Express runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure!
€ 9,99An official modern remake that updates the rainbow-climbing gameplay with fresh visuals.
Rainbow Islands: Towering Adventure! runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Untested.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
€ 59,99Bright, gentle platforming with hidden collectibles, the modern equivalent of Rainbow Islands' friendly tone.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck.
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