Developed by Probe/GraftGold and published by Acclaim in 1996 Follow me on Twitter: / al82_retro Add me on Google+: Video Notes: tool-assisted (save-state, input recording) By 1996 the 16-bit console generation dominated by the Sega Mega Drive and SNES was all but over. The PlayStation, Saturn and N64 were busy wowing the world with 3D, whilst 3DFX took things even further with it's dedicated graphics accelerator boards for the PC. Despite the prevalence of 3D, the additional power present in the next generation of consoles could also be used to deliver ever more engaging 2D titles. Developers soon started creating remakes and updates of classic 16-bit retro titles, a trend that continues to this day. Rainbow Islands, the classic coin-op by Taito, received such a makeover in the mid 90's and was released on PC DOS, Windows, PlayStation and the Sega Saturn. The PS1 and Saturn versions also included arcade versions of Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Islands on the disc, as well as Rainbow Islands Enhanced. For some mysterious reason, Acclaim decided to call the compilation "Bubble Bobble also featuring Rainbow Islands", placing emphasis on Bubble Bobble when the main attraction is really the updated version of Rainbow Islands. So, what has changed in this edition of the game to earn the "Enhanced" moniker, you may wonder? At it's core, the game is conversion of the original arcade game with much improved graphics and improved colour palette. Each of the game's levels features more detailed backgrounds and additional artwork, whilst all of the game's sprite have received a visual overhaul. Even the player's rainbows have been tweaked to give them a semi-transparent effect, rather than the solid primary colours of old. The game looks really nice and is a definite improvement, but doesn't sully the aesthetics of the original game. Accompanying the updated visuals is a remastered soundtrack that makes use of the console's CD capabilities. I will admit that a single music track is pushing the boundaries of what you can legitimately call a soundtrack, but it still sounds cool and is much more subtle than the slightly warbling chip-tunes of the arcade machine. As for the gameplay, it's completely unchanged. Everything from the original game is present and correct and fans of the arcade game should be able to dive straight into this without any trouble. Sadly, I discovered that the three bonus islands normally unlocked by collecting the seven large diamonds are completely absent from this version of the game. The upshot of this is that the final ghost Blubba boss is missing, as is the cut-scene that shows Bubby and Bobby using the power of the diamonds to release their friends from their imprisonment. The snazzy graphics are all well and good, but there's no good explanation as to why these levels have been omitted - it all ends up being somewhat disappointing. The game's still a lot of fun to play, but those looking for the complete package will have to play the arcade version instead. #retrogaming
