When a video game is successful—as Rainbow Islands was—it is inevitably ported to platform after platform. And that’s great, because it means no matter what console you went with, you probably won’t miss out—there’ll be a version of said game you can pick up.
However, when there are many different versions of a game, it can leave us scratching our heads about which is the best version. This was even more true in the past when ports varied greatly from one system to another. Rainbow Islands, as you might expect, is a perfect example of a game with varying quality between all its different versions.
For example, the NES and Master System versions of Rainbow Islands are, of course, rudimentary graphically speaking. Whereas, the Wii/Xbox 360 version is reasonably entry into the series, but is quite a different game—if you know, you know. Then, there’s the PlayStation version, which dispensed with the classic soundtrack, but has an option to enable updated graphics.
Of course, it’s important to remember that whatever version you played as a kid will likely feel like the “correct” version to you. So, while for the purposes of this article we are rating the versions, it’s important to follow your heart and be loyal to your own personal nostalgia.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Review Format Explained
- Reviews:
- Rainbow Islands and Emulation
- Conclusion and Rainbow Islands Version Tier List
Reviews and Ratings Explained
To evaluate the different versions we’re going to use four categories.
Is it Faithful to the Arcade Version?
In the 80s and 90s, the arcade versions of games were often considered the definitive versions. This was for a few reasons.
Firstly, the arcade versions were often the original versions—so, that meant players might be trying to get that same experience at home. Secondly, arcade versions were typically graphically superior. That wasn’t necessarily always true, but at certain points in time, such a statement would be true more often that not.
Graphical Quality
This category needs little explanation. After all, an 8 bit version of the Rainbow Islands will, naturally, be graphically inferior to a 16 bit counterpart.
However, there are some nuances worth explaining when it comes to different versions of Rainbow Islands. As mentioned in the introduction, the MD/Genesis version stands out for its artistic choices—more on that later.
Soundtrack Quality
Similar to graphical quality, the superiority of a Rainbow Islands soundtrack depends, somewhat, on the power of the system. Of course, the NES sound chip was outperformed by its arcade board equivalents. However, the power of the platform doesn’t necessarily determine the quality of the soundtrack for each version of Rainbow Islands.
Consider this: the Rainbow Islands chiptune soundtrack is a classic—at the time of release, it was praised for its catchy tunes. However, due to the main theme being based on “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg, it wasn’t used in all versions due to concerned over copyright.
Most versions of Rainbow Islands employ either the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired theme or an alternative theme that retains a similar spirit. Throughout this article, we will refer to the latter theme as the “alternative” theme. Of course, worth noting, some games have entirely different themes.
X Factor
This subsection is a catch all for anything that doesn’t fall neatly into arcade faithfulness, graphical quality, or audio quality. Over the years, the different versions of Rainbow Islands definitely have some features fall under this category. So, be aware!
We use this section to highlight any value that might be gained from extra features not included in the original version of Rainbow Islands. Additionally, any peculiarities regarding mechanics might also be included in this section.
Arcade Version (1987)
As the progenitor, the arcade version of Rainbow Islands stands tall in its own right. In fact, of course, it is the correct version to judge all other versions against. However, being the original version of the game means that, sadly, there isn’t a great deal to critique. Therefore, the challenge will be on the other versions of the game: can they live up to the arcade version’s standards? Moreover, can they surpass it?
Graphical Quality
The year is 1987, and you might have a cool NES at home, but its graphics were nothing like what you could see at the arcade. Rainbow Islands is a great example of this—the sprites were bigger, more colorful, they were just better than anything you could get on a home console.
It wasn’t just the sprite of the main character, though. In terms of graphics, Rainbow Islands lived up to its name. The enemies, the power ups and the screen filling bosses all flashed and glimmered with the chunkiest colors of the rainbow.
Rainbow Islands’ stages were magnificent, too—it was easy to get hooked on a game like Rainbow Islands back then.
Soundtrack Quality
It wasn’t just the graphics that pulled you in, though. It was the soundtrack, too.
The main theme of the game is a tune based on “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg. Of course, in later years, this would cause Taito some copyright issues. However, at the time, it was a core element of what created the perfect vibe for Rainbow Islands.
In addition to the main theme, the sound effects were just dandy. The noise when you create a rainbow, for example, was just perfect—the sound was a mix between a soft ping and a textured sparkle.
When you consider the sound together with the graphics, that’s when you realize, the arcade original of Rainbow Islands was an absolute work of art.
X Factor
As the original version of the game, it’s impossible for this version to have anything that makes it stand out as a “special” version of the game.
Having said that, though, it would be foolish to suggest that the original wasn’t special in its own way. After all, if you can find an original arcade cabinet for your basement or game room, or perhaps even build a modern cabinet running a MAME emulator—well, that’s a it’s a special experience!
Rating
This is the original version of the game, giving it anything other than A rating wouldn’t do, would it?
A Tier.
NES – Taito Version (1988)
The NES was the first home console to receive a version of Rainbow Islands.
What’s interesting, though, is that the NES actually has two competing ports of Rainbow Islands. The first was made by Taito themselves and released in the US and Japan in 1988—that’s the version we’re talking about in this section. Later, though, another version was released in Europe—this version was ported by Ocean on behalf of Taito.
Arcade Faithful?
When you consider the relative power of the NES versus arcade machines at that time, it’s forgivable that this version of Rainbow Islands doesn’t come near to the arcade version.
Taito didn’t attempt to recreate the game exactly, though. Instead, they put the same mechanics in place, and then designed levels better suited to the NES.
Graphical Quality
The NES, of course, had its limitations—so, you can’t expect anything close to the arcade original.
However, that doesn’t mean admirable visuals are out of the question. On the contrary, Taito’s NES version of Rainbow Islands has a very cute aesthetic. The little 8 bit sprite is especially adorable. As are the enemies that fill the levels.
Unfortunately, due to the NES’s limitations, there is no graphical representation of the islands. Instead, there are plain numbers representing each of the islands. For a game called Rainbow Islands, it’d be pretty nice for said islands to feature! Bummer.
Soundtrack Quality
Like graphics, 8 bit systems were also limited with sound capabilities. As such, the chip tune can’t really match the quality of the audio of an arcade counterpart.
However, as far as NES soundtracks go, the Taito version of Rainbow Islands has a pretty good one. Sadly, though, it is not the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired theme. Instead, it is the first appearance of the “alternative” theme.
The sound effects are generally quite palatable. However, the jumping sound effect stands out as quite sharp. Over time, it can become frustrating to listen to.
X Factor
The fact that this is not a faithful reproduction of the arcade original is what makes it sound out. As a quite original game, it serves as a rewarding experience for Rainbow Islands fans looking for something new to try out. Don’t let the power of the NES—or, more specifically, the lack thereof—discourage you from checking out this cute version of the game.
Rating
The 1988 Taito NES version of Rainbow Islands is worth checking out if you’re a Rainbow Islands fanatic. But, if you’re looking for a pure Rainbow Islands experience, this might not be the version for you.
C Tier
Commodore 64 Version (1989)
Like the NES, the C64 was an 8 bit machine. As such, its own version of Rainbow Islands—released in 1989—was also quite limited.
Arcade Faithful?
Again, for an 8 bit system, it was impossible to approach the arcade version in all aspects.
However, it is a more faithful attempt at porting the original arcade game. This is because the C64 version of Rainbow Islands features the original level design, whereas the Taito NES version does not.
Graphical Quality
It’s import to respect personal preference, but even C64 fans would likely admit that its palette, when compared to other 8 bit systems, is a little more subdued. Therefore, the C64 version of Rainbow Islands appears a little drab, when compared to its 8 bit competitors.
Soundtrack Quality
Thankfully, the C64 version of Rainbow Islands has the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired main theme!
The C64 had a very unique style to its chiptune—its sound is sort of wah wah-ish, with a techno, but also dreamy quality to it. Therefore, the C64 version of Rainbow Islands has an otherworldly vibe. There’s a synergy between the bizarre audio and the C64’s atypical color palette.
It’s neither a positive or a negative, really. Instead, the C64’s style of music will be a matter of personal taste.
X Factor
Because the C64 has, comparatively speaking, both unusual visual and sound styles, it makes for an interesting version of the game to play.
Rating
Give it a try if you’re a Rainbow Islands super fan. But, otherwise, most players won’t miss out by swerving this version.
C Tier
ZX Spectrum Version (1989)
While the ZX Spectrum and the NES are both 8 bit consoles, it’s worth remembering that, put simply, the Spectrum just wasn’t as powerful. So, soften any expectations for this version of Rainbow Islands.
Arcade Faithful?
The core mechanics are in place, and the levels are recreated as per their arcade progenitor. So, in that sense, the ZX Spectrum edition of Rainbow Islands is fairly arcade faithful.
However, due to it being a relatively weak platform, the visuals and audio are far superior to the arcade version. Not only that, they are also inferior to other 8 bit machines like the NES and the C64.
Graphical Quality
Bless the ZX Spectrum, there’s only so much it can do.
In this version of Rainbow Islands, the graphics are particularly rudimentary. The colors are so limited, in fact, that the main sprite is simply a white outline. Interesting when we think that the ZX Spectrum was called “Spectrum” because of its ability to display color—many prior systems were unable to do so. However, by the time Rainbow Islands was released for the platform (1989) the Spectrum’s strength in colors had become a weakness.
Soundtrack Quality
Thankfully, the ZX Spectrum port of Rainbow Islands utilizes the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired theme.
Of course, the style of sound game consoles were able to produce in times gone by was dictated by the sound chip. Each machine had its own signature sound, and the Spectrum was no different—so, if you’re interested in hearing the many different chiptune versions of the Rainbow Islands theme, that might be reason enough to try out this version.
X Factor
In the deep field of candidates, this version of the game doesn’t really stand out.
Having said that, though, it might be worth checking out simply for how basic the visuals are—it’s a lesson in video game history, and the ZX Spectrum was an important event.
Rating
Check out this version if you’re interested in the earliest color video game consoles.
D Tier
Amstrad CPC Version (1989)
Europeans are most likely to be familiar with Amstrad as opposed to those from elsewhere. This is because Amstrad were a British-based company and their products were mostly popular in Europe.
Luckily for Amstrad users, there was, of course, a version of Rainbow Islands released for the CPC.
Arcade Faithful?
Like many other 8 bit systems, the Amstrad CPC was not capable of running an arcade faithful version of Rainbow Islands.
However, the port is faithful to the arcade version in some ways. For example, despite its graphical limitations, the Amstrad CPC version of Rainbow Islands follows the original arcade version’s level design quite well.
Graphical Quality
Poor, as you’d expect from a weaker machine. However, like the other 8 bit versions, the CPC’s version is not without its charm. Each 8 bit system has very specific graphical limitations and, therefore, each 8 bit version of Rainbow Islands has a unique aesthetic.
Soundtrack Quality
Luckily, this version of the game employs the “Over the Rainbow”-inspired theme. Of course, like with graphics, 8 bit systems come with sound chip limitations and, therefore, each version 8 bit version has a particular audio style.
X Factor
One of the main things that makes the Amstrad version of Rainbow Islands stand out is that—unfortunately, if you ask me—it does not employ a jump button. Instead, the player jumps by using up on the joystick.
While, this might not seem like the end of the world, it can be quite detrimental in Rainbow Islands. This is because of a technique where the player jumps and rolls the finger from the jump button onto the rainbow button—doing this creates a sort of downward falling attack that makes killing enemies much easier.
Rating
D Tier
Amiga Version (1990)
Ah, the Amiga version! While it isn’t arcade-perfect, the Amiga was a relatively powerful system at the time, and so, as you can imagine, it had a good crack at Rainbow Islands.
Arcade Faithful?
In many ways the Amiga version of Rainbow Islands is very close indeed to the arcade version. However, it is not perfect, it falls short in both visuals and audio. Not only that, the control system isn’t quite the same as the arcade.
But, remember, just because it falls short doesn’t mean it’s bad—not at all. In fact, the Amiga version of Rainbow Islands is much closer to the arcade version than the vast majority of its counterparts.
Graphical Quality
The graphics of the Amiga version of Rainbow Islands are very good. However, unfortunately, they don’t quite live up to the arcade original. Specifically, the colors aren’t quite as rich as the arcade original.
Soundtrack Quality
For those of us of a certain age, we remember the sounds of the arcade as much as we do the visuals. Arcade machines really put out some chunky sounds. Those chunky sounds married perfectly with the equally chunky visuals of the era.
Recreating the “chunkiness” of arcade games in the home was always going to be difficult. The Amiga version of Rainbow Islands does have good sound—and the classic “Over the Rainbow”-inspired theme—but the sounds just aren’t “arcadey” at all. There’s something softer sounding about the audio that, comes close, but misses perfectly ever so slightly.
X Factor
Like the Amstrad version we covered above, the Amiga version is another edition of Rainbow Islands where up on the joystick is used to jump instead of a dedicated jump button. Bummer.
Rating
B Tier
Mega Drive / Genesis Version (1990)
The Genesis version of Rainbow Islands is one of the more interesting version. This is because it isn’t a normal version of Rainbow Islands. Instead, it’s the “extra” version of the game that was created for the arcades because the developers felt their original version wasn’t challenging enough.
However, the original version of the game is built into the cartridge along with the “extra” version. So, ultimately, nothing is lost if you’re looking for the experience of the original style.
Arcade Faithful?
The Genesis version is quite arcade faithful, but in a very specific way. Because the game includes both the extra and original versions of Rainbow Islands, it’s arcade faithful not only to the original release, but also the extra release which came to the arcades some time after the original.
Unfortunately, though, the game is not arcade perfect by any stretch of the imagination. One of the gripes with the Genesis version of Rainbow Islands is that the character’s jump doesn’t feel right—it’s not quite floaty enough. The original floaty jump of Rainbow Islands was core to the way the game played.
Graphical Quality
Throughout this article, we often talk about how much the visuals of 8 bit systems suffer due to their limitations. Well, here, on the 16 bit Genesis, there are no such problems.
This version of Rainbow Islands has very good graphics.
However, those of us preferring the cutesy style of the original version are going to be disappointed by the extra version. Instead of the charming characters of the original version, there are more edgy-looking robots as enemies. However, the main character sprite remains the same, i.e. very cutesy. So, there’s an uncomfortable juxtaposition between the main character and the enemies.
However, remember, you can still access the original style of Rainbow Islands in the Genesis version. To do this, go into the configuration option from the game’s title screen—this will allow you to select the original version of Rainbow Islands. However, while the mobs are returned to their original form, the backgrounds remain dark, instead of light.
Soundtrack Quality
When you play the extra version, there is a somewhat different soundtrack—it matches the extra version quite sensibly. The first island is full of robotic enemies, and so there’s a mechanical sounding theme. Whereas, the second island has wizards and the like, so it has the “Over the Rainbow” theme that’s typically present on the first island! It’s an interesting and appropriate soundtrack, but it’s possibly not for fans of the original.
However, when you select the “original” mode of the game from the configuration menu, it allows you to play the game with the original soundtrack, i.e. the “Over the Rainbow” inspired theme.
X Factor
The X factor in this version of the game is the inclusion of the extra mode. While it might not be for everybody, it’s a nice inclusion. For Rainbow Islands fans who’ve never played the extra mode, the Genesis version of the game provides you with a great opportunity to try it out.
Rating
B Tier
NES – Ocean Version (1991)
The NES is a special console for Rainbow Islands. This is because Nintendo’s 8 bit home console is the only platform to have two different versions Rainbow Islands. The first, covered earlier in this article, was developed by Taito themselves for the NTSC market (i.e. North America and Japan). Whereas, the second version was ported on behalf of Taito by Ocean and was released in the PAL region.
Arcade Faithful?
It’s a quirk that Ocean’s NES port of Rainbow Islands is closer to the arcade original than Taito’s own earlier version.
Although, having said that, it’s important to remember that the NES remains an 8 bit system and, therefore, it cannot be used for a faithful arcade port of Rainbow Islands.
However, in spite of the system’s limitations, the Ocean version of Rainbow Islands sees the player able to spawn triple rainbows. Whereas, the earlier Taito version was limited to just two rainbows. So, in this way, the Ocean version of Rainbow Islands is closer to the arcade version.
But, the Ocean version differs from the arcade version in that the rainbows cannot be used to pickup items! This is a major disappointment as using the rainbows to collect items is a core part of the game’s appeal.
Graphical Quality
Interestingly, the Ocean version of NES Rainbow Islands has much chunkier graphics than the earlier Taito release. As such, they’re closer, but not close, to the arcade original. Thus, we can say that, for an 8 bit system, the Ocean NES version of Rainbow Islands has solid graphics.
Soundtrack Quality
Unfortunately for this version of the game, it does not feature the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired theme. Add to that, the NES’s limited sound capability, and you have a game with a subpar soundtrack.
X Factor
This game’s X factor isn’t really a good one!
The most unique thing about this version of the game is that rainbows don’t pick up items properly—from a certain position they can, but not nearly as they do in other versions of the game. It really changes the game for the worse.
Rating
C Tier
Master System Version (1993)
The Master System, as an 8 bit system from Sega, was a direct competitor with Nintendo’s NES. So, for fun, we can imagine this version of Rainbow Islands in competition with both NES versions of Rainbow Islands.
Arcade Faithful?
This one, like Taito’s NES version, isn’t really very arcade faithful.
It was likely a design choice considering the limitations of the platform. This version of Rainbow Islands isn’t visually or audibly similar to the arcade version. Additionally, the level design is quite different from the arcade original.
Graphical Quality
So, we mentioned that the NES versions are a good opportunity for comparison. Well, with that in mind, it’s worth noting that the Master System version of Rainbow Islands is visually very similar to the Taito NES version. Of course, this follows logic as both systems are similarly powered 8 bit home consoles.
Soundtrack Quality
The Master System’s sound is quite harsh on the ears, it’s a little sharp sounding. Additionally, this version of the game is another that doesn’t feature the arcade theme tune, i.e. the one inspired by the classic “Over the Rainbow” song from the Wizard of Oz.
X Factor
The Master System version of Rainbow Islands has a few quirks.
Like the Taito NES version, the Master System version is kinda cute—the little sprites, while poor compared to the arcade version, have some charm.
Also, the jump range is huge and it makes for an interesting experience.
Lastly, when you spawn a rainbow at the edge of the screen, it actually continues off the side and appears on the opposite side.
Rating
C Tier
PC Engine CD/TurboGrafx-16 Version (1993)
The PC Engine was an important console in the history of video games. It was the first 16 bit console for starters, and it also, eventually, had a CD-based version. Thankfully, Rainbow Islands received a release on the PC Engine, and what a release it was!
Spoiler: the PC Engine version of Rainbow Islands is pretty good. Pretty, pretty, pretty good!
Arcade Faithful?
Absolutely, the PC Engine version of Rainbow Islands is very arcade faithful.
Starting with the little things—the PC Engine version of Rainbow Islands recreates perfectly the jump style—same heigh, same arc. Additionally, the mobs are all the same; this includes how the placement and behavior of the enemies. The level design is also a completely faithful re-creation of the arcade version.
Graphical Quality
As you’d expect for a 16 bit system, the visuals are good. Not only are they good, they’re also essentially perfect re-creations of the arcade original. Everything is there: the colors, the chunky sprites, the imposing bosses, and the engaging levels.
Soundtrack Quality
Let’s just say the soundtrack is perfect!
Not only are all the sound effects arcade perfect, the “Over the Rainbow” theme is present and correct.
X Factor
This version’s X factor is that it’s a good re-creation of the original arcade version—in fact, it has some improvements.
For example, once you clear a world you can go back and forth to re-do your favorites. That is, you can save your progress and, if you have a favorite island, you can go back and redo it for fun. It also means if you’re struggling with some of the later islands, you can farm extra lives by replaying easier islands.
Also! This version of Rainbow Islands has extra bonus islands!
Rating
S Tier
PlayStation / MS-DOS / Saturn Version (1996)
In 1996 there was a multiplatform re-release of Rainbow Islands. The same version of the game was released on the Sony PlayStation, the Sega Saturn, and MS-DOS.
By 1996 home setups—whether consoles or PCs—weren’t going to have any trouble with recreating the graphics or the sounds of the arcade original. So, whether these versions are good or not comes down to execution.
Arcade Faithful?
Because of the power of the machines this version of the game runs on, there were less challenges making the game arcade faithful.
In terms of visuals, for example, it was easy for developers to get the game close to (if not exactly like) the arcade original. However, the controls differ slightly. And, because of copyright, there are issues with the soundtrack—we’ll get into that in the sections below.
Graphical Quality
The graphics in this version of the game are beyond reproach—they’re excellent. Not only that, they’re just like the arcade original.
Moreover, there is an option for “improved” graphics. So, if you’d like to play Rainbow Islands with visuals more fitting of the mid-90s systems, you have the option to play such a version of the game.
It was a wise choice to have two separate versions of the game in one, allowing you to choose which you prefer. That way purists can experience the original Rainbow Islands as it was intended, and if they want to try something new, they can.
Soundtrack Quality
Sadly, this is where this version of the game fails.
Of course, all of the sound effects are good representations of the arcade original. However, the classic theme is absent, due to the copyright fears surrounded its “Over the Rainbow” similarity.
X Factor
As mentioned in the graphics section, the PlayStation/Saturn/DOS version of Rainbow Islands has an improved graphics version.
Sure, purists might not like the new graphics but, thankfully, the player isn’t forced to use the new graphics—there’s the option to pick between arcade perfect original graphics or the “improved” graphics.
Rating
B Tier
WonderSwan Version (2000)
For Rainbow Islands fanatics, the WonderSwan version is one worth checking it out. It’s quite divergent, doing a lot of its own things along the way.
Arcade Faithful?
The WonderSwan was an interesting handheld console. It was a 16 bit machine, so therefore, it was more capable of producing arcade-like graphics than the Game Boy. However, due to the small size and small screen on the device, it wouldn’t be sensible to expect the WonderSwan to host a perfect arcade port of Rainbow Islands.
It seems the developers were aware of that, also. As such, they opted to go in a new direction. The WonderSwan version of rainbow islands features different visuals, characters, and level design.
Graphical Quality
As we mentioned, the WonderSwan went with its own graphical style, opting not to re-create the arcade version’s aesthetic faithfully.
However, that aside, it’s fair to that that, for a handheld, the WonderSwan’s visuals are pretty good—they’re especially cute.
Bear in mind, the WonderSwan’s small screen means the levels scroll left to right as well as up and down.
Soundtrack Quality
Big Bonus! The WonderSwan version of Rainbow Islands features the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired version of the game’s theme.
Additionally, the sound effects are, for a handheld, very good.
X Factor
The WonderSwan release of Rainbow Islands was, like some of the other versions on this list, a Japan only release. Typically, it isn’t really much of an issue for English speakers because Rainbow Islands has minimal text.
However, the WonderSwan version of Rainbow Islands has lots of story. But, unless you can read Japanese, it won’t mean much to you. But, for the lucky ones out there, if you can read Japanese perhaps the story of the WonderSwan version of Rainbow Islands can be a real X factor for you.
Rating
C Tier
Game Boy Color Version (2001)
The Game Boy Color version of Rainbow Islands is a delightful entry into the series.
Arcade Faithful?
This game isn’t very arcade faithful in terms of visuals or level design. However, it does stay somewhat true to the original game’s mechanics.
The jumping mechanics, though, are very different. In the Game Boy Color version of Rainbow Islands you’re afforded a great deal of adjustment while in the air. More traditional versions of the game allow some midair adjustment, but nothing like the degree of maneuverability seen in the Game Boy Color version of Rainbow Islands.
Graphical Quality
It’s got a cute aesthetic, everything you’d expect from a Game Boy Color game.
While the GBC’s subdued color palette isn’t able to recreate the vibrant rainbow of the original game, it does a unique value. The Game Boy Color version of Rainbow Islands is the perfect version of the game to play on a beach vacation, hanging out on the balcony of your waterfront hotel checking out the sunset.
Soundtrack Quality
This game features an entirely unique soundtrack. It’s a very catchy example of chiptune—something you’ll find yourself humming long after you’ve stopped playing this version of Rainbow Islands.
Having said that, I’m not a huge fan of it. Even though it’s solid, it’s not well matched to a Rainbow Islands game. The tune is a little bit too frenetic—it doesn’t have the dreamland-vibe of the original or the alternative theme.
X Factor
This version of the game has interesting visuals, especially the color palette.
Additionally, you’re able to select which islands you’d like to clear in which order—a nice bonus.
But, what really makes the Game Boy Color version of Rainbow Islands stand out is the story as you progress through the game.
Rating
B Tier
PS2 / Xbox / Windows Version (2005) / PS2 (2007)
This version of Rainbow Islands was first included in the Taito Legends compilation released in 2005—this version was released on PS2, Xbox, and on Microsoft Windows. Additionally, Rainbow Islands was again included in another Taito compilation title for the PS2—Taito Memories II Joukan which was only released in Japan.
Arcade Faithful?
The level design is the same, but the visuals are a little bit different. Which is strange, because it seems as though it’s played through emulation rather than having been truly ported. The reason for this suspicion is that to play, you still need to insert coins for continues. Obviously the PS2 has no coin slot, so coins are added by pressing a button instead.
Graphical Quality
While the visuals are updated from the original, they’re not as updated as the PS1’s updated graphics option. Moreover, with the PS1 version you had a choice between the improved graphics and the original graphics. Here, they’ve opted for “somewhere in between” which isn’t as nice as what the previous generation’s console offered.
Soundtrack Quality
The Taito Legends and Taito Memories versions of Rainbow Islands are essentially the same. However, they do differ in one way: the soundtrack.
First, let’s talk about the Taito Legends version. Typically, versions of Rainbow Islands either have the original “Over the Rainbow” inspired theme or an alternative. Most versions that don’t use the “Over the Rainbow” version use the same alternative. This version of the theme, though, is very odd—it has the bass of the original, but sounds as though they simply chopped out the “Over the Rainbow” melody and went with what was left. Very odd.
When it comes to the Taito Memories version of Rainbow Islands, the soundtrack is again somewhat unique. It’s not the original version, nor the alternative version. And, as we’ve established, it’s not the same as the Legends version. It’s its own version and, while it’s a matter of taste, I’m not a fan.
X Factor
In isolation, very little of this version of Rainbow Islands stands out. However, the game is part of a wider compilation featuring many other Taito arcade classics. So, if you’re running on original hardware and found the disc for sale, it could represent good value.
Rating
C Tier
Wii / Xbox 360 Version (2009)
An unusual entry on the list. It’s not really a version of the original Rainbow Islands. Instead, this is its own game.
Arcade Faithful?
Really, it isn’t fair to ask that question. This is because this version of Rainbow Islands—Towering Adventure—is an entirely different game.
Even though this is a new game—a sequel of sorts—there are certain elements that, for a fan of the original, should be maintained.
For example, you’re able to generate rainbows. Said rainbows allow you to climb vertical levels—yep, just like the original. Also, the rainbows are used to defeat enemies. However, jumping on the rainbows does not send them tumbling down to kill enemies below! Instead, you have to hold down on the D pad as you stand or jump onto the rainbows. It seems like such a minor difference, but it affects the fluidity of the gameplay.
Graphical Quality
The visuals are entirely adequate with respect to the title’s status—this was a DLC game sold on the Xbox Live Arcade and WiiWare stores. As such, there’s a certain level of simplicity to be expected.
Soundtrack Quality
As you might expect, the soundtrack has no relation to the original arcade game. For those of us who played Wii games at the time, it very much fits with that era’s motif—visually and audibly.
X Factor
It’s a completely new Rainbow Islands game for enthusiasts to check out. However, if you’re a purist and a big fan of the original, be prepared to be disappointed with some elements of this game.
There are positives, though. Specifically, this version of Rainbow Islands features a side bar that tells you what level of power ups you have. That would have been a very cool feature on the original game.
Additionally, in this version of Rainbow Islands you play to a timer. Which, might not sound that different to the original game—if you wasted enough time, the water would start to rise and you’d be drowned. However, what makes this version’s timer so innovative is that it is also, after a fashion, your life bar. When you a hit by enemies, instead of instantly dying, you lose time off the timer. Also, some enemy drops add extra time to your timer!
Rating
D Tier
Best Versions Emulation
When it comes to emulation, it really depends what system you’re emulating something on.
Of course, PC is probably the easiest and most accessible way to emulate a classic video game. But, there are some other popular emulation methods. For example, if you’re able to mod an old home console, that can often be used for emulation. Additionally, an increasingly popular way to play classic games is via dedicated retro handhelds—devices like the Miyoo Mini, Retroid Pocket, and Anbernic RG35XX.
PC Emulation
PC Engine
For PC emulation, there’s really no competition—the best version of Rainbow Islands to play is, of course, the PC Engine CD version. Not only is it practically arcade perfect, it goes a few steps further improving upon the arcade version.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13102797
You’re able to go back and replay islands you’ve already completed. The PCE CD version also lets you save your progress. Plus, it has some extra islands!
Also, it’s a game intended to played on a full sized TV screen, as such its details will be suited to being displayed on your home computer.
MAME Arcade Original
It goes without saying that if you’re looking for an arcade perfect experience, then just emulate the arcade original.
Sure, it might lack in some of the additional features of the PC Engine version, but if you’re an absolute purist, then you won’t want those extra features anyway.
Retro Handheld Emulation
Companies like Anbernic, PowKiddy, and Retroid use excellent quality screens in their devices. This makes it so that, even though the screens may be small, you’re usually able to see all the details of games originally designed for the larger displays of arcades and home consoles.
Nevertheless, there remains a concern that, because of the smaller screens, some versions of the game won’t be perfectly suited to playing on the go.
PC Engine
The PC Engine version of Rainbow Islands is so fantastically superior that, even though it wasn’t designed for a handheld screen, it is still be the best version of the game to play.
MAME Arcade Original
Similar to the PC Engine version, the arcade original was designed for a larger display. But, depending on the size and quality of the screen on your handheld, you’ll probably be fine.
Game Boy Color
If you have a device with a very small screen, then you might be looking for a version of Rainbow Islands designed specifically for very small screens.
Step forward the Game Boy Color version of Rainbow Islands!
This version of the game has rudimentary visuals, of course, but the sprites and levels are very well suited to a small screen. Additionally, the GBC version has engaging story elements worth experiencing.
Conclusion – Best Version of Rainbow Islands
It’s time to lock in the Rainbow Islands tier list!
It should be clear by now that the PC Engine version of Rainbow Islands is absolutely the best version of the game. Whether you’re playing it on original hardware, emulation on PC, or emulation on handheld, the PC Engine version of Rainbow Islands stands above its peers. It’s impossible to recommend another version over the PCE CD release.
For the arcade purists out there, though, there’s a case that the original is, naturally, the best. As such, it’s a respectable position to take that, via MAME, emulating the arcade release is a solid choice. Moreover, if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on the original arcade cabinet, then lucky you!
An honorable mention goes to the PlayStation/Saturn/MS-DOS version of Rainbow Islands for the updated graphics version—check it out.
Final Rainbow Islands Version Tier List
