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Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 vs Tomba!

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2
Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2Ride the rainbow and rescue islanders in this classic arcade adventure.
Tomba!
Tomba!A whimsical 2D adventure where you grab, throw, and solve 130 missions on a magical island.
Overview
Description

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 is the 1987 sequel to Taito's beloved Bubble Bobble. Players control Bubby and Bobby as they climb ten colorful islands, using rainbows as weapons to defeat enemies and collect gems. The game blends platforming, puzzle solving, and arcade action in a vibrant fantasy world, offering both single‑player and cooperative multiplayer modes. Originally an arcade title, it has been ported to PC and remains a nostalgic favorite for retro gamers.

Tomba! is a side‑scrolling platformer that follows the pink‑haired hero Tomba on a quest to recover his grandfather's stolen bangle. Set across a series of fantastical islands, the game blends classic jump‑and‑run action with a deep mission system and unique grab‑and‑throw mechanics. Players explore multiple planes, wield projectile weapons like maces and boomerangs, and complete over a hundred events to earn adventure points, unlock items, and ultimately defeat the evil pigs. The single‑player experience is rich with puzzles, boss battles, and hidden secrets.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
Platformers
Platformers
Best for
Retro gamers and arcade enthusiasts
Fans of classic 2D platformers
Specifications
General
msrp
$19.99
$19.99
release date
1987-12-31
1997-12-25
Specifications
developer
Taito
Whoopee Camp
publisher
NEC Avenue, MediaKite Distribution, Taito, Romstar
Sony Computer Entertainment, MonkeyPaw Games
age rating
ESRB E
ESRB E
multiplayer
Single player, Multiplayer
Single player
critic score
78/100
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Bright, memorable pixel art style.
  • Simple yet deep platforming mechanics.
  • Two-player cooperative mode.
  • Rich variety across ten islands.
  • Innovative grab‑and‑throw combat
  • Rich mission system with high replay value
  • Vibrant art style and memorable characters
  • Multiple planes add depth to 2D navigation
Cons
  • Limited modern quality‑of‑life features.
  • No online multiplayer.
  • Difficulty spikes in later stages.
  • Occasional camera glitches when switching planes
  • Some missions require backtracking, which can feel repetitive
  • Limited guidance can make early navigation confusing
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return
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Ride the rainbow and rescue islanders in this classic arcade adventure.

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Both are classic single‑player platformers priced the same, but Tomba! offers richer mission variety and depth, while Rainbow Islands shines with cooperative play and simpler arcade fun.

Key differences

  • Tomba! features 130 distinct missions and a grab‑and‑throw combat system; Rainbow Islands has 10 themed islands and cooperative mode.
  • Multiplayer: Tomba! is single‑player only; Rainbow Islands supports local co‑op for two players.
  • Gameplay depth: Tomba! includes plane‑switching, puzzles, and upgrade mechanics; Rainbow Islands focuses on rainbow platforming and score collection.
  • Release era and style: Tomba! (1997) offers vibrant 2D art; Rainbow Islands (1987) uses classic pixel art.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Tomba! provides 130 missions, plane switching, puzzles, and upgrade system versus Rainbow Islands' simpler arcade platforming.

Tomba!

Platform availability

Both are PC releases with keyboard/gamepad support; no other platforms listed.

Tie

Price & value

Both cost $19.99 one‑time, offering comparable monetary cost.

Tie

Multiplayer / co‑op

Rainbow Islands includes local two‑player co‑op; Tomba! is single‑player only.

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2

Content & replayability

130 missions and adventure points in Tomba! give higher replay value than Rainbow Islands' 10 islands.

Tomba!

Difficulty & accessibility

Rainbow Islands has simple controls but noted difficulty spikes; Tomba! can be confusing early due to limited guidance.

Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2

Graphics & performance

Tomba! described as vibrant, colorful art; Rainbow Islands uses classic pixel art, less modern visual appeal.

Tomba!

Choose Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 if…

Players who value local co‑op, quick arcade sessions, and retro pixel aesthetics.

Choose Tomba! if…

Players who want deep single‑player adventure, many missions, and upgrade systems.

Common questions

Do either games offer online multiplayer?

No; Rainbow Islands only has local co‑op, and Tomba! is single‑player.

Which game has more content to replay?

Tomba! with 130 missions versus Rainbow Islands' ten islands.

Are there any price differences?

Both are priced at $19.99 one‑time.