Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 vs Tomba!
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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.
- 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
- 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
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Alternatives to Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2
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A whimsical side‑scrolling adventure where Tomba battles cursed pigs and unlocks 137 quests

Ride the rainbow and rescue islanders in this classic arcade adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth 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.
Gameplay & fun factor
Tomba! provides 130 missions, plane switching, puzzles, and upgrade system versus Rainbow Islands' simpler arcade platforming.
Platform availability
Both are PC releases with keyboard/gamepad support; no other platforms listed.
Price & value
Both cost $19.99 one‑time, offering comparable monetary cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Rainbow Islands includes local two‑player co‑op; Tomba! is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
130 missions and adventure points in Tomba! give higher replay value than Rainbow Islands' 10 islands.
Difficulty & accessibility
Rainbow Islands has simple controls but noted difficulty spikes; Tomba! can be confusing early due to limited guidance.
Graphics & performance
Tomba! described as vibrant, colorful art; Rainbow Islands uses classic pixel art, less modern visual appeal.
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.




