#28: Rainbow Islands (Taito/Ocean, Amiga, 1987/1989)
The mechanics of Rainbow Islands are as idiosyncratic and unique as its predecessor. Earlier I said that Bubby ‘shoots’ rainbows, but that’s not an entirely accurate choice of words; the rainbows you produce are used for more than just destroying your enemies, are more than simply weaponised queerness. Because after a rainbow is fired, it remains on screen, and can be used as a platform to climb to the summit which is your goal. Indeed, it is perfectly possible to reach the end of a level simply by climbing your own rainbow bridges, without ever confronting your enemies directly. While Bubby may be out and proud now, that doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to deal with the shitheads who wish to attack him for it. He is simply trying to build a life for himself, and if they happen to find that threatening, then that is all on them.