As a 2006 remaster for the Nintendo DS, Rainbow Islands Revolution updates the classic platformer where you ascend vertically sinking levels by firing magical rainbows to trap foes and create temporary bridges. This version radically shifts gameplay by replacing traditional controls with a global touchscreen system: you drag your character to move and draw rainbows directly with the stylus. While the core loop of reaching the top and collecting bonus items remains, the unique stylus interaction fundamentally alters level traversal and combat strategy compared to the original.
The fundamental structure involves using rainbows not only to defeat foes but also as temporary platforms to traverse the environment. Enemies, when defeated, yield valuable bonus items and power-ups. A key element of the original design—the limited lifespan of the rainbows—is retained, requiring players to manage their magical constructs carefully.
The most significant departure from the source material is the complete overhaul of the control system. Instead of traditional button inputs, this remaster implements a global touchscreen interface. Movement is executed by dragging the player character around the levels using the stylus. Furthermore, rainbows are drawn directly onto the gameplay area via stylus input, fundamentally changing how players create pathways and trap enemies. This shift necessitates a different approach to timing and level traversal compared to the original.
Levels are designed vertically, emphasizing upward movement against a constant environmental threat—the sinking stage. Players must utilize their rainbow abilities strategically to clear paths and reach the summit before time runs out. The time limit has been extended in this version to account for the player being unable to move and deploy rainbows simultaneously.
The game retains the core objective of ascending levels and the unique mechanic of breaking rainbows by tapping them with the stylus (instead of jumping on them) to cause them to fall and eliminate enemies they touch. The system of collecting point-based food items and beneficial power-ups upon enemy defeat is also preserved.
This title was developed specifically to leverage the unique hardware capabilities of the Nintendo DS, with gameplay displayed across both screens of the console. As a standalone remaster, it does not feature any downloadable content (DLC) or expansions post-release.