When does "Hardcore" difficulty unlock?

[XkyDiver]

On the PS3 version, purchasing the expansion pack allowed access to Hardcore difficulty. What do we have to do to unlock it in this version?

[l.hutchinson]

finish regular mode

[Icky Thump]

Jesus. I'm having a hard enough time on Regular, let alone getting Rainbows.

[XkyDiver]

Grumble, grumble. :) Is there a rationale for not having Hardcore unlocked by default? I've already cleared the first two worlds on Hardcore on the PS3 version; I know what I'm doing! Don't make me play the levels twice, please!

[Tree Stopper]

Simply completeing all levels on all three islands will unlock Hard-Core. You don't have to get the rainbows to unlock it.

[InquisitorM]

I've finished the game on regular but I can't access hardcore.

[InquisitorM]

Anyone? Please? I'd like to do hardcore; I've run out of things to do.

[XkyDiver]

I'm fairly certain you need rainbows. Just clearing the levels isn't enough.

[InquisitorM]

You don't need rainbows, but pressing F1 will show any levels that havne't been completed on regular difficulty (I sent the company an email to ask for help). I was just missing the tutorial, but there's normally no way to tell if you've missed a level.

[pgann]

So wait. you have to clear all levels on all islands (including tutorial) and then the game unlocks Hardcore mode?

[InquisitorM]

Yes.

[OppaErich]

Lies - I have all rainbows on casual AND regular but still no Hardcore mode. And...how do you unlock the ice tower ?

[XkyDiver]

Have you gotten all rainbows on all three of the islands? Played the little island that you type a password in for?

We finally gained access to Hardcore (and therefore Golden Rainbows) after clearing all three islands with rainbows.

[OppaErich]

Ah, I didn't spot Special 3 on Tiki. And after I did, I had a hard time to find the track to it...
Got it now but Harcore unlocked after beating it on regular, easy didn't unlock it. A bit funny: I got the rainbow on regular at the first try but can't get it on easy.

[XkyDiver]

Hardcore is pretty difficult! I'm not certain, but it may change the balance of towers, too--try using a tower you previously thought ineffective; you might be surprised!

[psymin]

I can't unlock hardcore either. I've gotten the achievement for getting rainbows on everything though. Weird right?

21 rainbows on tiki counted
http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/171539431157329260/64CAC7920468465106A289F9F738909C1C0CC621/

only 20 listed
http://images.akamai.steamusercontent.com/ugc/171539431157328806/9FC80E707F5D233D5DFEDB549280C061DA37DE25/

Edit: pressing F1 makes one of the levels with a rainbow (and cloud?) blink. Going to redo that level and hope for the best.