Developer: Sangatu Usagi no Mori
Publisher: ININ Games
Genre: Shoot-‘Em-Up
Nintendo Switch
The world was introduced to Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams in 1993, a cute shoot-em-up that made a difference in the genre when it comes to presentation. The “Cute-’em-up was full of bright colors and cute characters in a genre full of space ships and grotesque monsters. Still, like most of the games from the genre, Cotton is a mostly obscure franchise that only diehards are familiar with. Cotton Reboot! is an HD reimagining of the series’ first game.
Cotton Reboot! is an excellent introduction to shoot-’em-ups for those who are new to the genre. This is especially so if the player appreciates classic anime aesthetics. Players take on the role of Cotton, a witch who has a bit of a candy addiction. Throughout the game’s seven or so levels, players will control Cotton on her broom as she mows down hordes of enemies to save some fairies and get candy. It’s an incredibly simple premise, but it’s charming and retro, so it’s easy to forgive.
The game comes with new HD visuals and a reimagining of the soundtrack. The new way to play the game is through “Arrange Mode,” which features the new video and audio upgrades. For those who are feeling nostalgic, there is the “X68000 original mode,” which essentially acts as an emulator for the original 1993 arcade game. For some extra replayability, there is also a score attack mode complete with online leaderboards to challenge competitive players.
The story mode is where most players will spend the majority of their time. It’s a short experience that will only take a couple of hours to complete. Despite how short the stages are, they feel endlessly replayable as players work to improve their shooting and dodging for better scores. Players will scroll from left to write as they fire bullets from their brooms and dodge enemy attacks. Power-ups are present throughout the stages, and shooting at them before picking them up will actually change the power-ups. This allows players to approach levels in different ways with each playthrough. Shooting these crystals can lead to better upgrades but it might not be prudent to spend time shooting them with everything happening on the screen.
This is no bullet hell, but Cotton Reboot! can be plenty challenging if players want it to be. Both the classic and arranged version of the game feature not only different aesthetics but different attack patterns too. This makes it so that players can effectively get two different games while playing, keeping everything fresh. There are also difficulty modes and ways to adjust the lives system. It’s a game that is kind to new players but also respects the veterans in the genre.
The new aesthetics look great, but the original mode still features some cute graphics. The soundtrack is catchy and complements the level themes well. Despite being an HD remake, Cotton Reboot! has some of the best presentation in the genre regardless of the mode being played.
Cotton Reboot! is a solid game that highlights an important part of shoot-’em-up history. The price tag is a bit steep, but the replayability and charm make this game worth the price of admission for those who are interested in this type of game. Others might want to wait for a sale just because of how short the main story can be.
Cotton Reboot!
Cotton Reboot! is a short but sweet cute'-em-up that is accessible to new players and can still challenge genre veterans.
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