Developer: KRITZELKRATZ 3000
Publisher: ININ
Genre: Shmup, on rails shooter,
Price: $19.99
Release Date: May 8th, 2024
Where to buy: Steam, Switch, PSN, XBOX
For over two decades, Rainbow Cotton remained a charming relic of the Sega Dreamcast era. Released in 2000, this quirky 3D rail-shooter captured hearts with its vibrant visuals, lighthearted atmosphere, and the sugar-fueled adventures of Cotton, a witch on a mission to reclaim her stolen candy. However, the Dreamcast’s short lifespan confined Rainbow Cotton to a niche audience. Thankfully, 2024 marks a sweet return as the game takes flight on modern platforms.
One of the best things about these remakes or re-releases is that they’re preserved for the future, with some light quality-of-life improvements. However, porting games to modern platforms can create confusion for newcomers. For example, if a game is converted from a Dreamcast console, certain mechanics might be optimized for that specific controller. I’ve already seen complaints from keyboard-only users.
As someone who grew up with various control schemes, I appreciate the option to use a keyboard, joystick, gamepad, or even paddles. While having many choices is great, it’s important to remember the original design intent. If a game was designed for a specific controller (like the Dreamcast), I recommend using a similar one for the best experience. For example, an Xbox gamepad (ironically inspired by the Sega Saturn’s 3D controller) would be a good choice for a Dreamcast game.
Of course, everyone is free to play any game with any control format they prefer. However, keep in mind that the game might not function perfectly if you stray too far from the original controller setup. This review is based on the game’s intended controller format.
Rainbow Cotton offered a unique twist on the rail-shooter genre, popularized by titles like Panzer Dragoon. While Panzer Dragoon presented a more mature atmosphere, Rainbow Cotton embraced a playful aesthetic. Cotton, with her bright pink hair and insatiable sweet tooth, soared through whimsical landscapes, battling enemies with a colorful arsenal of magical attacks. This shift in tone made Rainbow Cotton a delightful family-friendly experience.
The core gameplay remained familiar. Players control Cotton on a predetermined path, blasting enemies and collecting power-ups. However, Rainbow Cotton added a layer of depth with Cotton’s familiars – adorable little creatures that aided in combat and exploration. Players could strategically switch between familiars, each with unique abilities, to maximize their effectiveness. This mechanic added a layer of strategy and variety to the fast-paced action.
Rainbow Cotton’s core gameplay loop revolves around fast-paced shooting and strategic power-up collection, all while navigating a predetermined 3D path. Here’s a closer look at the mechanics that make this rail-shooter so much fun:
- Cotton’s Colorful Cannons: Cotton’s main form of attack is her magical shots. By collecting gem power-ups, she can level up her attack, increasing the number of projectiles and adding visual flair. This keeps the combat exciting and visually engaging.
- Fairy Familiars: A key element that differentiates Rainbow Cotton is the use of familiars. These captured fairies act as companions that fight alongside Cotton. Players can switch between different captured fairies, each with unique abilities. Some fairies might fire a constant stream of weak shots, while others unleash powerful homing missiles. Strategically deploying the right fairy at the right time becomes crucial for overcoming tougher enemies and bosses.
- Item Frenzy: Scattered throughout the levels are various items that enhance Cotton’s abilities. These include bombs that clear large swaths of enemies, temporary invincibility shields, and even extra lives. Grabbing these goodies adds another layer of strategy as players decide whether to focus on immediate defense or save a bomb for a more challenging section later.
- Secret Snatching: Rainbow Cotton’s stages are filled with secrets to discover. Sharp-eyed players can find hidden passages that lead to bonus areas with extra lives and power-ups. This exploration element adds to the game’s replayability as players perfect their runs and aim to uncover everything each stage has to offer.
- Boss Battles: Capping off each level is a showdown with a unique and formidable boss. These battles often require players to utilize all their combat skills and strategically deploy their fairies to exploit the boss’s weaknesses. Defeating these challenging foes provides a great sense of accomplishment.
Rainbow Cotton’s blend of accessible shooting mechanics, strategic familiar use, and item hunting creates a gameplay experience that’s both fun and engaging. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Rainbow Cotton offers a delightful and colorful adventure.
The long-awaited arrival of Rainbow Cotton on modern consoles brings excitement to both veterans and newcomers. Existing fans can revisit a cherished title with improved visuals and potentially smoother gameplay. For a new generation of gamers, Rainbow Cotton offers a charming introduction to the rail-shooter genre with its blend of accessible mechanics and lighthearted fun.
The success of Rainbow Cotton’s modern port could pave the way for other forgotten Dreamcast gems to find new life. This resurgence highlights the enduring appeal of classic titles and the potential for developers to breathe new life into past favorites. With its sugary charm and exciting gameplay, Rainbow Cotton’s arrival on modern consoles is a sweet victory for gamers everywhere.
