Cotton Fantasy Review
Release date: May 20th, 2022
Developer: ININ Games
Platforms: Switch (reviewed), PSN
Price: $39.99
Cotton has always been hailed as some of the best shmups gamers can play, especially if you like cute-em ups. The Gamers Lounge has spent some time with this game and we can say it is intriguing. There is a fair amount of stuff to keep gamers playing for a bit./
The Cotton games have a fun following, lots of the people I know in the retro scene talk about the games fondly as good shmups with interesting characters. I would best describe Cotton Fantasy as a vertical Shmup with room to move, my other experience with the other Cotton games was the re-release/re-master of 1994’s Paranorma Cotton on the Switch and that is a 3D shooter much like Space Harrier. It's also very fun and captures the cute-em well.
I wouldn't describe this Cotton game as a bullet hell, there are bullets but it's manageable. I really liked the background in the game, everything is so vivid and colorful in this fantasy setting. Even the enemies have this sort of cute fantasy theme to them, evil goblins, flying monsters, little devils, I couldn't help but smile as I blasted them. Bosses are big and impressive and can dish out damage, as well as transform partially through the battle. I had to pause the game a few times just to look at things. The music is a nice mesh of melodies that are fast paced and reflect the pace of the game.
The game may seem like it doesn't have much to offer in the way of content in the beginning, as there is just a story and training mode. But this is plenty to keep players busy, as gamers progress the levels will change and evolve, and more than once I ran into auto scrolling levels that were a tight fit. Variety is the spice of gaming and it's what keeps this game interesting. On top of this there are different ways to play, and each character gamers can pick from sheds light on this.
There are multiple characters to pick from with different shot types and setups. For example, Cotton has a shot and bomb magical attacks, and its beneficial to go after the magical crystals enemies drop. Ria has a good rolling attack that works well in waves, and can clear out large chunks of enemies but she doesn't have magic attacks. Fine has a spread shot and no lives. Instead gamers have to pick up crystals to keep the timer going. There is a play style for everyone here.
Beat the game with different characters to unlock more characters and hidden levels. Each of these levels are unique to who players finish the game with, this gives the game a fair amount of re-playability. Overall I would say while the game is short, there is a lot to offer. Big thanks to the publisher for letting us review it. I would say if you are new to the series give this one a try, veterans should already be playing it. For those interested you can get it digitally and physically.
Final Score 4.5/5
Pros:
Its a Cotton Game
Variety of characters and stages
Colorful
Cons:
Could be longer
Some slight graphical hiccups