Analysis of rainbow cotton – Between fairies and witches

Rainbow Cotton invites us to discover a remake which, despite the new features it offers, continues to focus on the arcade gameplay of the 90s.

Remastering and remake. These are two terms that are gradually penetrating our video game vocabulary. Some concepts that we assimilated, and through several deliveries, examples and versions we were able to differentiate them… even if it is not always clear. What is crystal clear is the remake that the guys from Kritzelkratz 3000 and ININ have made with Cotton Rainbow. An experience taken from the Dreamcast itself and which returns to offer good games full of shooting and action.

Sugar moves mountains

Those who know jewelry like Space Harrier, Star Fox or the recent Air Twister They’ll know what I’m talking about. We are faced with a shooter purely three-dimensional arcade, where we will control a little witch named Cotton who must help the fairies of the kingdom. Of course, our help will not be altruistic at all, but We’re going to look for huge candies called Willows, with the sole objective in life to savor them once our task is accomplished.

To make our dreams come true, we will travel 6 different scenarios where we will have to kill all the bugs that bother us. We will have to know how to aim correctly, and at the same time be aware of rivals’ bullets so as not to lose our precious lives. And although at first glance Rainbow Cotton seems to be a proposal focused on a children’s audience, We assure you that like in a good Japanese game, it becomes quite complicated in the final phases.

fantastic power ups

Although our weapon does not have any type of guided missile, nor overwhelming firepower, We will have help from the fairies themselves. As we advance through the screen and unlock the appropriate power-ups, we will add the blueprints of these winged beings. Very useful for successfully getting out of the most dangerous situations, as well as the special attacks that we will collect to use them at the right time.

One thing happens to me with this title, and that is that There are times when my attack power is not enough, causing the screen to collapse with enemies. A situation that gets worse when they start to attack, since chaos takes over every corner with a huge amount of projectiles. And this doesn’t happen because I’m bad at gaming (hey, I am), but because If you are not well equipped in times when there is more “movement”, it is impossible to do your job. It’s poorly balanced and arriving “naked” on a complicated section can be very difficult.

An unforgettable visit

I think it all lies in the initial difficulty of Rainbow Cotton. No one explains to you what power-ups are for, what types they exist, or how to use special attacks. There are objects which, as in Pop’n TwinBee with their bells, if you touch them, they change color. And this gives them different properties. Additionally, its aiming system is not particularly precise and, depending on the opponent’s situation, we will need more concentration than even veteran snipers.

As I mentioned in the first paragraphs, we are facing a remake. This implies that We will have improved graphics, a remastered soundtrack and retouched gameplay for the occasion. Despite these changes, perhaps I would have done something more to differentiate the remake from the old version. A more thorough facelift, or even a total immersion in the textures themselves by redoing the game as we saw in Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Despite all my requests, The game is totally enjoyable and adapted to modern times.

Rainbow Cotton Conclusion

Those who want to try an old-school three-dimensional shooter read this review carefully. Kritzelkratz 3000 and ININ offer us a gem that has never left Japan or the Dreamcast so that we can enjoy it now in the best possible conditions. Rainbow Cotton may not be the best of the genre, but this facelift, this direct gameplay and the arcade essence that overflows at all times will definitely keep us hooked for more than one afternoon.

Too bad this remake is not more complete, with additional weight, or a real facelift. Despite its flaws, many will surely enjoy the return of Rainbow Cotton and her journey through the fairy realms.