Cotton Reboot! (Switch 2) review

As the old saying reminds us, “don’t mess with success.” And that adage seems especially prudent when discussing the work of Success Corporation. Their 1991 arcade release, Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams, is considered a ‘cute ’em up’ classic, and might been the inaugural entry in the sub-genre. Across seven horizontally scrolling stages, impetuous young witch Nata de Cotton confronted a horde of enemies that brilliantly balanced the merry and the macabre. Not only did Cotton stimulate a succession of sequels, but the title also laid the foundations for titles like Deathsmiles and Trouble Witches NEO! Even Gunbird’s Marion character seems to reference Success’ breakout game.

Given the cultural impact, you might expect the original arcade iteration of Cotton to make its way into Cotton Reboot! Instead, the title opts for the inclusion of the Sharp X68000 version. It’s an adept decision, as this is considered the definitive iteration by diehard enthusiasts. Thanks to refined visuals, exclusive bosses, and tweaked attack patterns, it edged out its coin-op counterpart. Thirty-five years on, it’s still a gripping shooter that validates why it still has a fervid fanbase.

The Feel of Well-Worn Cotton

Revisiting the X68000 version of Fantastic Night Dreams remains joyful. Unlike many modern shooters which require near pixel-perfect precision, Cotton’s difficulty increases gradually. Sure, the broom-riding protagonist has to fly through some narrow areas, but much of the challenge stems from navigating projectiles converging from different directions. Boss battles are especially merciful and aren’t exponentially tougher than the preceding stage.

Fortunately, Cotton has access to a powerful arsenal. She always has a forward-firing shot and arcing bombs. Eliminating foes and picking up color-coded gems can increase your experience gauge, which is essentially your shot power. You’ll also have two types of spells that can leave you temporarily invincible while you launch a fiery red dragon or injurious blue lightning. Alternatively, holding a button summons secondary, defensive magic, encircling Cotton with protective shielding.

Then there’s Silk, the fan-service fairy. Perpetually clad in a tiny bikini, she acts like one of Gradius’ options, multiplying your output of firepower. You can carry up to five fairies with you at any time, and holding a button sends them into attack mode, taking out on-screen enemies with melee attacks. They’re a devoted bunch: if Cotton loses a life while they accompany her, a fairy sacrifices herself in an explosion that damages enemies across the screen.

Three and a Half Decades of Projectile Dodging Progress

Playing the X68000 version of Cotton is essential for appreciating the changes present in the game’s Arrange Mode. More sequel than mere remix, this is Cotton Reboot!’s main attraction. Immediately, you’ll notice the game’s sprites have been carefully redrawn. Yes, there’s still the diminutive army of Frankenstein monsters, grimacing clouds, and those odd stacking red creatures. But each exhibits more detail, making Arrange Mode feel like trying on a new pair of prescription glasses.

Rocket-Engine’s remake, backed by Japanese retailer and publisher BEEP, offers a multitude of other modernizations. Much like life in the 2020s, this is a faster, more hectic experience, filled with cascades of color. Whereas the original Cotton had colored gems that gradually fell to the ground, now they linger in the air. As in the original game, you can collect them for points, power up your experience gauge, and continue to shoot them to initiate color cycling. When you are firing at these crystals, your stream of fire splits into two, changing color accordingly. Not only do your projectiles spread out, but they’re slightly more powerful when diffused. Once you get a taste of this new play mechanic, you’ll likely be scanning the screen for shot-splitting opportunities. Reverting back to single-stream shooting, even for a fraction of a second, feels enfeebling.

Cotton’s Magic Got Stronger

Scrolling is faster in Arrange Mode, bringing adversaries on screen at a quicker pace. Coupled with the increase in bullets, it’s a bit easy to lose track of enemy projectiles in the flurry of on-screen activity. But thankfully, you have access to all the offensive and defensive abilities of the original game, with a few variations that amplify the risk/reward options. Arrange Mode expands Cotton’s spellbook with falling boulders and mighty mushroom-cloud explosions. Collecting matching magic crystals can strengthen each spell through three levels.

While cynics might tell you Arrange Mode’s six full stages and final boss encounter can be cleared in about half an hour, they’re missing the point. Cotton is rooted in the ways of arcade STGs, and is meant for multiple playthroughs. Nearly every run will reveal some minute detail that can contribute to your score, like dodging every teacup at the end-of-stage bonus round instead of trying to nab as many as possible. With the inclusion of a Jewel Fever gauge, as well as purple and black gems, there’s plenty to learn before earning a respectable spot on the game’s global leaderboards.

For returning players, the Switch 2 version’s chief attraction is Nightmare Mode. With a higher difficulty and several new enemies, this addition gives experienced broomstick riders another reason to revisit Cotton’s candy-fueled adventure. It’s a welcome complement to the standard game’s comparatively forgiving approach, providing a tougher challenge once you’ve grown comfortable juggling crystals and managing your magic. Naturally, its appeal will depend on how eagerly you’re seeking another test of your shooting skills. But if you’ve already exhausted the 2021 release, Nightmare Mode offers a reason to climb back onto the broom.

An Upgrade Path Would have Been Truly Sweet

All too often, remakes of classic shooters provide visual upgrades but lose some of the charm of the originals. Cotton Reboot! is the rare exception, and it’s easy to see the attention and care that went into this revision. The Switch 2 release builds on that foundation with Nightmare Mode, giving experienced players a tougher reason to return. Far from cashing in on nostalgia, this is a near-perfect update that preserves Cotton and Silk’s enduring allure.

Cotton Reboot! was played on Switch 2 with review code provided by the publisher.
Portions were taken from our original Cotton Reboot! review