Rainbow Cotton First Look: The Japanese Classic Returns

Immortal John Hancock presents 'Rainbow Cotton', the fifth installment of the Cotton series, which is set to release on multiple platforms including Switch, Xbox One Series SX, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Steam. The game, originally on Dreamcast in 2000, is now available digitally for $20 or as a physical collector's edition for $34.99. It features a retro mode that emulates the original 2D version and has been updated with modern enhancements like a health bar for bosses and a lock-on feature. The gameplay is described as a bit confusing with challenging boss fights, but the colorful graphics and music are praised. The game offers a two-player mode, making it a potential choice for family gaming sessions. Despite some difficulty in maneuvering the large character on screen, the game is considered a good value at its price point.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Rainbow Cotton, the fifth installment of the Cotton series, is being released on multiple platforms including Switch, Xbox Series SX, PS4, PS5, and Steam.
• 💿 Physical editions for PS4, PS5, and Switch are available from Strictly Limited Games for $34.99, with a collector's edition priced higher.
• 💵 The digital version of Rainbow Cotton is priced at $20 and will be available on May 9th.
• 🌟 This release marks the first true 3D installment of the series, originally launched on Dreamcast in 2000.
• 🕹️ Features include a retro mode that replicates the original Dreamcast release, complete with a CRT filter.
• 🔒 A new lock-on feature has been added to this version, enhancing gameplay from the original.
• 👾 Players can expect challenging boss fights and a difficulty spike in the final stage.
• 🎵 The game features colorful graphics and engaging music, characteristic of the Cotton series.
• 👥 A two-player mode is included, making it possible to play with friends or family.
• 🔄 Some modern updates include a visible health bar for bosses and improved 3D engine.

Q & A

What is the name of the game being discussed in the transcript?

The game being discussed is 'Rainbow Cotton'.

On which platforms is Rainbow Cotton being released?

Rainbow Cotton is being released on Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

What is the price for the digital version of Rainbow Cotton?

The digital version of Rainbow Cotton is priced at $20.

What is the price for the physical version of the game?

The physical version of the game is priced at $34.99.

Is there a collector's edition available for the physical version?

Yes, the physical version will also be available as a collector's edition.

What is the release date of Rainbow Cotton?

Rainbow Cotton is set to release on May 9th.

What is the significance of Rainbow Cotton in the Cotton series?

Rainbow Cotton is the fifth installment of the Cotton series and is considered the first true 3D version of the game.

Does Rainbow Cotton offer a retro mode?

Yes, Rainbow Cotton includes a retro mode that offers a version of the original release on Dreamcast.

What are some of the modern improvements made to the game?

Some modern improvements include a lock on feature, health bars on bosses, and an updated 3D engine.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the game's power-ups?

The reviewer finds the power-ups to be a bit confusing to figure out but interesting as they allow players to save up crystals and unleash them on enemies.

Does Rainbow Cotton support multiplayer mode?

Yes, Rainbow Cotton includes a two-player mode which could be a fun option for playing with family.

What does the reviewer think about the game's graphics and music?

The reviewer finds the graphics to be colorful and the music to be engaging, which are characteristics that fans of the Cotton series are likely to enjoy.

Outlines

00:00

🕹️ Rainbow Cotton Game Overview

The first paragraph introduces the game Rainbow Cotton, which is set to release on various platforms including Switch, Xbox One Series SX, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Steam. The speaker, Immortal John Hancock, has received a digital code for the Switch version from inin games and Strictly Limited Games, who are offering physical versions for the mentioned platforms at $34.99. This is the fifth installment in the Cotton series, originally released on Dreamcast in 2000, and is considered the first true 3D version of the game. The speaker is not an expert in the series but appreciates the availability of the game on modern platforms. The game features a retro mode that emulates the original release, and the speaker finds the $20 price point for the digital version reasonable. The gameplay is described as somewhat confusing, particularly regarding power-ups, and includes a lock-on feature and challenging boss fights. The speaker also mentions modern improvements such as a health bar for bosses and an updated 3D engine. The character on screen is noted to be large, which can make maneuvering difficult, but the graphics and music are praised for their colorful presentation. The speaker is unsure if the game surpasses other Cotton releases but believes fans of the series may enjoy it. A lull in game releases is mentioned, with this game helping to fill the gap before the anticipated release of the Switch 2 next year. The video also includes a mention of a two-player mode, which could be a fun option for family play.

05:02

📺 Retro Mode and Game Engagement

The second paragraph focuses on the engaging nature of the boss fights in Rainbow Cotton and the speaker's satisfaction with the game's affordable price point of $20. The speaker expresses gratitude for the opportunity to play the fifth installment of the Cotton series and describes the game as colorful, consistent with other games in the series. The paragraph transitions into a discussion of the retro mode, which is said to emulate the Dreamcast version of the game. The speaker is unsure about the necessity of the CRT filter for the retro mode and shares their uncertainty regarding the authenticity of the emulation. The speaker also inquires whether there are branching paths in the game, which they do not recall encountering in the new version. They invite viewers to share their experiences with Rainbow Cotton and their thoughts on the included features. The speaker acknowledges their limited expertise and expresses a desire to provide a first look at the game. They conclude by inviting viewers to share their opinions in the comments and by thanking them for watching, encouraging them to like, subscribe, and click the Bell for weekly uploads.

Keywords

Rainbow Cotton

Rainbow Cotton is the fifth installment of the Cotton series, a classic Japanese shoot 'em up game. It originally debuted on the Dreamcast in 2000 and is known as the first true 3D version of the series. The game is characterized by its colorful graphics and engaging gameplay, featuring a large on-screen character that can be challenging to maneuver. It is being re-released on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam, catering to both new players and fans of the original.

Digital Code

A digital code is a type of product key or purchase code that allows users to download a digital version of a game directly from an online platform, such as a console's store or Steam. In the context of the video, the digital code for Rainbow Cotton was sent to the presenter by Inin Games, allowing them to showcase the game on the Nintendo Switch.

Physical Versions

Physical versions of a game refer to the tangible copies that come in a box and include items such as a disc or cartridge, a manual, and sometimes additional collectibles. The video mentions that Strictly Limited Games is offering physical versions of Rainbow Cotton for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Switch, which will be available at a higher price and include a collector's edition.

Collector's Edition

A collector's edition is a special release of a game that often includes exclusive items, such as art books, soundtracks, or other memorabilia, in addition to the game itself. These editions are typically aimed at enthusiasts and collectors who value the additional content. In the video, it is mentioned that the physical version of Rainbow Cotton will be available as a collector's edition.

Retro Mode

Retro mode in the context of video games refers to a feature that allows players to experience a modern game with the visual and audio aesthetics of older gaming systems. The video script mentions that Rainbow Cotton includes a retro mode, which offers a version of the game that emulates the original Dreamcast release, complete with a CRT filter for an authentic retro look.

Power-ups

Power-ups are special items or abilities in video games that temporarily enhance a player's capabilities, such as increasing speed, strength, or providing additional offensive capabilities. The video discusses the power-up system in Rainbow Cotton, where players save up crystals to unleash powerful attacks on their enemies.

Lock-On Feature

A lock-on feature in a video game allows players to target specific enemies or objects without having to manually aim. This can make combat more manageable, especially in games with multiple enemies or fast-paced action. The video mentions that the new version of Rainbow Cotton includes a lock-on feature, which is different from the original release.

Boss Fights

Boss fights are intense, challenging battles against a single, powerful enemy at the end of a level or stage in a video game. They often require different strategies and tactics compared to regular gameplay. The video script describes the boss fights in Rainbow Cotton as fairly challenging, with the difficulty increasing significantly in the last stage.

Health Bar

A health bar is a visual indicator in video games that represents a character's remaining health or life points. It allows players to gauge how much damage they can take before losing a life or game over. The video notes that the new version of Rainbow Cotton includes a health bar for bosses, which was not present in the original release, adding a modern touch to the gameplay.

Two-Player Mode

A two-player mode in a video game allows two players to play the game simultaneously, often competing against each other or cooperating to achieve a common goal. The video script mentions that Rainbow Cotton has a two-player mode, suggesting that it can be an enjoyable experience for playing with family or friends.

CRT Filter

A CRT filter is a graphical effect used in video games to mimic the look of older cathode ray tube (CRT) television screens. This can give a game a retro or vintage appearance, which is appealing to players who enjoy the aesthetics of classic gaming. The video discusses the use of a CRT filter in the retro mode of Rainbow Cotton to recreate the experience of playing the game on a Dreamcast.

Highlights

Rainbow Cotton is the fifth installment of the Cotton series, originally released on Dreamcast in 2000.

The game is set to release on multiple platforms including Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Steam.

Physical versions for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Switch will be available for $34.99 as a collector's edition.

The digital version will be priced at $20 and is scheduled for release on May 9th.

The game features a retro mode that emulates the original Dreamcast release.

Modern improvements include a health bar on bosses and a lock-on feature.

The 3D engine has been updated, and the game has been rebuilt for a familiar yet fresh experience.

The character on screen is large, which can make maneuvering and avoiding obstacles challenging.

The game features colorful graphics and music, appealing to fans of the Cotton series.

Boss fights are challenging, and the difficulty increases significantly in the last stage.

The game includes a two-player mode, making it a potential choice for family gaming sessions.

The retro mode offers a CRT filter to closely replicate the Dreamcast version's look and feel.

The game is considered a slow-paced 3D shooter with interesting power-up mechanics.

Players can save up crystals to unleash powerful attacks on enemies.

The game is being offered at an affordable price point of $20, making it accessible to a wide audience.

The game is designed to fill the void during a lull in major game releases.

Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences with the Cotton series and their favorite games in the comments.

The video provides a first look at the gameplay and invites viewers to share their thoughts in the comments.