Battle of the Ports Remastered- Cotton : Fantastic Night Dreams (コットン) Show

[@fnjesusfreak]

Motivated by a drug addiction, that's gotta be the weirdest premise for a cute-em-up ever.

[@billcook4768]

“On easy mode, practically impossible not to complete no matter how poor you are at shooters.” As someone who loves shooters but is terrible at them, I take that as a personal challenge.

[@RetroCore]

You'll easily be able to beat the PlayStation version.

[@atomiswave2]

@@RetroCore what's crazy is that the ISO for the PSX version is like three megabytes big zipper or something ridiculous

[@fazares]

@@RetroCore yep i own the ps1 version and the arcade one on the sega astro mini..yep...ps1 defintely easier than the arcade one

[@solarflare9078]

Nash Kameron & Reyansh Luca >Spammed reply in other videos >Fake @ in reply >Invades top comment Gtfo, fucking bots.

[@GetLostGames1]

All versions of cotton are gameplay worthy. Nice video!

[@Abyssal_Mayura]

For those who don't know how beautiful Cotton Reboot stage layout is: this reboot of Cotton game was also developed by Studio Siesta, a company who also responsible for Trouble Witches Origin.

[@RetroCore]

I have Trouble Witches Neon that was on the 360. Nice game.

[@Abyssal_Mayura]

@@RetroCore Really? Good to know.

[@RamuneRabbit]

Awesome remastered look at an awesome game! Can't wait for the SLG ReBoot to come out! Also interesting, the Mobile Phone's Game Over music and screen is straight from Panorama Cotton! 😄

[@RetroCore]

Yep. The mobile version seems to be a mix of many games. The main game is based upon the X68000 for example. Also, notice how the remake uses the art assets or copies them from the mobile version for the cut scenes.

[@thrillington2008]

Coin op still aged well with the silliness. Turbo CD is no pushover. X68000 is very refreshing. PS1 is a total cakewalk despite improvements. Neo Geo pocket great within limitations. If it was available here I would played the mobile version on my pocket phone 15 years ago. PS4 is a huge leap forward.

[@edwin8808]

Thanks for the video Mark "Paprium" :D!

[@solarflare9078]

I can tell you're enjoying the new nickname you gave him

[@edwin8808]

@@solarflare9078 No more than him! :D!

[@RetroCore]

Sadly there will be no more Paprium on the channel. Or should that be thankfully?

[@edwin8808]

@@RetroCore we will remember it in our hearts

[@KISSbestfan]

Nice to see that the reboots are being done with care nowadays. There is hope !

[@shotgunl]

Great remaster, Mark. I'm still eagerly awaiting the western release of Cotton Reboot. Hopefully the reboot sells well, and they consider a Cotton Boomerang remaster, which is a game I love and has some of my favorite shooter music, only behind Zuntata's shooter soundtracks.

[@personavisceration371]

All of the Cotton games could use more exposure, especially the fighting game combos in 2, but I REALLY would love to see this treatment for Keio as well as many of the other shmups of the era.

[@WrightOffsGaming]

A really great battle here thanks Mark, I love the level of polish they achieved with this great shooter, those environment effects are class and the use of colour is brilliant. I can't say I've played all these versions but it's nice to see every port looking good for a change.

[@RetroCore]

No western ports you see 😁. I'm sure if there was an Amiga or ST port they would have been awful.

[@SK91NO]

I see you waited for the remake to come out. Good call!

[@RetroCore]

I sure did. Been wanting to remake this one since last November.

[@retroheed6226]

Yay I've been looking forward to battle of the ports Cotton 👍

[@WeskerSega]

I have never understood how could Sega and Success made the agreement for this arcade game be made to run on the Sega System 16B, and then Sega doing absolutely anything to persuade Success for a subsequent Mega Drive release. Three years later we saw Panorama Cotton thanks to Sunsoft and we have to be thankful for that, but still it is out of all logic how a Mega Drive version of the original was never even considered. Just imagine if the same omission would have happened with Cotton 2 and Cotton Boomerang on the Sega Saturn.

[@shinkazama3959]

Thank you for this Mark, can't wait to get my copy from Strictly Limited Games! :)

[@RetroCore]

You'll like it. The X68000 emulated version is a bit of a let down though as it shimmers quite a bit. The original doesn't do that. It also has some of the options locked out. But I don't really care as I see that as a bonus. The main game is really good fun though.

[@shinkazama3959]

Honestly mate I wouldn't know any better, given I grew up in PAL regions I don't have ANY authentic experience with the Cotton games, that's why I'll just take your word for it!

[@angelriverasantana7755]

Excellent to see this again... Dat reboot got me hyped to hell and back!!! I dig the new, redrawn artwork for the cutscenes. It gives off a hand-drawn cel sorta vibe to me. And the more frantic gameplay fits the nature of the character and the world, which I dig. In fact, Silk the fairy is also playable when ya unlock her! Almost plays like she did in Cotton Boomerang, even. And trivia of the emulated X68000 port, Beep and Success actually pulled an M2 reprogrammed it from scratch for the consoles it runs on

[@angelriverasantana7755]

I also kinda wish the PC Engine CD arrangements get added as a music option on the reboot. Just having the 90's-tastic guitar riffs and synth fits the increased action

[@RetroCore]

Maybe there's some hidden content? Would be cool if the PcE soundtrack was also in there.

[@angelriverasantana7755]

@@RetroCore They included a Trouble Witches character in the game, too. The X68000 mode, apparently. Cuz it's based on a re-release of the disk, and it's gonna be in the reboot mode in an update

[@RetroCore]

Nice. I have Trouble Witches on my 360. I wonder which character they added.

[@angelriverasantana7755]

@@RetroCore Pril

[@Midekai]

Oh wow I didnt even know the reboot version was coming out! It looks awesome. My personal fave is the PCECD version though since my dad picked it up back when he collected imports. Personal nostalgia reasons, of course ;)

[@RetroCore]

That is a good version. 👍

[@kbxthegamemaster06]

I didn't expect you do this episode again, but I'm not surprised you decided to. 😀

[@theoldpcgamer77]

I had the Neo pocket UK version since release. I then saw how much CEX was giving for it a few years back and sprinted to my local branch to sell it. Crazy how much these old games can be sold for these days.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, isn't cotton one of the most expensive titles for the system now?

[@theoldpcgamer77]

@@RetroCore Yep. 😭😢😞i just looked and they give you double now over what i got in cash some years back. Oh well, a great profit is better than nothing, but still 😞

[@GYRUSS]

I remember reviewing the PC E version of this for Electric Brain magazine in the day.

[@RetroCore]

Now that was quite some time ago.

[@OniKuno181]

thanks for this comparison i love the cotton series!

[@RetroCore]

You're welcome.

[@cristianobb13]

still have my psx and was about to play the ps1 version as my first impression thx for saving me lol

[@10tonhamster]

Looks like the reboot is taking a lot of inspiration from Deathsmiles as well, which I always felt was very much a “spiritual successor” to Cotton originally.

[@RetroCore]

I'd agree with you. That's exactly what I had in mind when I mention it's like a Cave shooter.

[@samuraispiritsx]

I just got this game in the mail last night for PS4, first time playing the series and really enjoyed it. I could see some deathsmiles influence on the reboot version.

[@RetroCore]

For sure. They definitely took a look at Death Smiles.

[@GeovaneSanciniSR]

The delays of Cotton Reboot (the game was supposed to be released back in 2019, I guess?) payed off because the game looks and sounds Fantastic.

[@bananarama6808]

I'm waiting for my physical copy to arrive! So excited

[@hjalmarjohnson5846]

The release from Strictly Limited? Me Too! It's gonna be awesome on my switch!

[@bananarama6808]

@@hjalmarjohnson5846 I hope we get it before the end of the year!

[@hjalmarjohnson5846]

@@bananarama6808 The going theory was it was going to ship sometime in april, but I do know how these things can get delayed...

[@Charlie-Cat.]

Excellent. Thank you as always bro. 8^) Anthony..

[@RageOfLeoEX]

Old games being released on steam is dope, I finally get to try this series out.

[@mypkamax]

Interesting how you called Cotton addicted. If she is, then TARAKO's portrayal in the PC Engine CD-ROM² is on point. She really sold Cotton as a deranged addict who the moment you see her you'll be tempted to call the psych ward.

[@afropowa1598]

Ah yes Cotton, one of the many game series that I seen yet to play (I finally play a Y's game recently). I do wanna play the reboot! though. I wish they would hurry up with the PC release.

[@GamayObera]

I lost my sanity when I inserted a coin in the Arcade version and I heard the *COIIIIIIIIIIN* sound. And this happened once in one of the Astro City Mini trailers as well.

[@Hippoeater]

The pce/turbo version EASILY has the best soundtrack - no question! It rocks compared to the other ones

[@JolliAllGenGamer]

I may want to import the PS4 version, but I am thinking there will be a physical PS4 version released to the west too?

[@RetroCore]

I'm afraid I don't follow the western releases but I did hear that limited run or one of those limited release companies are releasing it in the West.

[@fulgenzio1973]

An absolutely underrated franchise. My favorite is Cotton Boomerang: Magical Night Dreams for Saturn, along with Cotton 100% for SNES, but all the games in the series are interesting, for one reason or another. I remember that the Megadrive game, Panorama Cotton, was technically amazing (the Dreamcast game, Rainbow Cotton, was less interesting, also because of bad controls).

[@RetroCore]

I'm a big fan of cotton games. Boomerang is the best IMO while Rainbow is by far the worst. It just plays really poorly.

[@jamesgames4553]

Didn’t realise there was a phone port, gobsmacked that you had some archived footage of it, very rare indeed. If you have any more old pre-smartphone Japanese phone game footage lying around I’d love to see it!

[@RetroCore]

I do. I have loads of old phone footage. Back in the day, Japanese phone games were very impressive.

[@jamesgames4553]

@@RetroCore yeah, I remember being very impressed by what little I’d see from TGS reveals, ahead of their time. I’m glad we’re seeing some of these mobile games come back on the Switch but so much has been lost to time. If you ever find time to do a series covering some of these old gems that would be so good!

[@Colin_Ames]

Another enjoyable BOTP. Considering how bad I am at shooters, I must try the Playstation version on Easy mode! The latest version on Steam is also something I might check out, it looks really good.

[@MaidenHell1977]

Awesome episode but wait, the original Sharp X68000 version was wide screen as well?? A local video game store is supposed to be getting copies of this game in, looking forward to getting it!

[@RetroCore]

Hmm not really wide-screen. The game was slightly boarded which made it look wider than a typical 4:3 image. It's not 16:9 though.

[@stevesteve0521]

Why are the cotton games for Saturn and Dreamcast so expensive?

[@RetroCore]

Because they're good and Japanese exclusive titles. Actually, cotton on the Dreamcast isn't very good. For the Saturn, you only need Cotton Boomerang since that is an updated version of Cotton 2. There's no point in owning both.

[@wolfgangpuff7030]

Does anyone know for sure whether or not this game will ever be available as a digital release on PSN? I’m having trouble justifying the cost and vague delivery time.

[@LUSHVONDOOM]

I paid for my preorder months ago. Still no news of when this will come to the states. Stricly limited games should give us a hint on when it will ship this out to the states.

[@oscarzxn4067]

Did they change some of the bosses in the Sharp version? I've been playing Cotton Reboot on my Switch and comparing it to gameplays of the arcade versions it seems that it's missing the dragon and crawling creature and instead has 2 giant faces as bosses or something like that.

[@RetroCore]

Hmm, I've got reboot on the PS4 and I did notice differences. I guess it's nit meant to be the same. The X68000 version is quite unique though in a few areas.

[@jengelenm]

Love that tune!

[@AdVGoNZo]

Hi Yakumo, and the super famicom version is the same game or something different? thanks

[@RetroCore]

It's a different game. It's known at Cotton 100% and is the sequel to Fantastic Night Dreams (this game). The SFC game was ported to the PlayStation but it was handled really poorly and actually much worse from what I've read.

[@Alianger]

I wonder if there's a chance they'll remake Panorama Cotton then

[@RetroCore]

If they do, I hope they make it better than Rainbow Cotton on the Dreamcast.

[@Alianger]

@@RetroCore Didn't play that one yet but I've heard mixed things about it. The MD game is one of my faves for that system but the scaling could be smoother

[@zanegandini5350]

I would absolutely love that, as that is my favorite game in the series. Even if they kept the graphics the same and just boosted the framerate up to 60FPS like the Sonic 1 and 2 mobile ports, it would be amazing.

[@euphorik3120]

i knew you were going to say that about your phone ha. too bad those phone ones are locked away

[@RetroCore]

It is. 😭

[@euphorik3120]

hope you make a list of them so you can look into how you might find those unique versions again some day

[@ebbbbs]

My wife asked why I give a Patreon contribution to you and not her. I said cos Retrocore gives me happiness.

[@RetroCore]

Lol, I like that. Say similar stuff to my wife 😅

[@ebbbbs]

@@RetroCore I sleep with my eyes open.

[@oscarzxn4067]

Does the Neo Geo Pocket use a similar sound chip to the Master System and Game Gear (or the same)? it sounds very similar

[@RetroCore]

I think it is similar but not the same.

[@ravagingwolverine]

It is actually the same sound chip based on info I found. It's the Texas Instruments SN76489.

[@oscarzxn4067]

@@ravagingwolverine oh thanks. Strange choice since I don't think it's all that great

[@ravagingwolverine]

@@oscarzxn4067 It's a rather basic sound chip. I have no doubt they chose it due to cost concerns related to designing a handheld game system in 1998.

[@Angellmbrr]

I see that the PC engine suffers from slow down... or is it slow-paced compared to the arcade original?

[@RetroCore]

It's just a slower running version. It isn't really noticeable when playing, just when watching both games side by side.

[@jeremygregorio7472]

The remake looks Fantastic (pun intended)

[@ProbableKoz]

Well I know what I'm buying today.

[@ruggedman20]

Hey retro core, did u see theres an english patch for the saturn version. Pretty cool

[@RetroCore]

I didn't know that but then again I don't need it 👍

[@entertainmentwizard2703]

Great video, someone said the 68000 version on PS4 and Switch is actually ported instead of emulated but not sure if there right or no!

[@RetroCore]

I reckon if it was ported they would have fixed the resolution issues. They would have also just outright removed many of the options instead of disabling them. Or may be it is a lazy port?

[@entertainmentwizard2703]

@@RetroCore Another reviewer said it was reprogrammed from the ground up to minimize lag but you could be right!

[@vasopel]

13:47 the used the photo from the Java phone in the new one! :-O

[@RetroCore]

They did. I think they must have had access to the Java version. It's the exact same image.

[@morrowlterraslove]

I have played 2 versions of Cotton PCE CD and Sharp X68000 (which btw it was kinda a bit troubling to get it to boot but got it to work) and I really like this game and I did 1cc both versions and I got in the mood to order Cotton reboot for switch which will be arriving in 2 days as we speak I may ask would you probably do Rainbow cotton sometime later this year since it is a remake and are trying to improve the game as much as possible or you don’t really do games with only 2 different versions?

[@RetroCore]

Probably not because I doubt I'll buy the remake. It's a pretty awful game. I remember when I first bought it on Dreamcast back in the day and being very disappointed. The big issue is that aiming is poorly implemented and it's difficult to even know if your shots are causing damage

[@tommylakindasorta3068]

I am still waiting for my copy from PlayAsia because I am old man and I like shiny disc thingy.

[@RetroCore]

And so you should👍. Same here.

[@mypkamax]

The J2ME edition is so obscure that there is almost no other gameplay footage besides your old Retro Core show.

[@RetroCore]

That's right. I had so many Japanese exclusive games on my older phones. It's a shame they no longer work but good that I save footage from back in the day.

[@mypkamax]

@@RetroCore Have you ever heard of a J2ME edition of _Konami Wai Wai World?_

[@mypkamax]

Update 23.11.2022: I may not have found any footage of the mobile edition of _Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams,_ but I have found a playlist of TremiRodomi's uploads of the music from the mobile edition. kzbin.info/aero/PLqPqqf1AIs9Qro9dGhyab8EsD33PrGn9w This means that the game isn't completely lost, even if it's not much.

[@SimianScience]

the turbo cd one is highly sought out among collectors

[@RetroCore]

I can imagine not many copies were made.

[@SimianScience]

@@RetroCore by the way I had no idea this was ported to the PS4 I'm going to pick it up this weekend

[@loganjorgensen]

Java games had a certain charm, good to see some emulators for them around because nobody else will preserve them. Makes me think of the PT demo on PS4, people keep it alive with remakes and Konami keeps squashing them heh, quite a following for some discarded data. Pretty good version there on PS4, a nice translation to HD, not as good as Vanillaware graphics but who is really lol. Still I think it faired better than the recent G&G. Fair comparison to Death Smiles, smart move trying to do what that game did graphically if you're going to make a modern update.

[@RetroCore]

Oh man, that new Ghouls'n Ghosts just looks wrong. I haven't played it but the looks are enough to put me off.

[@loganjorgensen]

@@RetroCore I can look past that for the most part but most people won't, bad choice in art direction. :\

[@shaggymcdaniel3216]

The Neo Geo Pocket Color port is one of the most expensive games that I own. It’s so good though and really makes me want to pull it out and show to the ladies. Isn’t Limited Run supposed to make an English Switch version? If so, when?

[@RetroCore]

The Japanese version has all English menus but the story sections are Japanese, Chinese and Korean only. Very odd.

[@ThatGamingGuyfromthe70s]

Its up for pre order through strictly limited games. I don't thing lrg are doing this release.

[@mypkamax]

Can the X68000 version of Cotton be considered an early remake?

[@RetroCore]

Sure, I'd say it was since it does improve upon the Arcade in many areas.and dies make a few changes here and there.

[@mypkamax]

@@RetroCore So Cotton Reboot is a remake of a remake?

[@juststatedtheobvious9633]

Not early, no. Check out Space Invaders on the 5200 for an early remake. Or Adventure on 2600, which was a graphical remake of a text game.

[@mypkamax]

@@juststatedtheobvious9633 For your information, _Space Invaders_ on the Atari 5200 does not change the game enough to be an enhanced remake and _Adventure_ on the Atari VCS/2600 is unrelated to Microsoft's _Adventure_ and is a completely different game in general.

[@juststatedtheobvious9633]

​@@mypkamax For your information, Space Invaders on the 5200 features color and animation beyond anything the arcade can do, plus new gameplay modes, and trackball support. Come back after you've learned what an enhanced remake is, and we can discuss why you thought Microsoft made Colossal Cave Adventure, and your objections to "a maze of twisty little passages, all alike" being rendered in actual graphics instead of text. Is it the ROM space limitations forcing painful reductions in complexity, or are you objecting to the way it became an action game? If the latter, can you tell Square FF7 doesn't count?

[@syn.n8110]

Hopefully we get a physical release on Amazon in the US. I want to buy me a copy, but it so expensive if I buy it from other country. Strictly Limited no better since they charge for shipping and handling plus tax making the cost go up. Amazon for me anyways has no shipping and handling fees. I have some hope as the Turrican collection got a physical release. The one that did the publishing for that is also the ones that did Cotton. Checking their site the standard version is listed as coming soon. That is the only hope I got. I don't want to buy a digital version of this unless it super cheap on sale.

[@RetroCore]

Sadly strictly limited always charge a premium 😭

[@rockhyde7775]

REMASTAH’D BITCH!!! (Please excuse me for actin’ all crazy, I get excited about certain things and call someone a bitch, not using it as an insult) Oh man does Cotton Reboot look fucking awesome! I have to buy it for my PS4!!! Not to mention, the music kicks ass!!!

[@rockhyde7775]

And once again, PlayStation beats PC Engine. Any of you take notice that any PC Engine CD game that was ported to the PlayStation (or Sega Saturn) is almost always superior to it? (Asuka 120%, Variable Geo, Mad Stalker, Snatcher and of course, this game that’s featured in the video just to name a few) Naturally because the new tech in the next generation is more powerful and it’s only going to be like that for the next generations to come.

[@rockhyde7775]

Just like with the soundtrack of Arcana Heart, I cry to how awesome the music is just like with the PS1 version of Cotton which I just so happen to have on my PS3. But the PC Engine and new version’s soundtrack kicks a world of asses just like with AH3’s soundtrack.

[@TheTenthArt]

I think I still prefer the X68K version than the PS4 remake.

[@DennisTamayo]

When game be released on PS5 next year, it should have English voice acting exclusive to the US.

[@consty715]

Whats a k shooter?

[@ravagingwolverine]

He said Cave shooter. He was saying it shares some of the style of some of the games Cave developed.

[@consty715]

@@ravagingwolverine i get it now. Cheers 😂

[@RetroCore]

Yep, that's right.

[@williamwilliam9993]

Hello mark in the future new battle of the ports video will going 4K

[@RetroCore]

No, there is no point. I did a test once and the 4K video looked no better than the 1080p video. Both were played on a 4K screen. 4K is only good when the input is in HD. Considering most retro games max out at 480p, recording in 4K is just a waste of time and resources.

[@dusterdriven]

Hey Mark, not sure if you knew this or not but the EmuElec (351Elec) is using your "battle of the ports" thumbnails as their box art... Check out "Double Dragon" are you getting Royalties? You should!!! It's baked into the install file for 351elec!!!!! Mine has never been online, yet.

[@RetroCore]

Someone else mentioned this. I'm getting nothing for it. I wonder how I can find out who is making this list of games.

[@dusterdriven]

@@RetroCore it's not really the list of games, it's the scrapper that EmuElec is using but they are supposed to look things over better. You might message the "351Elec team" on their forum.

[@ChibiTheEdgehog]

Oh? Fancy intro font

[@RetroCore]

Yep 👍

[@enigma776]

Can not see a Steam version of Cotton Reboot, so it either does not exist or is region blocked, either is a shame.

[@RetroCore]

Maybe the Steam version isn't released yet in the West. The PS4 version is Japan only at the moment. Not sure about switch.

[@federicocatelli8785]

@@RetroCore Does it mean it's region locked (thought ps4 was region free)or that it's not sold outside Japane?

[@bombjack1984]

I like that the gems float in the remake, don't like games where collectables can fall off the screen.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, that was a bit of a pain in the original.

[@amerigocosta7452]

As I'm absolutely terrible at playing Cotton, I think I'm going to give the PS1 game a try..I'm sure it's not the hardest shmup out there but for some reason I've never understood it that much and found it punishing as a result.

[@martasobieraj2172]

Ah Yes, My favorite Candy brand: WILLO. (As Advertised in COTTON: Fantastic Night Dreams.) NOT as Great as WILLY, as in Willy Wonka, but still quite heccin’ AWESOME.

[@martasobieraj2172]

02:40 POV: YOU LIKE GRADIUS SO MUCH TO THE POINT WHERE YOU RIPPED OFF THE OPTION PODS MECHANIC IN ORDER TO ADD TO YOUR OWN GAME.

[@MrNightshade2010]

is it me or does some of the backgrounds remind you of altered beast and ghosts/ghouls and goblins ?i remember this was one of those games everyone looked for when sega emulation first started ...... you know sharp should of brought out its stuff over here ... along with fm towns .... like i said a while back ... for some reason ps1 shumps were made easier than on any other system .....

[@RetroCore]

Definitely some Ghouls'n Ghosts for sure.

[@quincyq-radio6300]

Cool 😎

[@nattila7713]

I bought the ps1 version on the japanese psn (ps3). Not so good in soot em ups, so I love that it is THAT easy :D (I don't quite like the reboot's gfx :/ )

[@pcachu]

Those old Japanese mobile ports are turning into lost media.

[@RetroCore]

I'd say they already have. There's an awesome Valis game that was Japanese mobile exclusive too. I still own the phones with these games on but sadly they are locked and can not be unlocked.

[@newtypepunk9967]

How odd a game like this skipped the Saturn and that Java phone version is very impressive, it wouldn't look out of place running on smartphone today, never mind 20 years ago. Also you made me laugh about looking in the manual, yeah even manuals are retro now.

[@RetroCore]

I guess because the Saturn has Cotton 2 and Boomerang, they skipped this one. The phone version was very good. It ran super smoothly, had amazing transparency effects and rotation on bosses. Japanese phones back then were out of this world.

[@newtypepunk9967]

@@RetroCore Yeah it's a pity that your phone stopped working, I think you've mentioned a few good phone ports from back then, with this being one of the best, shame people don't sell retro phones with the games on it.

[@RedRanger2001]

...and yes, it's pronounced CD-Rom Rom. Not CD-Rom 2 or CD-Rom Square. Anyone who said "CD-Rom 2" or "CD-Rom Square" will get laughed at.

[@RetroCore]

Yep, CD ROM ROM. Stupid name though. Even though that it the correct name, I tend not to use it too much.

[@atomiswave2]

That java phone version was nice. They need to get a good emulator

[@RetroCore]

Getting good with the emulation isn't the issue, the issue is getting the games. 99% of these good Japanese mobile phone games are locked to the phones and since the games and phones all remained Japanese exclusive, nobody has attempted to unlock them 😭

[@zanegandini5350]

Up until this point I sort of dismissed Cotton Reboot as one of those lazy reskins that smooths the graphics a bit and changes nothing else. After all, that's been such a trend over the past few years, so I hardly looked further into it. But now I definitely am going to get it when it gets published here in the US, it oozes with charm! But then again, I also assumed the Sharp X68000 version was a straight port of the arcade original, and I was also wrong about that. It's nice to see a comparison where all the ports are at least adequate. Even the worst versions, the mobile phone and NGPC, are still great for what they're running on. The PS1 "arranged" soundtrack isn't very good in my opinion, though. It sounds like the GS wavetable synth that all modern PCs use to play midi files, and lacks punch. But if I remember correctly, the original FM synth soundtrack is a selectable option to fall back on, so it's not a big deal. Also, do you use S-Video instead of RGB for the PC Engine or does it just have a soft video output like the original "2-chip" Super Famicom? I'm also surprised this never ended up on the Mega Drive, considering it was on the System 16 and the Mega Drive hardware was nearly identical to it. Would have been an easy port to make, certainly more so than any of the "Super Scaler" games. PS4/Switch/PC>Sharp X68000>Arcade>Playstation>PC Engine CD>mobile phone>NGPC

[@RetroCore]

I'd say the mobile phone version is actually superior to the Neo Geo Pocket by a great deal and maybe even the PC Engine version.

[@Bloodreign1]

If I had a PS4 and that Reboot, lord knows I'd probably play that X68000 port much much more. Less fluff, bells and whistles, but sometimes simpler is better. That and I am not a fan of hi res sprites, give me the old lo-res anyday, something the X68K version has in spades.

[@RetroCore]

Sadly the X68000 port isn't perfect. The scaling is wrong resulting in shimmering when the screen scrolls.

[@lordraptor1994]

Ufff, i had a nokia expressmusic in 2010 and it was way weaker and slower than i can see from that japanese 2003 phone

[@RetroCore]

That would be true. At the time, western phone were laughably lake compared to Japanese phones. They smartphones became a thing and Japanese phone makers lost the plot.

[@JorgeAraujo97]

Cotton for PS4 looks like a game developed by someone who does Candy Crush-like stuff instead of a person who loves and knows shooters.

[@BlockABoots]

Shame theres no Xbox version of the new release!

[@RetroCore]

I agree. I'd rather buy this on the Xbox One X over the PS4.

[@michaelthelucario]

Hello

[@RetroCore]

hello

[@daxxhex8546]

You forgot the sega mega drive the saga saturn and saga dreamcast

[@RetroCore]

Eh? Have you played those games? If you had you'd know they are completely different games. That's like saying Sonic Adventure on the Dreamcast is a port of Sonic 1 on the Mega Drive.

[@daxxhex8546]

@@RetroCore i did played the arcade version and the sega dreamcast you right the mega drive and dreamcast and saga saturn are definitely different

[@sloppynyuszi]

That drawing of Cotton on the PS4 title screen looks awful. Should have just redraw the original one more accurately.

[@RetroCore]

Yeah, I thought that. Especially when you see them all together.

[@solarflare9078]

Well, I apologize for saying this, but the Cotton series never interested me. I always thought the games were trying too hard to be cute and it just ends up being annoying I also think the gameplay isn't anything special, it just looks like a worse version of Pop n Twin Bee to me, especially with the power-ups going down instead of towards you. Then again, I might be the only one who thinks that way/am wrong here, given the amount of praise it's got for others.

[@RetroCore]

The game is certainly nothing special in terms of playability but it was rather unique at the time.

[@euphorik3120]

lol, i liked reading your opinion

[@euphorik3120]

crap PlayStation screwed up that one. just set it to hard i guess?

[@RetroCore]

Yep, you need to play the PlayStation version of Hard.

[@morrowlterraslove]

@@RetroCore no that does not work it’s the same on normal but it only adds revenge bullets. I watched shootem up junkie’s video on the cotton ports before Reboot was released

[@euphorik3120]

not sure i like the 2021 reboot. looks like too much, idk