Developer: Success Publisher: Sunsoft Released: 08/12/94 Genre: Rail Shooter
The Sega Genesis and scaling sprites did not go well together. For every Outrun there were numerous games like Galaxy Force 2 and Super Thunder Blade that were a choppy mess. Meanwhile the SNES used Mode 7 scaling like it was going out of style. But just like the SNES and its history of slowdown all it takes is a committed developer to work around certain limitations. Panorama Cotton is one of the most stunning examples of scaling during the 16-bit era and is in the same conversation as Vectorman and Alien Soldier as a title that pushed the system to its limit. I’m glad to say that its technical accomplishments are backed up by excellent gameplay as well.
While I will gush about the gameplay I have to get it out of the way first: Panorama Cotton looks absolutely amazing. For the most part the scaling is incredibly smooth and the game tosses around a ton of sprites. There is some pixelization, mostly in the backgrounds but you won’t be paying as much attention to them. The game does overextend its reach at times leading to performance issues. It pushes a lot of sprites which leads to slowdown and flicker. But considering the technical wizardry on display it is a small sacrifice.
Beyond the scaling what is most impressive is the incredible variety the game exhibits in each level. The art direction is second to none and even though Panorama Cotton is short it packs enough variety for two whole games. Level one begins in an open canyon complete with river before making way to a waterfall. The waterfall leads to a long psychedelic corridor with branching paths before finally climaxing in a boss battle. Stage three takes place inside a temple with its many corridors leading to different areas. This level is also unique in that it scrolls in every direction.
Mechanically Panorama Cotton doesn’t differ from other games in the series too much. Your magic shot is weak initially but becomes more powerful as you gain levels. One feature of note is that taking hits decreases experience and it is possible to lose levels! Cotton is accompanied by her fairy Silk. Holding down the attack button will cause Silk to rotate around you. Releasing it will perform a strong magic attack. There is some nuance to this: mastering when to break your rapid fire to magic attack is a critical skill later in the game when it really gets chaotic.
The elemental magic system returns and is largely the same. Groups of enemies drop gold bars when shot down. These can be shot to change color, with each color representing an elemental spell. You can keep a large number in stock and you’re good enough will never run out. Magic is already destructive on its own but can be further enhanced by Silky using the same method as the magic shot. It is hard to pull off consistently but worth it.
Since Panorama Cotton is a third person rail shooter its pace is different. It is like Space Harrier II but better. This is more akin to a roller coaster ride than a measured adventure. This is one of the fastest shooters on the system in terms of pace. Enemies and obstacles appear at a rapid clip with the only respite being the transition to new areas. I would even say the game might be too fast for its own good. It can be hard to react to walls and other impediments as they appear in rapid succession. Judging distances can be difficult but is part of the learning curve. While it is annoying the game is so set on showing you new set pieces there isn’t time to linger on its weaker elements.
Panorama Cotton is not a difficult game although certain elements are frustrating. Cotton is a large sprite and obscures parts of the screen. This leads to many cheap hits although you learn to work around it. The cheap hits wouldn’t be so bad if you could regain health more often. The only way to regain health is at the end of a level, and it is judged by score. You’ll have to maximize your score bonuses and even then you’ll more than likely only gain a sliver. There are orbs that raise your maximum health but these are rare. Even with these frustrations the game is still easy, which is a bit of a problem.
If there is one knock against the game it is that it is short. Panorama Cotton has five chapters and that is it. Each is incredibly long, to an annoying degree. While the game is short you will see more sights and sounds than multiple shooters combined. But it is still a brief ride. Unfortunately considering the high prices Panorama Cotton commands you’ll have to weigh whether it is worth it or not. The game is good but a few more chapters would have made it a classic.
In Closing
Panorama Cotton is one of the best shooters of the 16-bit era. Too bad most have never heard of it. If you find it at a reasonable price go for it as it is a truly fantastic game. But the odds of that happening are slim. Your best bet is to go with a reproduction cartridge or emulation, which is a damn shame as more people should be able to play this.
