Save some Willow from the holidays!

Success Corporation has announced that it will launch a PC port of modern cute-'em-up Cotton Fantasy in January 2023. Following on from its previous release on PS4 and Nintendo Switch, the colorful shmup will launch on Steam under its far superior Japanese moniker of Cotton Rock 'n' Roll!

Developed by Studio Saizensen to coincide with the series' 30th Anniversary, Cotton Rock 'n' Roll sees the titular witch-in-training continue her broomstick-??riding, monster-blasting ways as she takes to the skies for 10 stages of hyper-energetic pew-pew action. As always, our mop-topped hero is not alone, and players can choose from several classic characters and guest stars including Appli, Ria, Fina, Kawase, and Luffee, don't forget to seek help from Cotton's bestie �the sexy space fairy Silk.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZXAT32-e??C8&am?p;ab_channel=ININGames

Along with a brand new story mode, packed with shenanigans and candy, Cotton Rock 'n' Roll will feature a handy Training Mode, allowing players to practice their skills on a particularly tricky part of the adventure. Online leaderboards will also let the best of the witches show off their finest scores and times. While I will admit that the concept of the 100% Cotton franchise making a comeback in the 2020s couldn't have been further from my mind, it is definitely still cool to see these long-forgotten franchises dusted off, deca?des later, for one more spin through the stars.

Cotton Rock 'n' Roll launches on PC, (via Steam) on January 5, 2023 �It is available now on PS4 and Nintendo Switch as Cotton Fantasy.

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The Best Worst Witch

ININ Games has announced a western release date for all-new shmup sequel Cotton Fantasy, which was previously released in Japan in 2021, (with the far superior title of Cotton Rock 'n' Roll). The cart?ooni?sh arcade adventure will launch on PS4 and Nintendo Switch on May 20.

Cotton Fantasy is a brand new entry in the cult, long-running Cotton franchise, and sees the titular witch reunited with her sexy space pal Silk as the duo embarks on another button-punching mission into the stars. Someone i??s stealing all of the magical candy, Willow, from Fairyland. With the thought of her supply of sweet treats being exhausted simply too much for Cotton to bear, our heroes jet off to reveal the villain behind this mystery.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZXAT32-eC8

With 16 delightfully animated stages, six playable characters, multiple modes, and even a bevy of secret unlocks, Cotton Fantasy hopes to be a mighty comeback for the cute-'em-up franchise. The sequel features an overhaul scoring system, new gameplay mechanics, fully HD visuals, and remixed soundtrack featuring some of the classic tunes pulled from the entire Cotton franchise.

Cotton Fantasy is a sort of "grand finale" of the Cotton comeback. The new title follows on from the release of remake Cotton Reboot, the rereleased Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute, and an array of physical repri?nts. The franchise is unlikely to set the world on fire in this day and age, but for shmup fans and cute-'em-up fans, there will always be a place in video gaming for the dopey sorceress and?? her friends.

Cotton Fantasy launches May 20 on PS4 and Nintendo Switch.

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Bring me All The Willow

City Connection has announced that it is currently in the process of porting Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute to the PC platf??orm, following on from its recent release on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. The trilogy of classic shmups is expected to take flight on Steam at some point in the first quarter of the year.

Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute is a compact collection of titles taken from the mischievous witch's Sega Saturn adventures. The retro release is comprised of Cotton 2 (1997), Cotton Boomerang (1998), and a third, thematically similar release, Guardian Force (1998). The three classic shmup titles all feature sharp ?remastered pixel visuals and a selection of quality-of-life options, such as auto-fire, save states, and rewind functions.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dg3YXK73F4

The PS4 and Nintendo Switch edition of Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute was criticized by players due to an input delay issue, which rendered the titles somewhat frustrating to play. Shmups, like fighting games, live and die on their responsiveness, where even just a few frame hiccups can lead to a hair-pulling experience. Fortunately, City Connection has been working on a patch, which it expects to be ready for launch in early February. No doubt the PC edition ??will launch with the fix already installed.

In addition to Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute, fans looking for more old-school cool can also enjoy the 2021 remake Cotton Reboot on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. An all-new sequel, Cotton Rock 'n' Roll, is also currently? in development and expected to arrive later in ?2022.

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200% Cotton

I don't quite know how Cotton, of all franchises, became one of my most commonly written about beats of the ninth generation, but I'm here for it. Today's news sees the candy-munching mischief-maker journey onto PC, as the recent remake Cotton Reboot! has launched on the Steam platform, priced at (a pretty meaty) $45 USD.

As I noted in my PS4 review back in July of this year, Fantastic Night Dreams: Cotton Reboot! is a ground-up remake of Success Corporation's original 1991 arcade release Cotton: Fantastic Night Dreams. As a quick reminder, this ultra-cute and ultra colorful shmup sees a young witch-in-training team with a sexy space fairy to save? the latter's universe,? with Cotton's wave-smashing magic attacks powered via a delicious but mysteriously compelling candy known as "Willow."

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=saalUMLYUvY

Cotton Reboot! is a very attractive and fun title, though the package is extremely thin, given the price tag. You do get both the original Sharp X86000 home release, as well a fun new Time Attack mode mixed into the package, but it's still a tough sell for non-shmup fans, despite its wholesome imagery and exciting gameplay. Regardless, if you have been waiting on a PC port of this fun title, then you can go bag it right now over on Steam. Check out our review for the console release here.

In related news, publisher ININ Games announced that its brand new, incoming sequel Cotton Rock 'n' Roll will be getting a western localization in short order. Launching in Japan, December 23, on PS4, PC, and Nintendo Switch, the western edition of the new title is to be expected in early 2022, under the not remotely as good moniker of "Cotton Fantasy". A physical edition will be made available at Strictly Limited Games, with pre-orders going live November 13?.

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Strictly Limited Games reveal further special editions

Can there be too much Willow candy, even for Cotton? Don't be ridiculous! ININ Games has announced that classic cute-'em-up Cotton 100% will relaunch on October 29, day and date with the recently revealed Panorama Cotton.

Cotton 100% �originally developed by franchise veterans Success �was the Super Famicom's take on the cute-but-troublemaking witch and her candy-grabbing exploits. Released exclusively to the 16-bit platform in 1994, Cotton 100% attempted to capitalize on the sudden resurgence in cute-'em-ups, brought about by releases such as Super Parodius, Pop 'n' Twinbee, and Keio Flying Squadron. While not quite as smart or as engaging as the aforementioned releases, Cotton 100% is still a fun SNES shmup, with a typically infectious cart??oon?? style.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3fj6Wd1qv4

Much like the recently revealed Panorama Cotton, Strictly Limited Games will be releasing various physical editions for Cotton 100%. A boxed copy of Cotton 100% will be available on PS4 (1,500 copies) and Nintendo Switch (2,500), while die-hard Cottoners can bag ??themselves a special Collector's Edition, also on PS4 (800 copies) and Nintendo Switch (1,500 copies). This edition includes ??the game alongside a poster, a soundtrack CD, a wall scroll, stickers, character cards, a "Kokeshi" figure, and more. The set will retail for â‚?4.99 (or roughly $75).

Of course, much like how Panorama Cotton is getting a fresh Sega Mega Drive release, Cotton 100% is also getting a brand new pressing on Super Nintendo. Strictly Limited has commissioned a fresh run of working Cotton 100% cartridges for PAL (600 copies) and NTSC (900 copies) SNES systems. The SNES edition will retail for â‚?9.99 (or roughly $58) and features authentic SNES style packaging. All of the above editions are available to pre-order from the official Strictly Limited store right now, so be sure to?? move fa?st if you want in on any of these items.

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Well, it is the witching season

You wait decades for Cotton content, and then you find yourself practically swimming in it! Following on from the recent release of Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute, ININ Games has announced that 1994's Panorama Cotton will be hitting the stars once again on Octobe??r 29, when the classic Sega Mega Driv??e release makes a grand return on PS4 and Switch.

Panorama Cotton once again sees the trouble-brewin' witch and ??her army ?of cute companions on another, utterly nonsensical adventure. The plot, as such as it is, sees space fairy Silk and her pal Knit recruit Cotton after their leader, The Velvet Queen disappears mysteriously. Around the same time, the fairies discover that somebody is burning Willow, which is conveniently Cotton's favorite form of candy. Thus the heroes team up once again to locate the missing Velvet Queen and �far more importantly �prevent the further destruction of Willow.

While retaining the cute-'em-up shmup action that is the series' trademark, Panorama Cotton veers from its roots by featuring an into-the-screen dynamic, similar to that of Sega's 1985 classic Space Harrier. Cotton jets through each stage, gathering Willow, taking down enemies, and calling upon both her friends and her shaky and amateurish magic abilities to take down waves of enemies and boss characters. Originally released only on the Japanese Sega Mega Drive, ININ Games' release will be Panorama Cotton's first-ever official localization.

Panorama Cotton will be available digitally on PS4 and Nintendo Switch on October 29. For dedicated Willow-heads, Strictly Limited Games will be offering a physical edition of the re-release, limited to 2,500 copies on Switch and 1,500 copies on PS4. Additionally, a Collector's Edition will include a copy of Panorama Cotton along?side a slew of colorful merchandi??se, including lenticular cards, a soundtrack CD, a wall scroll, a poster, and more. This edition will be limited to 1,500 copies for Switch and 800 copies on PS4.

But, for those fans who want to get really old-school, Strictly Limited Games has commissioned a fresh run of fully playable cartridges for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Genesis systems. You'll have to think ??fast if you want one of these beauties, as they will be limited to 600 Sega Mega Drive carts and 900 Sega Genesis ca?rts only. All of the above editions will be available to pre-order exclusively from the Strictly Limited Store on October 24.

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As rare as the rarest of Willow

Physical media purveyor Strictly Limited Games has announced that it will be opening pre-orders for its Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute Collector's Edition on October 17. The boxed edition of ININ Games' retro shmup classics will be limited to a format of 1,000 copi?es on PS4 and 2,500 copies on Nintendo Switch.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY8Dk8n6Eiw

The colorful box set will contain a physical copy of Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute �collating Sega Saturn releases Cotton 2, Cotton Boomerang, and the thematically similar Guardian Force �as well as a treasure trove of booty including a poster, several replication arcad??e flyers, a CD soundtrack, hardback artbook, a mug and cute "teacup character," character cards, an enamel pin, and a sticker sheet. How stickers became a thing again, I don't know. I'm here for it.

The Collector's Edition will retail for â‚?9.99 (or roughly $81 USD) not including shipping or any potential customs charges. Strictly Limited ships worldwide, so if you're a die-hard Cotton fan living outside of Europe, you're in luck. At the same time, the retailer will also open pre-orders on a standard physical edition of Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute, again limited to the format size listed above. This edition will retail for â‚?9.99 (or roughly $46). Both editions are expected to ship in Febru??ary 2022.

It bears noting that the three titles included in Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute are already available digitally on both PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Some dedicated shmup-heads have complained t??hat the titles feature input lag, with some claiming the games are "unplayable." ININ Games has responded to these complaints, promising the release of a patch at some undisclosed point in the future. It's worth bearing this in mind when considering your purch?ase of the compendium.

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A surprise treat for cute-'em-up fans

The shmup enthusiasts over at City Connection have announced that three classic Success studio shmups will all be releasing tomorrow on PS4 and Nintendo Switch. Cotton 2, Cotton Boomerang, and a third release, Guardian Force, will all be launching with both Eng??lish and Japanese language support. Grab yer broomstick, friends.

To be clear, these releases are individual purchases/downloads, not the recently announced Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute physical compendium, which is launching in Japan digitally and physically from ININ Games. If you want to just bag the three cute shmup classics, then you can just pick up these thre??e titles from your territory's respective PSN/eShop tomorrow, but if you want a physical collection, then you'll have to hold off until it hit these shores next year.

All three titles feature some modern-day quality-of-life additions, including save states, slow-motion, and rewind functions, as well as online leaderboards to ascertain who are the greatest Willow-chomping witches on the planet. While the trilogy is a tad pricy at $15 for each game, this is still far cheaper than it would cost the average player if they chose to bag the original Sega Saturn releases. As for SNES release Cotton 100% and its Sega Mega Drive counterpart, Panorama Cotton, both of these games are also expected to drop on PS4 and Switch within the coming months. And don't forget recent remake Cotton: Reboot! and the upcoming sequel Cotton Rock 'n' Roll. It's Willow heaven!

Cotton 2, Cotton Boomerang, and Guardian Force launch digit?ally on PS4 and Switch September 30, priced at $15 each.

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Looking to the skies to save me

This past weekend was a very exciting one for shmup fans, as it saw the 2021 edition of Japan's Shooting Game Daikanshasai presentation, bringing a full magazine of headlines regarding the timeless and beloved shmup genre — one of the most niche and enduring mediums of video game since the humble Space Invaders launches back in 1978.

While yours truly has definitely fallen a little behind the times with this adrenaline-filled genre, I'm so happy that it still has a global community of followers in the modern gaming environment. So let's take a look at some of the news that came out of this year's event. Thanks to Gematsu for translated information taken from the weekend's stream.

Perhaps the biggest news belongs to fantasy goth-lolita shooter Deathsmiles, with the announcement that Deathsmiles I & II will be launching in Japan on PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on December 16... Damn, that's quite a wait. The compilation will include 2007's Deathsmiles, its rare expanded edition Deathsmiles Mega Black Label, and 2009 sequel Deathsmiles II. All games will be available in the arcade and home console formats?? and will also include new — but undisclosed — features. Here's hoping for localization in 2022.

Publisher City Connection also gave fans their first look at Strikers 2020, the long-awaited new title in the classic Strikers series. Unfortunately, there was no video in effect, with developer Zerodiv only having a small selection of screenshots to offer. From these scant shots, we can see that Strikers 2020 will off?er a revised, modern take on the iconic vertically scrolling action that ro??cked arcades in the late '90s. A release date is still to be announced.

Over in the super cutesy world of Cotton! City Connection announced that Cotton Guardian Force Saturn Tribute is in the works for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. The new compilation, which will launch in Japan on September 30, will feature three titles from the franchise's Sega Saturn days: 1997's Cotton 2, and 1998's Cotton Boomerang and Guardian Force. The Saturn Tribute compilation will feature a few new features including auto-fire options, save states, and a Rewind fu?nction.

Sticking with Cotton!, it was also revealed that 2020's Cotton Reboot! will be getting a free update in May. The update will feature improvements to the game's visuals, a run of bug fixes, and will see a new roster addition in the form of Cotton 2's adorable troublemaker Appli ke Pumpkin! In addition, it was announced that work continues on the brand new Cotton! title, which will see an arcade and hom?e release at som?e point in 2021.

The Psikyo Shooting Collection, a compilation of recently re-released Psikyo shmups remains in development. The collection will include a much-requested Training Mode, allowing players to re-run their favorite st??ages of any of the collections' 12 titles. Expect a release date for the PS5 soon. As for the individual releases of each game — already available on PC and Switch — a release schedule for PS4 and Xbox One will be announced soon.

Finally, developer G-Mode announced that its sci-fi shmup DoDonPachi Blissful Death DX will be making the leap from mobile platforms to Nintendo Switch. Blissful Death is an adaptation of 2002 arcade DoDonPachi: Dai-Ou-Jou, but closed service in 2014. This Switch edition will allow franchise fans to plug that small hole in their shmup collection. No release date was announced, but Blissful Death will retail for a modest ¥500 (roughly $5).

It looks like shmup fans should keep those aging knuckles in shape, as there's still plenty of rapid-fire action lined up for 2021-2022. While some of these titles may see a western release, for the most part fans will have to follow the import/alternate account route. But, as a shmup fan, you're already well versed in this met??hodology... right? Pew-pew!

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