Cool Spot

The Good
To be able to direct a "cool-looking" star through our microcosmos sounds something unlike any other journey in our computers? Well, in my humble opinion, Cool Spot has tried to be an alternative with that known feel of platform gaming, but rather having more addictive effect; an addiction to see further...

I know its well-drawn graphics and funky soundtrack has that potential. And I bet you can't resist Cool Spot either who yawns, cleans its sunglasses or plays with a yo-yo when you do nothing >8>

The Bad
But Cool Spot has something missing. Yeah, it has difficult gameplay even at its easiest level and a level design which adds no any special feature into its ideas. Maybe you could also blame our 7-Up mascot for its rather slow movement. However, what actually the game is lacking is it doesn't feature a new look-and-feel for a platform game and you don't feel yourself having played something special either.

The Bottom Line
Anyway, without a doubt, Cool Spot is one of the few good platform games available for PC. And if you ever get the chance to play it, don't miss it! It seems that it even hadn't lost any of its features while being converted from the original Mega Drive version! So, highly recommended...

The Good
Cool Spot for the Sega Genesis was one of many high-quality, 2D platforming games by Virgin Software in the early - mid 1990s.

The player takes control of the 7UP mascot through several platforming levels that show off the hardware capabilities of the Genesis as well as the creativity of the folks at Virgin.

Spot can do what most platforming characters can do; walk, jump and climb. He has an unlimited supply of fizzy balls that he can shoot as projectiles and there are lots and lots of items and secrets to locate in each level (i.e. for extra lives, restored level, bonus points, etc).

At the end each level you will find a group of your fellow Spot people (spot-tians?) imprisoned in a cage, which you need to blast with your fizzy balls (assuming you collected enough of the Spot icons).

The "coolness" about Cool Spot comes in its amazing animation, graphics, music and sound effects. The game play mechanics are simple and easy to pick up and it is clearly one of the best video games based on a soft drink or snack food mascot.

The Bad
Cool Spot could have done with bosses at the end of the levels, in addition to the imprisoned Spots.

The in-game story line, beyond recusing other Spots, is virtually non-existent. Sometimes you may get a tad bored at blasting enemies with fizzy balls, which cannot be upgraded, and yes, sometimes you may find yourself wanting a bit more originality in the platforming adventure.

The Bottom Line
Cool Spot is a truly "cool" when it comes to perfecting the look, sound and overall feel of 16-bit, 2D platforming. In the 1990s, the talent, creativity and skill at Virgin was simply revolutionary and this game is a fine example of its well deserved praise.

The Good
Well, it's a decent platformer, with a fast engine, smooth graphics and gameplay, good controls and a cute action figure. The design is interesting, if not innovative. A solid game which is fun to play, this is an interesting attempt by Virgin.

The Bad
I didn't like the premise - too silly and commercial. The game is so repetitive I never got passed the first level (if there's more than one anyway...) because it bored me, and the sound effects and music could and should have been better.

The Bottom Line
A cute though somewhat annoying game, which is generally fun to play. 'nuff said.