My Played Video Games Review: Cool Spot for the Super Nintendo

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Cool Spot is a platform game released in 1993 for both the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis and the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom Entertainment System. It was developed by Virgin Games USA.

This one draws inspiration from the iconic 7up character, Spot. Spot, known for its appearances in old 7up softdrink advertisements and commercials, is depicted as a large, red, coin-shaped spot sporting sunglasses, gloves, and shoes.

Cool Super Famicom box cover art for Japan (Image source)

The Story

Embark on an exciting and fast-paced adventure as Cool Spot, where you'll need to maintain your composure and style as you charge, blast, and overcome obstacles. Your mission is to rescue your fellow Spot buddies who have been captured by uncool forces. Brace yourself for thrilling experiences as you surf waves, navigate a runaway train, and conquer stomach-churning rollercoaster rides, all in your quest to out-cool your enemies. You will face in-your-face challenges, execute tricky maneuvers, and utilize a 360-degree Cool Shot fire range. The graphics are so darn good that you'll need to don your own shades to handle the heat!

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

In terms of early-generation SNES games, Cool Spot stands out with its pretty good visuals. Spot, the protagonist, is remarkably designed, resembling a 3D sprite despite being in 2D. The animations are smooth and eye-catching, while the backgrounds and level designs contribute to the overall stylish appearance of the game.

The audio in Cool Spot is simply delightful and adds to the game's charm. The adorable squeaks of the Spots and the groovy tunes, including a classic surfing theme, are bound to capture your heart. While the gameplay tunes may not be particularly memorable, they are pleasant to listen to and don't detract from the overall experience.

Gameplay video sample of Cool Spot. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

The core gameplay mechanics in Cool Spot revolve around collecting "cool points" to free your imprisoned comrades and unlocking bonus levels by collecting more than the required amount. While this may sound simplistic, it actually provides a lot of entertainment. Perhaps it is the nostalgia somehow, but I find myself thoroughly enjoying this straightforward side-scrolling game. There's a sense of exploration as you strive to maximize your score and increase your chances of victory, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

In terms of controls, most aspects handle well, and you won't encounter many issues with your controller. However, there is one notable concern with the shooting controls. It can be challenging to move or stand still while shooting precisely where you want, leading to frustrating situations that can cost you lives.

Replay value is mediocre. If you haven't unlocked the special secret on your initial playthrough, it's definitely worth giving the game another go. However, once you've accomplished that, there isn't much incentive to revisit the game, unfortunately.

My Verdict

Cool Spot offers an affordable and enjoyable experience that won't waste your time. Additionally, who wouldn't want to take on the role of such an awesome softdrink mascot? Cool Spot is definitely a title worth considering. So go ahead and give it a shot.

Play it on the undying Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a favored emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!