Cool Spot

The Good
For those who can't tell by the numerous appearances of the product, Cool Spot is a game based off 7Up's early 90's mascot, Spot. The premise is simple; Spot must traverse various levels in quest to save his fellow Spots who, as the manual explains to me, have been captured by Wild Wicked Wily Will. If you don't have the manual, there's no way you could possibly know that. All you know is that you must collect “cool points” to free a Spot from a cage at the end of each level.

Let's be real here, the story doesn't matter. In fact, I'm impressed that someone even came up with a story based off of a beverage mascot. What does matter is that this game is a beautiful platformer with its share of flaws.

Cool Spot is a real treat to the senses. Wonderful animations compliment detailed sprites and stunning backgrounds. Spot is instantly charming. Everything, even down to his idle animations, drips personality. Sure, we've seen characters show off their 'tude before, but none are so adorable as Spot. The music is also amazing. Done by none other than Tommy Tallarico, the soundtrack does a lot to compliment the “cool” nature of the game.

The Bad
Although the strong graphics and music help Cool Spot stand out in the 16-bit platformer crowd, the gameplay isn't anything special. It's a standard platformer, that offers nothing new. You climb, you jump, and you dispatch enemies by shooting, uh, whatever Spot shoots. I don't know, maybe it’s the physical manifestation of all his “cool”.

What's worse is that the game doesn't include a single boss battle. Not one. Not anything approaching the definition. There isn't even a stronger variant of another enemy that stands in your way. Not even at the end. There aren't even any puzzles to solve. Other than a change in background, there isn't much difference in the levels.

Don't get me wrong, the game is fun. The level design is at least competent. There is nothing offensive about its gameplay. I was able to complete the game without it wearing too thin. The problem is; there is no reward for playing through the entire game. After a few levels in, they start reusing backgrounds, so there's nothing to look forward to. That means you could play to around level 5, shut the game off, and not miss a damned thing.

The Bottom Line
Despite stellar graphics and a wonderful soundtrack, Cool Spot is a difficult game to recommend. It makes inoffensive use of its license (which is more than can be said about games these days), but there's nothing to keep you playing. Luckily, it's an easy enough game to find cheaply, so it's not a bad choice to add to your collection. Just don't expect to be playing this over and over again. Cool Spot is an AVERAGE game.

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.