Rainbow Cotton

Rainbow Cotton is a 3D rail shooter developed by Success exclusively for the Sega Dreamcast, released in Japan on January 20, 2000. As the fifth installment in the Cotton franchise and the first fully 3D entry, players assume the role of the titular young witch who, alongside her fairy companion Silk, sets out on her broomstick on a quest to defeat the evil demon Tweed and retrieve a stolen Willow candy. Gameplay is reminiscent of Space Harrier and Panzer Dragoon, with players flying through five colorful 3D stages on a predetermined track, destroying enemies, collecting crystal power-ups, and unleashing magic spells. The game incorporates RPG elements, allowing players to level up attack power, and introduces a branching level system where stages change depending on the path taken.

Dreamcast

Released exclusively in Japan on January 20, 2000, this title received mixed to negative reception from critics. Reviewers unanimously praised the colorful 3D visual presentation but heavily criticized the frustrating controls, camera issues, the large size of Cotton's model that obstructed the playfield, and collision detection problems. IGN criticized the controls and automatic centering system, while GameSpot noted the core gameplay was so flawed it left the experience "unsalvageable." Despite its flaws, the game's charming presentation and unique mechanics have given it a cult following. The game was never officially released outside Japan, though an English fan translation was released in 2021. A remake was released worldwide on May 9, 2024, for modern platforms, featuring enhanced controls, graphical improvements, and full localization.