Cool Spot

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.