Game of the Month (October): Cotton Series
At Strictly Limited, we take pride in curating a diverse collection of both classic and modern titles that are cherished by collectors worldwide. However, we understand that some exceptional games often fly under the radar or are tricky to access for some collectors. That's precisely why we've introduced our Game of the Month feature, aiming to shed light on these lesser-known treasures that truly deserve your time and attention. All featured games have been introduced, produced, and shipped some time ago. As of today, there are still units in stock from their initial release, spanning six months or more. As an added treat, each Game of the Month enjoys a special reduced price! Our spotlighted titles are introduced by our passionate team members who share a unique connection with the games.
This month's highlighted series is the iconically cute Cotton Series, developed by Success and Studio Saizensen. From today until November 12th you can grab these epic titles from the Cotton Series:
Cotton Fantasy: Limited Editions will be available for 29.99€, Collector's Editions for 79.99€!
Cotton Fantasy Nendoroid Bundle: Limited Editions for 49.99€!
Cotton Reboot!: Limited Edition (PS4 only) for 29.99€!
Panorama Cotton: Limited Edition (PS4 only) for 24.99€!
Cotton Guardian Force Nendoroid CE Bundle: (NSW only) 59.99€!
Cotton, developed by the small team at Success, is a charming shoot-'em-up starring the lovable pink-haired witch, Nata de Cotton. While the early games follow the traditional side-scrolling shoot-'em-up format, it's Cotton's magical attacks, broom-riding antics, and her hilariously memorable death scream that truly set the series apart.
Meet Felix, our Taskmaster Supreme, who oversees a variety of projects for the company. Since he has worked on every Cotton project to date, there is no one more qualified to speak on the subject than he:
Q: Felix, you’re known around the office as THE Cotton fan. What is it about the Cotton games that draws you in?
Felix: It’s got to be the combination of over-the-top, sometimes unhinged character and world design. The series started as a side-scrolling "cute-em-up," but it’s so unique with its whimsical and crazy characters, like Nata de Cotton, her naive companion Silk, and my personal favorite… Pinky from Panorama Cotton. Cotton never wants to be involved, but somehow ends up in the thick of it anyway, all for some Willows that she seems to never actually get.
Q: Cotton Reboot! really brought the series back into the spotlight. How do you think Cotton Fantasy builds on that?
Felix: Cotton Fantasy takes what Reboot! did well—the vibrant visuals and smooth gameplay—and cranks up the variety. You’ve got six different playable characters, and each one completely changes how the game plays, with different shot patterns and special attacks. That alone adds a lot of replayability. Plus, the mixture of 2D side-scrolling action with elements like behind-the-back stages, even though they’re just bonuses, is a nice nod to the series’ evolution over the years.
Q: So which character is your favorite in Cotton Fantasy?
Felix: No one beats Cotton in terms of overall design of course, but gameplaywise my favorite character is Fine from Sanvein. The 3 different weapons offer a lot of agency to the player, while the timer mechanic provides some extra pressure!
Q: How does Cotton Fantasy stack up in terms of the overall series?
Felix: It’s easily one of the most polished entries, and it really feels like the series is back in full swing. The game looks great, plays smoothly, and has that signature charm. While I’d love to see more experimentation with gameplay styles, it’s a fantastic addition for both fans of the classic games and newcomers alike. It also boasts fancy, new-school anime-style cutscenes that are also printed in our art book of the Collector’s Edition!
Q: Any final thoughts for those who haven't tried the Cotton series yet?
Felix: If you love shoot-em-ups or just quirky, fun games, give it a shot. Whether you're here for the gameplay, the humor, or the nostalgia, there's something special in the Cotton series for everyone. And if you ever find out about the lore around Silk’s belly button, you’ll understand the meaning of life, among other things!