Play Cocoron Online

Summary

Cocoron stands out on the Famicom thanks to its deep character‑building system. Instead of picking a preset hero, you rummage through a toy‑box of heads and bodies – eight of each, each with its own stats for health, speed and jump height – and can mix and match them into literally hundreds of unique fighters. The parts aren’t just cosmetic; swapping a bulky torso for a slimmer one can turn a sluggish brawler into a nimble jumper, while a different head might boost your attack power.

The game bears the unmistakable touch of Akira Kitamura, the mind behind Mega Man, who directed the project after leaving Capcom. He teamed up with composer Takashi Tateishi – famous for the Mega Man 2 soundtrack – and asked for a more "cutesy" musical vibe, while artist Takashi “Utata Kiyoshi” Kogure supplied the quirky pixel art. A PC‑Engine version, dubbed PC Cocoron, was previewed in magazines but never shipped; a lone prototype now lives in the Game Preservation Society’s collection.

Japanese reviewers were split but generally positive, with Famitsu’s four judges handing scores of 7, 6, 7 and 7, and Hippon Super! giving it an 8 out of 10. The game’s blend of customization and classic side‑scroll action still feels fresh for anyone who loves tinkering with pixel heroes.

Storyline

Tapir, an enigmatic blue wizard in spotted pajamas from the Dream World, sends the player on a quest to rescue Princess Rua. The journey quickly expands as the hero must also free Santa Claus, the king of Trump Castle, and the blue fairy Cocoron.

Tapir’s ability to manipulate people’s dreams gives Cocoron a unique twist, turning each rescue into a surreal, dream‑shaped challenge.