Panorama Cotton (1994). Play online

Summary

Panorama Cotton bursts onto the Mega Drive as a dazzling pseudo‑3D shooter, echoing Space Harrier while weaving an anime‑style fantasy backdrop. Levels swing “into” the screen, then tilt vertically, horizontally or diagonally, letting you swoop and spray enemies with Cotton’s upgraded gun and magical spells. Technically, it’s hailed as a showcase of the console’s sprite‑scaling power—Mean Machines Sega likened its feel to both After Burner and Space Harrier, and Gamers’ Republic crowned it the “pinnacle of 3D shooting” on the system. Only 4,000 Japanese cartridges were ever pressed, making the original a rare collector’s gem until an English fan‑translation surfaced in 2019. The title finally went worldwide in 2021 on Switch, PS4 and a limited Mega Drive run, followed by Xbox releases in 2023, earning glowing reviews and an 8.03‑point score in Sega Saturn Magazine.

Storyline

In Panorama Cotton, the fairy Silk is warned by her sister Knit that Queen Velvet has begun uttering nonsense. The queen claims the world is slipping into chaos and declares herself the only one who can save it. She darts away on a strange creature named Pinky, disappearing before anyone can intervene.

Soon after, a charred Willow appears in the castle garden, and Silk suspects it is the cause of the queen’s odd behavior. Monsters from the north have been burning any Willow they encounter, spreading the corruption. Determined to stop it, Silk carries the burnt Willow far from the castle.

Before she can dispose of it, the witch Cotton swoops in, snatches the Willow and tries to eat it. She immediately spits it out, disgusted, and vows to put an end to the Willow‑burning menace. Silk and Cotton then team up and set off on a new adventure to protect the remaining Willows.