Cotton Boomerang (JUET 980709 V1.000)

Take to the skies in Cotton Boomerang, a fast-paced horizontal shooter released in 1998 from Success. This installment builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Cotton 2, delivering a more frenetic and action-packed experience. Players control one of three selectable characters, switching between them mid-game to trigger a powerful smart bomb attack—a departure from the previous game’s magic system. The shift in gameplay mechanics means players now face one-hit kills, emphasizing quick reflexes and strategic character selection. Unlike Cotton 2, level progression isn't tied to experience points; instead, bonus items throughout each stage determine advancement. Each character possesses unique secondary attacks and default magic abilities, differentiating their playstyles while navigating through redesigned levels filled with familiar enemies and a soundtrack shared with Cotton 2. Mastering new moves, counterattacks, and powerups is essential for survival in this demanding shooter. Cotton Boomerang supports up to four players simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for cooperative arcade action. The game runs on Sega ST-V hardware and utilizes a six-button control scheme with an eight-way joystick, offering precise control over the aerial combat.