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{{Short description|1993 video game}}
{{distinguish|Spot: The Cool Adventure}}
{{distinguish|Spot: The Cool Adventure{{!}}''Spot: The Cool Adventure''}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2011}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2011}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
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|image = cool spot box art.jpg
|image = cool spot box art.jpg
|caption = European Mega Drive cover art
|caption = European Mega Drive cover art
|developer = [[Virgin Interactive|Virgin Games USA]]<br>NMS Software <small>(Game Boy)</small>
|developer = [[Virgin Interactive Entertainment|Virgin Games]]<br>NMS Software (Game Boy)
|publisher = [[Virgin Interactive|Virgin Games]]
|publisher = Virgin Games
|producer = Cathie A. Bartz-Todd
|producer = Cathie A. Bartz-Todd
|composer = [[Tommy Tallarico]] <small>(Genesis/SNES)</small><br>Andrew Barnabas <small>(Amiga)</small><br>Matt Furniss <small>(Master System/Game Gear)</small><br>[[Mark Cooksey]] <small>(Game Boy)</small>
|composer = [[Tommy Tallarico]] <small>(Genesis/SNES)</small><br>Andrew Barnabas <small>(Amiga)</small><br>Matt Furniss <small>(Master System/Game Gear)</small><br>[[Mark Cooksey]] <small>(Game Boy)</small>
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|artist = Christian Laursen<br>Mike Dietz<br>Shawn McLean<br>Ed Schofield<br>Roger Hardy<br>Willis Wong
|artist = Christian Laursen<br>Mike Dietz<br>Shawn McLean<br>Ed Schofield<br>Roger Hardy<br>Willis Wong
|programmer = [[David Perry (game developer)|David Perry]]
|programmer = [[David Perry (game developer)|David Perry]]
|released = '''Mega Drive/Genesis'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA|April 1993<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:GamePro_US_045.pdf&page=47|title=''GamePro'' #45 pg. 43|date=April 1993|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=11 March 2016}}</ref>|EU|May 1993<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:SegaForce_UK_18.pdf&page=61|title=''Sega Force'' No.18 pg. 61|date=June 1996|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref>}}'''Super NES'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA|September 1993<ref>{{cite web|author=Nintendo staff| title=Super NES Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/snes_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614155658/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/snes_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | format=PDF | archive-date=14 June 2011| access-date=24 September 2011}}</ref>|EU|February 24, 1994}}'''Master System'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|October 1994<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:MeanMachinesSega14UK.pdf&page=100|title=''Mean Machines Sega'' No 14 pg. 100|date=December 1993|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref>}}'''Game Gear'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|June 19, 1994|NA|October 1994<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:GamePro_US_051.pdf&page=158|title=''GamePro'' #51 pg. 154|date=October 1993|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=21 March 2016}}</ref>}}'''Game Boy'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|September 3, 1994|NA|October 1994<ref>{{cite web| author=Nintendo staff |title=Game Boy (original) Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615005225/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | format=PDF | archive-date=15 June 2011 | access-date=24 September 2011}}</ref>}}'''Amiga'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|October 10, 1994}}'''MS-DOS'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|December 17, 1994}}
|released = '''Mega Drive/Genesis'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA|April 1993<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:GamePro_US_045.pdf&page=47|title=''GamePro'' #45 pg. 43|date=April 1993|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=11 March 2016}}</ref>|EU|May 1993<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:SegaForce_UK_18.pdf&page=61|title=''Sega Force'' No.18 pg. 61|date=June 1996|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref>}}'''Super NES'''<br>{{vgrelease|NA|September 1993<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->f| title=Super NES Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/snes_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614155658/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/snes_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | archive-date=14 June 2011| access-date=24 September 2011}}</ref>|EU|February 24, 1994}}'''Master System'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|October 1993<ref>{{cite web|url=https://retrocdn.net/images/9/9f/MeanMachinesSega14UK.pdf|title=''Mean Machines Sega'' No 14 pg. 100|date=December 1993|publisher=[[Mean Machines Sega]]|access-date=4 April 2017}}</ref>}}'''Game Gear'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|June 19, 1994|NA|October 1994<ref>{{cite web|url=https://segaretro.org/index.php?title=File:GamePro_US_051.pdf&page=158|title=''GamePro'' #51 pg. 154|date=October 1993|publisher=Sega Retro|access-date=21 March 2016}}</ref>}}'''Game Boy'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|September 3, 1994|NA|October 1994<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Game Boy (original) Games | url=https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615005225/http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/gameslist/manuals/dmg_games.pdf | publisher=[[Nintendo]] | archive-date=15 June 2011 | access-date=24 September 2011}}</ref>}}'''Amiga'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|October 10, 1994}}'''MS-DOS'''<br>{{vgrelease|EU|December 17, 1994}}
|genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
|genre = [[Platform game|Platform]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
|platforms = [[Sega Genesis|Genesis]], [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]], [[Amiga]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Game Boy]], [[MS-DOS]]
|platforms = [[Mega Drive]], [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], [[Game Boy]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Amiga]]
}}
}}


'''''Cool Spot''''' is a 1993 [[platform game]] developed and published by [[Virgin Interactive|Virgin Games]] for the [[Mega Drive|Mega Drive/Genesis]] and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]. The game was ported by other teams to [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]], [[Game Boy]], [[Amiga]], and [[MS-DOS]] in 1994.<ref>{{MobyGames|id=/cool-spot}}</ref> The title character is Cool Spot, a mascot for the [[soft drink]] brand [[7 Up]]. Cool Spot's appearance in his own video game came at a time when other brand mascots (like [[Chester Cheetah]] and [[the Noid]]) were appearing in their own video games.<ref>{{cite web |title=When McDonald's, Domino's, and Chester Cheetah Took Over Your ... |url=https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/aekk7b/when-mcdonalds-dominos-and-chester-cheetah-took-over-your-nintendo |website=Motherboard |publisher=Motherboard |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref>
'''''Cool Spot''''' is a 1993 [[platform game]] developed by [[Virgin Interactive Entertainment|Virgin Games]] for the [[Sega Genesis|Mega Drive/Genesis]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Master System]], [[Game Gear]], [[Game Boy]], [[Amiga]], and [[MS-DOS]].<ref>{{MobyGames|id=/cool-spot}}</ref> The title character is Cool Spot, a mascot for the [[soft drink]] brand [[7 Up]]. Cool Spot's appearance in his own video game came at a time when other brand mascots (like [[Chester Cheetah]] and [[the Noid]]) were appearing in their own video games.<ref>{{cite web |title=When McDonald's, Domino's, and Chester Cheetah Took Over Your Nintendo |url=https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/aekk7b/when-mcdonalds-dominos-and-chester-cheetah-took-over-your-nintendo |website=Motherboard |date=25 May 2016 |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
[[Image:Cool Spot.png|thumb|left|Genesis version]]
[[Image:Cool Spot.png|thumb|left|Genesis version]]


''Cool Spot'' is a single-player [[platform game]] in which the player controls the title character.<ref>{{cite web |title=9 SUPER NINTENDO GAMES AND ODDITIES TOO WEIRD FOR THE SNES CLASSIC |url=https://www.newsweek.com/snes-classic-super-nintendo-games-donkey-kong-country-marvel-super-heroes-1059364 |website=Newsweek |publisher=Newsweek |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> Cool Spot can jump and can attack by throwing soda bubbles in any direction. Cool Spot can also cling to and climb various things by jumping up in front of them. In each level the player must rescue other cool spots, who look exactly alike, from their cages. In order to do so, the player is required to collect a certain number of "spots" that changes (usually increasing) as the game progresses. "Spots" are placed around the level in large quantities. The player's health is monitored by a humorous Cool Spot face that gradually bends forward and eventually falls from its position as damage occurs. Damage is taken by touching enemies and their projectiles and certain other obstacles. There is also a time limit for each level. The game has no save feature but does include checkpoints in the form of flagpoles.
''Cool Spot'' is a single-player [[platform game]] in which the player controls the title character.<ref>{{cite web |title=9 SUPER NINTENDO GAMES AND ODDITIES TOO WEIRD FOR THE SNES CLASSIC |url=https://www.newsweek.com/snes-classic-super-nintendo-games-donkey-kong-country-marvel-super-heroes-1059364 |website=Newsweek |date=6 August 2018 |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> Cool Spot can jump and can attack by throwing soda bubbles in any direction. Cool Spot can also cling to and climb various things by jumping up in front of them. In each level the player must rescue other cool spots, who look exactly alike, from their cages. In order to do so, the player is required to collect a certain number of "spots" that changes (usually increasing) as the game progresses. "Spots" are placed around the level in large quantities. The player's health is monitored by a humorous Cool Spot face that gradually bends forward and eventually falls from its position as damage occurs. Damage is taken by touching enemies and their projectiles and certain other obstacles. There is also a time limit for each level. The game has no save feature but does include checkpoints in the form of flagpoles.


If the player successfully collects enough Spots to enter the Bonus Stage after defeating a level, it is possible to collect Continues by grabbing a letter hidden within the stage. Depending on the version of the game, all letters either spell "UNCOLA" (7 Up's slogan), or "VIRGIN" (the game's developer). If a Continue letter is collected, Spot will be able to restart on the level he was on at the time of losing his last life, although his total points will be reset.
If the player successfully collects enough Spots to enter the Bonus Stage after defeating a level, it is possible to collect Continues by grabbing a letter hidden within the stage. All letters spell "UNCOLA" (7 Up's slogan). If a Continue letter is collected, Spot will be able to restart on the level he was on at the time of losing his last life, although his total points will be reset.


===Regional differences===
===Regional differences===
In the European release, the [[7 Up]] bottle was removed from the intro and replaced by a generic soda bottle of similar color. The decision was made to avoid associating the 7 Up Spot with the 7 Up brand, in a region where [[Fido Dido]] has been considered the brand's official mascot since the 1980s.<ref>[http://www.bandt.com.au/news/c5/0c01c5c5.asp "Fido Dido returns as face of 7 Up"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503061541/http://www.bandt.com.au/news/c5/0c01c5c5.asp |date=May 3, 2008 }} at B&T,</ref>
In the European release, the [[7 Up]] bottle was removed from the intro and replaced by a generic soda bottle of similar color; the collectable 7 Up logos were replaced by red discs with the Virgin "V", and the "UNCOLA" letters were similarly replaced with letters spelling out "VIRGIN". The decision was made because in international areas (where [[PepsiCo]] owns the rights to the 7 Up brand), [[Fido Dido]] has been considered the brand's official mascot since the 1980s.<ref>[http://www.bandt.com.au/news/c5/0c01c5c5.asp "Fido Dido returns as face of 7 Up"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503061541/http://www.bandt.com.au/news/c5/0c01c5c5.asp |date=May 3, 2008 }} at B&T,</ref>


==Reception==
==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
|GameZone=SNES: 88/100<ref>{{cite magazine|last=MacDonald|first=Duncan|url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-game-zone-15/page/n33/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|date=January 1994|work=Nintendo Game Zone|issue=15|pp=34–36|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|GameZone=SNES: 88/100<ref>{{cite magazine|last=MacDonald|first=Duncan|url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-game-zone-15/page/n33/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|date=January 1994|magazine=Nintendo Game Zone|issue=15|pages=34–36|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|JP=SNES: 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Olivier|author2=AHL|date=November 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/joypad-magazine-025/page/n83/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|language=fr|work=[[:fr:Joypad (magazine)|Joypad]]|pp=84–85|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|JP=SNES: 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Olivier|author2=AHL|date=November 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/joypad-magazine-025/page/n83/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|language=fr|magazine=[[:fr:Joypad (magazine)|Joypad]]|pages=84–85|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|MGS=SNES: 80%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/MANIAC.N001.1993.11-maniac/page/n57/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|language=de|work=[[:de:M! Games|MANIAC]]|date=November 1993|issue=1|p=59|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|MGS=SNES: 80%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/MANIAC.N001.1993.11-maniac/page/n57/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|language=de|magazine=[[:de:M! Games|MANIAC]]|date=November 1993|issue=1|page=59|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|NP=GB: 13/20<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Power_Issue001-Issue127/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20063%20August%201994/page/n69/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Now Playing|date=August 1994|work=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=63|pp=68–73|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref><br>SNES: 15.3/20<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Power_Issue001-Issue127/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20053%20October%201993/page/n101/mode/2up|title=Now Playing|work=[[Nintendo Power]]|date=October 1993|volume=53|pp=100–105|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|NP=GB: 13/20<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Power_Issue001-Issue127/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20063%20August%201994/page/n69/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Now Playing|date=August 1994|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=63|pages=68–73|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref><br>SNES: 15.3/20<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Nintendo_Power_Issue001-Issue127/Nintendo%20Power%20Issue%20053%20October%201993/page/n101/mode/2up|title=Now Playing|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|date=October 1993|volume=53|pages=100–105|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|TOT=SNES: 92%<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Frank|author2=Dane|date=December 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/total-24-december-1993/page/n23/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|work=[[Total!]]|issue=24|pp=24–26|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|TOT=SNES: 92%<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Frank|author2=Dane|date=December 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/total-24-december-1993/page/n23/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|magazine=[[Total!]]|issue=24|pages=24–26|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|VGS=SNES: 81%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1993-11/page/54/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|language=de|work=[[:de:Video Games|Video Games]]|date=November 1993|p=54|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|VGS=SNES: 81%<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/video-games-de-1993-11/page/54/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|language=de|magazine=[[:de:Video Games|Video Games]]|date=November 1993|page=54|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|rev1=''[[Mega (magazine)|Mega]]''
|rev1=''[[Mega (magazine)|Mega]]''
|rev1Score=SMD: 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|last=West|first=Neil|url=https://archive.org/details/mega09/page/n41/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|work=[[Mega (magazine)|Mega]]|issue=9|date=June 1993|pp=42–43|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|rev1Score=SMD: 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|last=West|first=Neil|url=https://archive.org/details/mega09/page/n41/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|magazine=[[Mega (magazine)|Mega]]|issue=9|date=June 1993|pages=42–43|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|rev2=''[[Pelit]]''
|rev2=''[[Pelit]]''
|rev2Score=82%<ref name = "Pelit"/>
|rev2Score=82%<ref name = "Pelit"/>
|rev3=''[[Sega Master Force]]''
|rev3=''[[Sega Master Force]]''
|rev3Score=SMD: 91/100<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Rob|author2=Nick|date=December 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/sega-master-force-06/page/n13/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|work=[[Sega Master Force]]|issue=6|pp=14–16|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|rev3Score=SMD: 91/100<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Rob|author2=Nick|date=December 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/sega-master-force-06/page/n13/mode/2up?q=%22cool+spot%22|title=Cool Spot|magazine=[[Sega Master Force]]|issue=6|pages=14–16|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|rev4=''[[Sega Pro]]''
|rev4=''[[Sega Pro]]''
|rev4Score=SMD: 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Johnson|first=Jason|date=May 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/segapro19/page/n23/mode/2up?q=cool+spot|title=Cool Spot|work=[[Sega Pro]]|issue=19|pp=24–26|accessdate=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
|rev4Score=SMD: 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Johnson|first=Jason|date=May 1993|url=https://archive.org/details/segapro19/page/n23/mode/2up?q=cool+spot|title=Cool Spot|magazine=[[Sega Pro]]|issue=19|pages=24–26|access-date=August 21, 2021}}</ref>
}}
}}
''[[Pelit]]'' gave it a score of 82%, and summarized it as "one of the most enjoyable platform games in a long time".<ref name="Pelit">{{Cite web|title=Cool Spot – Viileä Piste|url=http://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/cool-spot/|access-date=2020-05-01|website=www.pelit.fi|language=en}}</ref>
''[[Pelit]]'' gave it a score of 82%, and summarized it as "one of the most enjoyable platform games in a long time".<ref name="Pelit">{{Cite web|title=Cool Spot – Viileä Piste|url=http://www.pelit.fi/artikkelit/cool-spot/|access-date=2020-05-01|website=www.pelit.fi|date=February 1994 |language=en}}</ref>


Cool Spot was ranked 88th on Complex's 'Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time' list, which praised the game for being a 'pretty enjoyable platformer' despite blatant product placement.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/ |website=Complex |publisher=Complex |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> In 1995, Total! rated the game 65th on its Top 100 SNES Games writing: "The game that Dave Perry really showed his talents off with. Not deep, but a great laugh."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1995 |title=Top 100 SNES Games |url=https://archive.org/details/total-43/page/n45/mode/2up |journal=Total! |issue=43 |pages=47 |access-date=February 28, 2022}}</ref>
''Cool Spot'' was ranked 88th on [[Complex Networks|Complex's]] 'Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time' list, which praised the game for being a 'pretty enjoyable platformer' despite blatant product placement.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/the-100-best-super-nintendo-games/ |website=Complex |access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> In 1995, Total! rated the game 65th on its Top 100 SNES Games writing: "The game that Dave Perry really showed his talents off with. Not deep, but a great laugh."<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=July 1995 |title=Top 100 SNES Games |url=https://archive.org/details/total-43/page/n45/mode/2up |magazine=Total! |issue=43 |pages=47 |access-date=February 28, 2022}}</ref> In the same year, [[Mega Zone|MegaZone]] included Cool Spot in their Top 50 Games In History. They praised the game calling it a "Gorgeous platformer" and praised the animation.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=April 1995 |title=Top 50 Games In History |url=https://archive.org/details/sup50top50games/page/n3/mode/2up |journal=MegaZone |issue=50 |pages=4}}</ref> In 1996, [[GamesMaster (magazine)|GamesMaster]] listed the Mega Drive version 92nd in their "Top 100 Games of All Time".<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 1996 |title=Top 100 Games of All Time |url=https://retrocdn.net/images/c/cf/GamesMaster_UK_044.pdf |magazine=GamesMaster |issue=44 |pages=74}}</ref> also in 1996, [[Super Play]] named Cool Spot 100th on its Top 100 SNES Games of All Time. They also praised the game's graphics concluding: "One of the few non-Mario platformers worth anything more than a passing glance."<ref name="SP42">{{cite magazine |date=April 1996 |title=The Super Play All-time top 100 SNES games |magazine=[[Super Play]] |issue=42 |page=}}</ref>

The game sold one million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sega-16.com/2006/03/interview-dr-stephen-clarke-willson/|title=Interview: Dr. Stephen Clarke-Willson (Virgin Int. VP of Product Dev.)|website=Sega-16|date=March 28, 2006|last=Horowitz|first=Ken|access-date=August 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802000745/https://www.sega-16.com/2006/03/interview-dr-stephen-clarke-willson/|archive-date=August 2, 2023}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==
A sequel, ''[[Spot Goes to Hollywood]]'', was released in 1995.
While ''Cool Spot'' was a side-scrolling platform game, its sequel, ''[[Spot Goes to Hollywood]]'', was more 3D in orientation and featured gameplay inside various movies. Despite excellent visuals, its [[Isometric projection|isometric]] perspective and unusual controls made it an exceedingly difficult game. This game, published once again by [[Virgin Interactive]], was developed by [[Eurocom]]. It was released for [[Mega Drive|Mega Drive/Genesis]] in 1995, [[Sega Saturn]] in 1996, and [[Sony]] [[PlayStation]] in 1997, with the 32-bit versions featuring revamped graphics and different levels than those of the Mega Drive/Genesis version, and being developed by [[Burst Studios]] instead of Eurocom.


==See also==
==See also==
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[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:1993 video games]]
[[Category:Advergames]]
[[Category:Advergames]]
⚫
[[Category:Works based on advertisements]]
[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category:Drink advertising characters]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
[[Category:Game Gear games]]
⚫
[[Category:Platform games]]
[[Category:Master System games]]
[[Category:Master System games]]
⚫
[[Category:NMS Software games]]
[[Category:Platformers]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Super Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Mark Cooksey]]
[[Category:Video games based on soft drink brands]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Virgin Interactive games]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Mark Cooksey]]
[[Category:Video games about food and drink]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Matt Furniss]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1987]]
[[Category:Mascots introduced in 1987]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tommy Tallarico]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tommy Tallarico]]
[[Category:Virgin Interactive games]]
⚫
[[Category:Works based on advertisements]]

Latest revision as of 16:07, 30 September 2024

Not to be confused with Spot: The Cool Adventure.
Cool Spot
European Mega Drive cover art
Developer(s)Virgin Games
NMS Software (Game Boy)
Publisher(s)Virgin Games
Producer(s)Cathie A. Bartz-Todd
Designer(s)David Bishop
Bill Anderson
Programmer(s)David Perry
Artist(s)Christian Laursen
Mike Dietz
Shawn McLean
Ed Schofield
Roger Hardy
Willis Wong
Composer(s)Tommy Tallarico (Genesis/SNES)
Andrew Barnabas (Amiga)
Matt Furniss (Master System/Game Gear)
Mark Cooksey (Game Boy)
Platform(s)Mega Drive, Master System, Game Gear, Super NES, Game Boy, MS-DOS, Amiga
ReleaseMega Drive/Genesis
Super NES
  • NA: September 1993[3]
  • EU: February 24, 1994
Master System
Game Gear
  • EU: June 19, 1994
  • NA: October 1994[5]
Game Boy
  • EU: September 3, 1994
  • NA: October 1994[6]
Amiga
  • EU: October 10, 1994
MS-DOS
  • EU: December 17, 1994
Genre(s)Platform
Mode(s)Single-player

Cool Spot is a 1993 platform game developed by Virgin Games for the Mega Drive/Genesis, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Master System, Game Gear, Game Boy, Amiga, and MS-DOS.[7] The title character is Cool Spot, a mascot for the soft drink brand 7 Up. Cool Spot's appearance in his own video game came at a time when other brand mascots (like Chester Cheetah and the Noid) were appearing in their own video games.[8]

Gameplay

[edit]
Genesis version

Cool Spot is a single-player platform game in which the player controls the title character.[9] Cool Spot can jump and can attack by throwing soda bubbles in any direction. Cool Spot can also cling to and climb various things by jumping up in front of them. In each level the player must rescue other cool spots, who look exactly alike, from their cages. In order to do so, the player is required to collect a certain number of "spots" that changes (usually increasing) as the game progresses. "Spots" are placed around the level in large quantities. The player's health is monitored by a humorous Cool Spot face that gradually bends forward and eventually falls from its position as damage occurs. Damage is taken by touching enemies and their projectiles and certain other obstacles. There is also a time limit for each level. The game has no save feature but does include checkpoints in the form of flagpoles.

If the player successfully collects enough Spots to enter the Bonus Stage after defeating a level, it is possible to collect Continues by grabbing a letter hidden within the stage. All letters spell "UNCOLA" (7 Up's slogan). If a Continue letter is collected, Spot will be able to restart on the level he was on at the time of losing his last life, although his total points will be reset.

Regional differences

[edit]

In the European release, the 7 Up bottle was removed from the intro and replaced by a generic soda bottle of similar color; the collectable 7 Up logos were replaced by red discs with the Virgin "V", and the "UNCOLA" letters were similarly replaced with letters spelling out "VIRGIN". The decision was made because in international areas (where PepsiCo owns the rights to the 7 Up brand), Fido Dido has been considered the brand's official mascot since the 1980s.[10]

Reception

[edit]

Pelit gave it a score of 82%, and summarized it as "one of the most enjoyable platform games in a long time".[19]

Cool Spot was ranked 88th on Complex's 'Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time' list, which praised the game for being a 'pretty enjoyable platformer' despite blatant product placement.[22] In 1995, Total! rated the game 65th on its Top 100 SNES Games writing: "The game that Dave Perry really showed his talents off with. Not deep, but a great laugh."[23] In the same year, MegaZone included Cool Spot in their Top 50 Games In History. They praised the game calling it a "Gorgeous platformer" and praised the animation.[24] In 1996, GamesMaster listed the Mega Drive version 92nd in their "Top 100 Games of All Time".[25] also in 1996, Super Play named Cool Spot 100th on its Top 100 SNES Games of All Time. They also praised the game's graphics concluding: "One of the few non-Mario platformers worth anything more than a passing glance."[26]

The game sold one million copies.[27]

Legacy

[edit]

A sequel, Spot Goes to Hollywood, was released in 1995.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Sega Force No.18 pg. 61". Sega Retro. June 1996. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
  2. ^ "GamePro #45 pg. 43". Sega Retro. April 1993. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  3. ^ f. "Super NES Games" (PDF). Nintendo. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 June 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  4. ^ "Mean Machines Sega No 14 pg. 100" (PDF). Mean Machines Sega. December 1993. Retrieved 4 April 2017.
  5. ^ "GamePro #51 pg. 154". Sega Retro. October 1993. Retrieved 21 March 2016.
  6. ^ "Game Boy (original) Games" (PDF). Nintendo. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 24 September 2011.
  7. ^ Cool Spot at MobyGames
  8. ^ "When McDonald's, Domino's, and Chester Cheetah Took Over Your Nintendo". Motherboard. 25 May 2016. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  9. ^ "9 SUPER NINTENDO GAMES AND ODDITIES TOO WEIRD FOR THE SNES CLASSIC". Newsweek. 6 August 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  10. ^ "Fido Dido returns as face of 7 Up" Archived May 3, 2008, at the Wayback Machine at B&T,
  11. ^ MacDonald, Duncan (January 1994). "Cool Spot". Nintendo Game Zone. No. 15. pp. 34–36. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  12. ^ Olivier; AHL (November 1993). "Cool Spot". Joypad (in French). pp. 84–85. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  13. ^ "Cool Spot". MANIAC (in German). No. 1. November 1993. p. 59. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  14. ^ "Now Playing". Nintendo Power. Vol. 63. August 1994. pp. 68–73. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  15. ^ "Now Playing". Nintendo Power. Vol. 53. October 1993. pp. 100–105. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  16. ^ Frank; Dane (December 1993). "Cool Spot". Total!. No. 24. pp. 24–26. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  17. ^ "Cool Spot". Video Games (in German). November 1993. p. 54. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  18. ^ West, Neil (June 1993). "Cool Spot". Mega. No. 9. pp. 42–43. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Cool Spot – Viileä Piste". www.pelit.fi. February 1994. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  20. ^ Rob; Nick (December 1993). "Cool Spot". Sega Master Force. No. 6. pp. 14–16. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  21. ^ Johnson, Jason (May 1993). "Cool Spot". Sega Pro. No. 19. pp. 24–26. Retrieved August 21, 2021.
  22. ^ "The Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time". Complex. Retrieved 13 August 2018.
  23. ^ "Top 100 SNES Games". Total!. No. 43. July 1995. p. 47. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
  24. ^ "Top 50 Games In History". MegaZone (50): 4. April 1995.
  25. ^ "Top 100 Games of All Time" (PDF). GamesMaster (44): 74. July 1996.
  26. ^ "The Super Play All-time top 100 SNES games". Super Play. No. 42. April 1996.
  27. ^ Horowitz, Ken (March 28, 2006). "Interview: Dr. Stephen Clarke-Willson (Virgin Int. VP of Product Dev.)". Sega-16. Archived from the original on August 2, 2023. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
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