Systems and methods are presented for applying visual effects while in a mode that restricts cursor movement to track an existing path. While in cursor path restriction mode, spatial inputs may be received from a pointing device configured to control a cursor on a display, with the spatial inputs signaling positions on the display. The cursor moves on a restricted path that tracks an existing path in response to the spatial signals, with the cursor confined to the restricted path even when spatial signals may indicate a point not on the restricted path. During the cursor movement, in addition to the movement of the cursor, there may be an alteration of what appears on the display, where the alteration depends on movement of the cursor along at least a portion of the restricted path.