There’s a powerful likelihood you’ve by no means performed Cannon Dancer, or Osman because it’s maybe higher recognized to North American arcade goers. That’s the great thing about this present retro renaissance, although: we’re not solely seeing the return of well-loved classics on up to date consoles, but in addition obscure underground gems like this one from the Mitchell Company have gotten accessible for the primary time. And even by a contemporary lens, this religious Strider successor holds up.
Designed by a famous person group of ex-Capcom employees, together with key artistic determine Kouichi Yotsui, this chunky side-scrolling beat-‘em-up first launched in Japanese arcades all the way in which again in 1996, however by no means acquired a house console model – till now. Ratalaika Video games has dealt with the conversion, and so those that’ve performed ports like Gleylancer will probably be conversant in the options of its emulator wraparound, which incorporates numerous CRT filters, wallpapers, and different high quality of life enhancements.
You’ll get each the unique Japanese launch and its North American counterpart, and there are two strategies of play, with one unlocking key comfort options reminiscent of rewind and save states. Not like the remainder of Ratalaika Video games’ library, nevertheless, Trophies are disabled on this simpler possibility, so that you’ll must play by Problem Mode to earn the gongs. You do get to decide on a complete of two enhancements right here, which embody further credit or double jumps.
The sport itself is a rollercoaster experience of vivid colors and seemingly endless creativeness. With a cyberpunk-style Arabian theme, you’ll play as a martial artist named Kirin, who punches his method by robotic armies and statue-esque deities. From the primary explosive upper-cut by to the boss rush-esque ending, this romp is relentless, pitting you in opposition to charging vans, large sand monsters, and lethal open waters.
The protagonist’s acrobatic moveset and talent to scramble up sharp architectural inclines conjures up reminiscences of Strider, however launching seven years after Capcom’s inspirational effort, the gameplay feels a lot tighter and extra gratifying total. Armed with a particular karate kick and the flexibility to energy up and place mimics of your self in key strategic positions, this recreation makes you really feel extremely succesful – even once you’re burning by a number of credit in 60 seconds.
Regardless of having a sub-30 minute working time, the discharge fills each single body with memorable moments, whether or not you’re sizing up a crooked legal professional on the prime of his workplace tower constructing or boarding a ship with pirates – it’s a thrill experience from begin to end. The problem does spike unfairly within the last stage, that means many will battle to see the credit with out leaning into rewind and the opposite high quality of life enhancements, however it is a minor gripe in an in any other case excellent marketing campaign.
Conclusion
Cannon Dancer is an obscure underground cult basic that’s lastly going to seek out the viewers it’s all the time deserved. That we reside in an period the place video games like this may be made simply accessible is price celebrating, however even taken by itself deserves, this religious successor to Strider is a breathless, good affair. A pointy issue spike, frequent within the arcade releases of the period, feels unfair – nevertheless it received’t forestall you from falling in love with all the high-stakes motion that precedes it.
