There’s a robust 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 fantastic thing about this present retro renaissance, although: we’re not solely seeing the return of well-loved classics on up to date consoles, but additionally obscure underground gems like this one from the Mitchell Company have gotten accessible for the primary time. And even by way of a contemporary lens, this non secular Strider successor holds up.
Designed by a famous person group of ex-Capcom employees, together with key inventive determine Kouichi Yotsui, this chunky side-scrolling beat-‘em-up first launched in Japanese arcades all the best way again in 1996, however by no means obtained a house console model – till now. Ratalaika Video games has dealt with the conversion, and so those that’ve performed ports like Gleylancer might be aware of the options of its emulator wraparound, which incorporates varied 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 corresponding to rewind and save states. Not like the remainder of Ratalaika Video games’ library, nonetheless, Trophies are disabled on this simpler possibility, so that you’ll have to play by way of Problem Mode to earn the gongs. You do get to decide on a complete of two enhancements right here, which embrace additional credit or double jumps.
The sport itself is a rollercoaster journey of vivid colors and seemingly never-ending creativeness. With a cyberpunk-style Arabian theme, you’ll play as a martial artist named Kirin, who punches his approach by way of robotic armies and statue-esque deities. From the primary explosive upper-cut by way of to the boss rush-esque ending, this romp is relentless, pitting you towards charging vehicles, large sand monsters, and lethal open waters.
The protagonist’s acrobatic moveset and skill to scramble up sharp architectural inclines evokes recollections 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 power to energy up and place mimics of your self in key strategic positions, this recreation makes you really feel extremely succesful – even while you’re burning by way of 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 lawyer on the high of his workplace tower constructing or boarding a ship with pirates – it’s a thrill journey from begin to end. The issue does spike unfairly within the last stage, that means many will wrestle 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 stay in an period the place video games like this may be made simply accessible is price celebrating, however even taken by itself deserves, this non secular successor to Strider is a breathless, sensible 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 the entire high-stakes motion that precedes it.
