| Introduction
In December 1993, the original Amiga version of Cannon
Fodder was released. Soon, versions of the Atari Jaguar
and ST, SNES, MegaDrive, Archimedes (yes, some systems
even I haven't heard of), 3DO and PC followed. Now,
it's on a handheld... our handheld... the GameBoy Color...
Wheee!!!
I chose to review this game because it brings back
so many good memories. Memories of when I had my first
CD game console the 3DO. This was one game that brought
me many hours of happy gaming way back in the early
32-bit days where CD games use to cost a bomb. Much
as I don't like war games, this one game I liked because
it was cute. The little people are hilarious and really,
as they say, "War has never been so much fun".
Cannon Fodder is an excellent port-over and right
from the intro sequence, it's a game you won't want
to put down. It's a mixture of comedy and solid real
time action adventure fun.
GamePlay
With so many exciting and different terrain to play
on, Cannon Fodder is one game that you will not get
bored with. As the game progresses, you'll explore the
barracks, venture deep into the forest, go underground,
walk the desert and trudge in the snow. From an overhead
perspective, you control your troop of 2 little men
and take them into enemy territory to infiltrate enemy
base. Treat these men well right from the beginning
because they can advance in rank.
The various missions that you will take on will be
briefed to you at the beginning of each round. Shoot
your enemies... toss grenades and even fire a rocket
launcher at them. Sure it's easy to blast them away
but remember, your enemies are as small as you are so
watch carefully as they can very easily get lost in
the background and spring up on you when you least expect
it, blowing you away instead. The trick is to be very
careful... strategic actually... and get 'em before
they get you!
Codemasters claims that the game has a variable personality
AI system. That means a different challenge each time
around. With 4 different vehicles to drive, 5 bosses
to beat, 72 huge levels to explore and conquer, this
small cart is really packed with super smooth scrolling
action. The digital audio system is also capable of
playing audio samples from recorded voice talent and
that is really... Wow!
Control
Control your scout, grenadier, sniper and berserker
with the directional pad. Press the A button to move
your men towards the cross hair and the B button to
fire the gun. Hit both buttons at the same time and
you'll be throwing an explosive. It's simple.
Want to check your weapon situation? Click select.
Above your troop leader's head, you'll be able to see
the amount of ammunition available and the weapon type.
Excellent handling. A real surprise considering we're
playing on such a small area - the GameBoy screen.
Graphics & Sound
Check out this technical jargon...
FMV Player: 15 frames per second running speed...
Over 800 possible colors per frame... Full screen resolution
display... Digital audio replay. Background Engine:
Uses pseudo-bitmap to represent the background display...
Separate pallets for each 8 X 8 tile... Background graphics
are semi-saturated to allow the sharp sprite characters
to stand out more clearly. I couldn't have said it better
than the game developers themselves.
In simple words though, what makes this game interesting
for me is the screams and yells from the soldiers each
time they get blasted. I get a kick every time it happens.
There's also voice samples from excited soldiers sometimes.
This, other than the time I played Tokimeki Memorial
GBC (Jap), is the only other time I have heard a character
voice from a GameBoy game so it's quite a thrill really.
Final Comments
This is one game that takes care of everything. A
man in your troop isn't just any other man that gets
blasted in a video game. You can even pay respects to
your fallen comrades at the war memorial and this is
just one of those additional things that makes the game
so complete. Like any other game with a high score,
with Cannon Fodder you can also keep track of the top
five heroes - names of soldiers that have made the most
kills.
I'd add this small but powerful cart to my collection
anytime. Not only is it a classic but it's one game
that will bring you hours of hilarious green men fun.
Take charge of some... blast the rest... then wait to
hear 'em scream for their lives. This war is yours to
control and it's really a riot!
|
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