Summary
Cannon Spike: A Retrospective
Released in arcades in 2000 and later ported to the Sega Dreamcast, Cannon Spike is an overhead-camera shooting game in the vein of Smash TV and Capcom’s own Commando series. It is a linear game with a heavy focus on boss encounters, and one of its main features is the ability to play as a number of familiar Capcom characters from other franchises, such as Mega Man, Strider Hiryu, and Arthur from Ghosts ‘n Goblins.
Gameplay
Cannon Spike is played from an overhead perspective, with the player character moving around the screen and shooting enemies in all directions. The game is divided into seven stages, each with its own unique boss encounter. The player must defeat all of the enemies in each stage in order to progress to the next one.
The player character’s main weapon is a gun, which can be upgraded throughout the game to fire more powerful shots. The player can also collect power-ups that grant them temporary abilities, such as increased speed or invincibility.
One of the unique features of Cannon Spike is the ability to play as a number of different Capcom characters. Each character has their own unique abilities and weapons, which makes for a variety of gameplay experiences. For example, Mega Man can fire a variety of different weapons, while Strider Hiryu can use his sword to attack enemies.
Bosses
The boss encounters in Cannon Spike are some of the most challenging and memorable in the game. Each boss has its own unique attack patterns and weaknesses, and players must learn how to defeat them in order to progress.
Some of the most iconic bosses in Cannon Spike include:
- The Giant Bat: A massive bat that flies around the screen and shoots fireballs.
- The Twin Towers: Two giant towers that shoot lasers and missiles.
- The Final Boss: A giant robot that is the ultimate challenge in the game.
Characters
Cannon Spike features a roster of eight playable characters, each with their own unique abilities and weapons:
- Arthur (Ghosts ‘n Goblins): A knight with a sword and shield.
- Captain Commando (Captain Commando): A cyborg with a variety of weapons.
- Hayato Kanzaki (Rival Schools): A martial artist with powerful punches and kicks.
- Mega Man (Mega Man): A robot with a variety of weapons.
- Mike Haggar (Final Fight): A wrestler with powerful punches and throws.
- Roll (Mega Man): A robot with a variety of weapons.
- Strider Hiryu (Strider): A ninja with a sword and kunai.
- Zero (Mega Man X): A robot with a sword and buster gun.
Legacy
Cannon Spike was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has since become a cult classic among fans of arcade shooters. The game has been praised for its intense action, challenging boss encounters, and variety of playable characters.
Cannon Spike has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, including the Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, and Xbox 360. The game is also available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.
Conclusion
Cannon Spike is a classic arcade shooter that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s intense action, challenging boss encounters, and variety of playable characters make it a must-play for fans of the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the game, Cannon Spike is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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