Cannon Dancer – Osman Overview (PS5)

There’s a robust probability 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 means of a contemporary lens, this non secular Strider successor holds up.

Designed by a famous person group of ex-Capcom workers, 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 will likely be acquainted with 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. In contrast to the remainder of Ratalaika Video games’ library, nevertheless, Trophies are disabled on this simpler possibility, so that you’ll have to play by means of Problem Mode to earn the gongs. You do get to decide on a complete of two enhancements right here, which embody additional credit or double jumps.

The sport itself is a rollercoaster journey 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 means by means of robotic armies and statue-esque deities. From the primary explosive upper-cut by means of 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 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 flexibility to energy up and place mimics of your self in key strategic positions, this sport makes you really feel extremely succesful – even once you’re burning by means of a number of credit in 60 seconds.

Regardless of having a sub-30 minute operating 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 journey from begin to end. The problem 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 this can be 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 search 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 non secular successor to Strider is a breathless, sensible affair. A pointy problem spike, frequent within the arcade releases of the period, feels unfair – nevertheless it gained’t forestall you from falling in love with all the high-stakes motion that precedes it.