Justin Parker - JUDDEE
15 April 2023
Cannon Dancer
Cannon Dancer, developed by United Independant and produced by ININ Games, is a fast-paced single-player arcade game that has been making waves in the gaming community since the early 90’s. The game features multiple boss fights that keep players on their toes and engaged throughout the gameplay. It was released on the 14th April, 2023 for the Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5 and Xbox, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what it has in store.
The gameplay of Cannon Dancer is simple yet addictive; you are in a world that is under the control of a single federal government and a new threat known as “Abdullah the Slaver” – an evil sorceress who wants to take control of the world - comes into play. Players control a character who must navigate various levels whilst avoiding obstacles and enemies. The game’s controls are easy to learn, but mastering them takes time and practice. There is the choice of two attacks to use, a special attack and a normal kick and punch style. The special attack will see you jump and attack in three anti-clockwise locations, which are super effective against the tough bosses in the story. In standard mode, it allows you to explore the game and have fun. With the ability to rewind, save states and enable cheats, you’ll also be able to use enhancements, like challenge mode.
In challenge mode, you’ll be given the choice of two out of 5 enhancements, from double jump to invisible attacks. The game’s fast-paced nature keeps players on the edge of throwing the controller but also wanting more, making it a thrilling experience from start to finish. One of the standout features of Cannon Dancer I found is its multiple boss fights. These boss fights are challenging and require players to use all their skills to defeat them. Each boss has its own unique abilities and attacks, making each battle feel fresh and exciting. The boss fights are also visually stunning, with impressive animations and special effects that add to the overall experience. However, I was slightly let down by the chances of finding health around the levels to allow you to continue the fight without restarting the level upon death.
The graphics and sound design of Cannon Dancer are top-notch. The game’s visuals are bright and colorful, with detailed character designs and backgrounds that really stand up to the arcade feel. The sound design is equally impressive, with a catchy soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s fast-paced gameplay. One downside to the audio of Cannon Dancer is when using headphones, the sounds of enemy lasers can irritate the ears as the noise sounds more like radio interference than a shooting sound.
Overall, Cannon Dancer is a must-play for fans of arcade games and boss fights. The addictive gameplay, challenging boss fights, and impressive graphics and sound design make it a standout title in the genre. I can’t wait to see how it performs across all platforms, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling arcade gaming experience without leaving the house.
7.5
10
The Bad
- Stunning visuals
- Plenty of boss fights
- Easy-to-learn controls
- Laser sounds become annoying
- Lack of health regeneration