System: Commodore Amiga
Release date: November 1993
Charge into the fray with Cannon Fodder on the Amiga, the November 1993 action-strategy shooter that sends waves of plucky soldiers into bullet-riddled battlefields. Developed by Sensible Software, this top-down romp mixes tactics with tongue-in-cheek humour—but does it still pack a punch in 2025? Let’s grab the joystick, boot up the Amiga, and see if this war-torn classic is a timeless triumph or a spent cartridge.
Gameplay: Lead the Charge, Mourn the Fallen
Cannon Fodder tasks you with commanding squads of up to six cannon fodder troops through 72 missions across jungles, deserts, and urban hellscapes. The Amiga’s mouse or joystick shines for indirect control—click to set paths, split teams, and unleash gunfire, grenades, or vehicle mayhem. Objectives vary from destroying bunkers to rescuing hostages, with each fallen soldier adding to a grim memorial tree. It’s a clever blend of strategy and chaos, where planning saves lives but luck rules the battlefield.
The hitch? Later missions ramp up to brutal difficulty, with one stray bullet dooming your squad. The randomness of enemy spawns can feel unfair, and micromanaging troops mid-firefight tests your patience. Still, the addictive loop of recruiting fresh faces and pushing on keeps you locked in like a well-aimed shot.
Graphics: Pixelated Warfare with Wit
The Amiga flexes its muscles here, delivering smooth-scrolling levels packed with detail—from swaying palm trees to exploding jeeps. Tiny soldier sprites scurry with personality, their ragdoll deaths hilariously over-the-top. Enemies and environments pop with vibrant colours and parallax effects, making every map a visual feast. It’s not photorealistic, but the cartoonish style softens the violence while amplifying the satire. For ’93, it’s a graphical grenade that still dazzles.
Sound: A Catchy Anthem Amid the Bangs
That infamous intro tune—“War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!” twisted into a cheeky chiptune—hooks you from the start, courtesy of the Amiga’s Paula chip. In-game, punchy sound effects like gunfire cracks, grenade booms, and soldier yelps add immersive chaos. The looping battlefield music keeps the tempo high without overwhelming, though it might grate during marathon sessions. It’s audio that marches to its own beat, blending humour and horror perfectly.
Replayability: Endless Waves of Warfare
With branching mission paths, hidden objectives, and a permadeath system that builds your infamous tree of doom, Cannon Fodder demands replays to minimise casualties or chase perfect runs. Experimenting with tactics—like flanking or vehicle grabs—keeps strategies fresh, but the steep curve might frustrate newcomers. No multiplayer, but the sheer volume of levels and high-score chases make it ideal for bite-sized blasts or all-out campaigns.
The Retro Looney Verdict
Cannon Fodder on the Amiga is a blistering blend of strategy, action, and black comedy that skewers war while delivering thrills. Its slick controls, stunning visuals, and memorable sounds make it a standout, even if the punishing difficulty and random elements can sting like shrapnel. Dust off your Amiga (or emulator) and enlist—this fodder’s still fodder for fun in 2025.
