Overview and Gameplay
War is treated with dark comic irony in Cannon Fodder, where named recruits are sent into dangerous missions and fallen soldiers are permanently lost. This SNES version adapts Sensible Software’s computer action-strategy game to a console controller while keeping its squad-command structure.
The player guides small groups of soldiers from a top-down view, ordering them to move, fire, use explosives, and complete objectives across missions with multiple phases. Objectives can include eliminating enemies, destroying buildings, rescuing hostages, and surviving hostile terrain. Experienced soldiers gain rank if they live, while replacements come from the recruit queue.
Controls And Mechanics
- The directional pad moves the command cursor around the battlefield.
- Selected soldiers can be ordered to move to the cursor or fire toward it.
- Grenades and rockets provide heavier attacks for buildings, vehicles, and groups of enemies.
- The map helps track the mission area and objectives.
- Progress uses passwords on the SNES version.
- The game is single-player only, with no versus or co-op mode.
Version Notes
The European SNES release uses the title Cannon Fodder. It is a console conversion of the home-computer original and supports both controller-style cursor play and SNES Mouse control.
Release And Credits
- European SNES release year: 1994
- Developer: Sensible Software
- Publisher: Virgin Interactive
- Original platform: home computers
