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Really, Really, Fun!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 10
Date: November 25, 2000
Author: Amazon User

All I have to say is WOW! This is the best 30 bucks I've ever spent! It's a nice blend of really nice graphics and old school gameplay. It's like a mix of radiant silvergun and smash TV. Truly awesome! Well known capcom characters charlie, cammy, arthur, mega man, and baby bonnie hood as well as two new ones round out the cast. There is a really cool resident evil level and lots of cool bosses. You can't go wrong with this one.

What was Capcom thinking?

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 1 / 3
Date: December 26, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This game is horrible. While the graphics are OK, the gameplay is terrible. I usually play complicated games and wanted a break, and I figured this "shooter" would be fun. It's not. I just beat the game [on easy mode] in 16 minutes. That's way too short. There are nine missions, but each is only a screen or two wide with a few enemies and a boss or two. Even the last boss was simple. Just mash some buttons and that's it. There are six or seven characters, but each is pretty much the same. They all have the same weapons, just with different "looks." THIS GAME IS NOT WORTH [the money] ...

Old-school gameplay + new-school graphics = a winner

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: December 29, 2000
Author: Amazon User

In the modern day of 40+ hour RPG quests and multiple-input-command 3D fighting games, it's a rare thing to see a new release game that tests reflexes while being FUN. Thank you, Capcom, for Cannon Spike. This game reminds me of the old arcade shooter days, playing Galaga and Gyruss for hours just to get a higher score. Unlike your Resident Evils or Final Fantasies, there's not much of a story here. Robots invade, must kill robots. The shooting begins. You control a character (several are from Capcom classics, like Arthur from Ghosts N Goblins) who zips around the screen laying waste to anything that moves. You fight a sub-boss, then move to another part of the stage, then fight a Real Boss, using various weapons and spectacular power-ups (Mega Man rolls around the screen, damaging anything he touches) to save the day. The graphics are definitely modern, from the nice character animation to the convincing explosions and gorgeous arenas (in The Slope you run circles around a robot skier as you both careen down an icy mountain). The two-player mode can be used as a co-op effort or a mad competition for points and health power-ups. Completing the game opens a cool Capcom art gallery with conceptual sketches and other Cannon Spike stuff. Gamers used to 3D action-adventures won't find a lot to satisfy them here, but to me, there's nothing like taking a break from Soul Reaver or Code: Veronica to blow the heck out of robots with names like Bio Gorilla Bloody or Flying Saucer Kabuki. Length and depth take a back seat to old-fashioned fun with Cannon Spike, and I find it to be a refreshing change.

Hey...What's This? A Game That Requires Skill?

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 7
Date: December 30, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Cannon Spike isn't about building up your characters, there's no five minute summons here, no collecting 100 pieces of fruit/coins/whatever, none of these characters are called Ryo Hazuki or Lara Croft, this isn't a sports game, and all your GameFAQS in the world can't help newbie gamers for what Cannon Spike is--old-school gaming madness. It is unbelievably refreshing to play a game that harkens back to the days BEFORE PSX, where the only thing that mattered was skill, not graphics (memories...*sigh*). Yeah, that's right, SKILL. S-K-I-L-L, skill. Cannon Spike is an absolute twitchfest. You're gonna need three things when playing this game: skill, reflexes and lots of skilled reflexes. This ain't Metal Gear Sorry, thank you very much, this is a game that requires actual skill, something that is lost in many of today's games (or--in the case of Game Shark users, continue button mashers and EGM--today's "gamers"). But I'm a jaded gamer, and I'm gonna rant about the flaws first. My biggest complaint would be the music. Yes, this hard-core gamer doesn't really care for game music (WHY should I? I listen to real music [Nine Inch Nails], thank you very much). That doesn't mean there aren't exceptions though (Final Fantasy IX, anyone?); but this just isn't one of them--the "music" is extremely forgettable (the one thing Capcom has yet to do right: music). And my next complaint would be...uh, wait a second...other than the music, there ISN'T anything wrong with the game! Yes, I said it before, and I'll say it again, this game is amazing. There seems to be some complaining about the game's length though (the previous reviewer would be one). Yeah, 15 minutes is all it takes to beat the game. BUT, isn't a great action game like Super Contra, Smash TV and Robotron about playing it until your eyes start twitching (like mine usually do--ugh, my poor vision...)? Yes, it is. And in Cannon Spike's defense, I honestly don't think it would have improved if it was hours long (does anyone remember Loaded? Extremely fun at first, but then gets monotonous after a few hours). I know what you're wondering, exactly what is Cannon Spike (other than amazing, of course)? It's a shooter...sort of. Cannon Spike is basically Robotron with Capcom characters and beautiful graphics. I guess, if anything, you could put this in the shooter genre. You're gonna do tons of shooting, and you're gonna be shot at more times than you would if you lived in L.A. And like most shooters, this game is pretty hard (not Gunbird 2 hard though...thank god). Sure, it's easy if you put the difficulty on easy and slap the start button unmercifully when it says continue (wuss), but even on the normal setting things are far from a walk in the park. Bosses practically fill the screen, bullets are shot at you every inch you move, and they all have a way of ganging up on you like you wouldn't believe. But at the same time, this game also has a slight Streets of Rage/Final Fight feel to it (not surprising, seeing as how Capcom was responsible for Final Fight and Cannon Spike). The game is, after all, fully 3D, and you can also punch the enemies. And that leads me to the next subject: control. You have six buttons to use; those being fire, attack, heavy shot, heavy attack, mark (it lets you shoot at one specific enemy), and special attack. The control is tight, it's precise, and I never had a problem with it. And what's a game with its heroes, you say? Relax, Capcom characters are here to save the day. Arthur of Ghoul 'N Ghosts fame (not that I'm complaining, but, uh, why did they change him?), Mega Man of Mega Man fame, Cammy and Charlie of Street Fighter fame, and B.B. Hood of Vampire Savior fame. There's also two completely new characters in the game, skateboarder Shiba Shintaro and half-cyborg, all samurai, Simone. I'll be honest...the two new characters didn't do much for me (I would have liked to see Jill Valentine in here rather than those two), but they are a nice welcome (and a challenge to play with) nonetheless. And, thankfully, all the characters have different moves, different advantages and disadvantages, and different endings. You're gonna see some other Capcom references in here, too. Most notably the dogs from Resident Evil and a futuristic goth (wha!?! A goth in a video game!? About time!) version of Balrog (that's Vega to us). Capcom and Psikyo brought us a shooter/beat 'em up (or, as I call them, shmups) that's not only amazing, not only a joy to play, and not only one of the best games of the year, but is an absolutely must-own masterpiece (and, it's for ... too, how can you beat that?). As for you continue button mashers and Game Shark users, I'd like to think Capcom and their new buddies Psikyo didn't make Cannon Spike for you...but you should buy it anyway. So grab something to drink, grab a friend (Wha!?! A two-player game that isn't a fighter or a sports game!? I must be dreaming...), plug in, and lose yourself into the classic old-school gaming madness that is Cannon Spike. Besides, what are you gonna buy, the new Tomb Raider? *shudder*

Chewing Gum For The Mind

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: January 10, 2001
Author: Amazon User

After reading a few hefty literary works, you need to read some fun trash like Joe R. Lansdale. It's the same with video games. After playing a few RPG's you need some fun trash like Cannon Spike. This mindless shooter is a purely visceral experience, you run around shooting and beating the living daylights out of anything that moves. Even though you get the nagging feeling you've played this game before, the slick graphics and snazzy lighting effects disguise Cannon Spike's "Smash TV" core well. At any rate, a little depth could have helped this game a lot.

I generally luv capcom, but this game ...

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 0 / 5
Date: January 10, 2001
Author: Amazon User

When I first put the game in I was initially impressed. The graphix are smooth and attractive and there is a nice array of interesting characters (including megaman). Being a big fan of Capcom title's such as Power stone 2 (easily one of the best, if not the best, fighting game ever), I started the game expecting another memorable game. The first half an hour to an hour of play was fun, afterwards it got very dull.

Although appealling, this game is too short and too static. As you learn and improve the characters stay the same (with no new weapons or features). The extent to which this game changes is that you become better at dodging bullets. The levels are big rectangles with little to no movement (Unlike the dynamic changing levels of games like power stone 2). Easy and simple enemies attack you in groups to make them harder. THe only difficult thing about the bosses is trying to dodge waves of gunfire. This game might be good for those who enjoy simple and monotonous gameplay based solely on reflex.

Honestly though, if you are looking for old school simple arcade game play you should have saved your money and bought a used nintendo at a garage sale(an exellent system with amazingly fun, and simple games). But if you want advanced gaming that involves adaptability, real time strategy, graphix and control so you bought the dreamcast, then this game isn't for you.

Fun fun fun!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: March 16, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I miss games like this. You know, the ones that take skill. The graphics are great (check out Mega Man!) and it's just fun to play. Those who play games to open up new costumes and characters will be disappointed since there really aren't any secrets, but that's not the point. Very few games are this easy to pick up, play and have a good time. Plus you can play with a friend! One of the best console shmups ever!

Sometimes 3D and old school just doesn't mix !

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 30, 2001
Author: Amazon User

I have seen numerous previews in the past about Cannon Spike for the Sega Dreamcast. While taking a look at the screen shots, I always imagined how much fun it would be when it releases. When it finally released, I kept missing my chances of getting the game until finally I got it for myself. When I played it, I was into the shooting action and the seamless 3D graphics and animation, and then it happened. After shooting a few guys down, I have already found myself fighting the boss of the stage...and the boss was too easy. All you had to do was give it a few close range heavy attacks and a few shots and the boss is dead. Now that is sad. The levels are just too short. I WANTED MORE !!!!! I don't care if there's 10 levels. They're just too darn short ! The more you play through each level, the more disgusted you'll become. The music to this game is just plain repetitive. Some of them sound like they've been pulled off a 16-bit game or something. The voice acting is horrible. Believe me, even Japanese voice actors have their moments of crappiness. Mega Man's voice is great, but everyone elses voice sounded too stupid. And another weird element to this game are the jet powered skates. Huh ? Now this is getting weirder and weirder each time I play. Who whould use heavy artillery with some blades on ? That's what I want to know ! Here's a thought, use your shoes, boots, or whatever the heck you wear everyday. On the bright side, the graphics are cool. Seeing Mega Man dominate in full 128-bit technology was a blast, including the characters like Cammy, Arthur, Simone, B.B. Hood, and Shiba. The character's special abilities look great. They almost look like one of those beams from Dragon Ball Z. The controls are similiar to that of various old school shooters like Raiden, 1941, Gunbird, and more. Still, Cannon Spike wasn't my kind of cup of tea that I want to drink every single day, but that doesn't mean you won't like the game. If you're still into old school games, I suggest you get Cannon Spike. I may have traded it in for another game, but I'm glad that Cannon Spike brought me back to the old days when SNES and Genesis were still cool.

Gets boring fast

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 31, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Graphics and sound are good, but gameplay is so dull. I actually enjoy mindless shoot-em-up action but this one is just mindless without being any fun. It's not a bad game, but it's not good either.

Way too short!

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 0 / 1
Date: June 14, 2002
Author: Amazon User

Cannon Spike is too short: it has ten levels, and each level takes less than a minute to beat! And it is not much fun to replay. If you like old-style shooting games, the Dreamcast has quite a few great ones --- Mars Matrix, Zero Gunner 2, Bangai-O, GigaWing 2. Any of them is far better than this one!

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