The latest Amiga Re:Review from UK Gaming Network features Zoidberg revisiting Cannon Fodder, a game originally released by Virgin Interactive in November 1993. The review deeply delves into its gameplay, development, controversy, and critical reception.
Sensible Software, known for blending humor with deceptively deep mechanics, followed this same formula with Cannon Fodder. From Parallax to Mega-lo-Mania and Sensible Soccer, their titles often appeared straightforward on the surface but revealed hidden layers over time. This game was no different. Despite its seemingly lighthearted presentation, it offered a sharp commentary on the futility of war, setting it apart from typical shooters of the era.
The game’s development was nearly complete when its original publisher, Mirrorsoft, went bankrupt. When Virgin Interactive picked it up, Sensible Software had been working with full creative freedom. Cannon Fodder carried all the hallmarks of their style, from the distinctive visual design by Stu Cambridge to the theme song by Jon Hare and Richard Joseph. Cambridge stated in an interview that no assets were reused from previous projects, despite visual similarities.
At first glance, Cannon Fodder looked like a simple action game with a playful tone. However, its deeper message became clear through its strategic gameplay and the way it emphasized the human cost of war. Jon Hare once described it as “the game we’ve always wanted to make—it makes you realize just how senseless war is.”
Just before its release on November 11, 1993, Cannon Fodder became the center of controversy over its use of a poppy on the box art. The image was chosen to reinforce its anti-war stance, but The Daily Star ran a story claiming it was an “insult to our war dead.” The backlash included condemnation from members of Parliament and the Royal British Legion, leading to legal threats. Both the game and an issue of Amiga Power magazine, which had featured the poppy prominently, were forced to alter their covers. The in-game title screen retained the poppy but included a disclaimer stating it was “not endorsed by the Royal British Legion.” The controversy arguably helped its success, with Amiga Computing calling it “the best free advertising the game could have asked for.”
Upon release, Cannon Fodder topped sales charts for weeks, selling over 100,000 copies. A sequel followed in 1994, bringing new settings like 1930s Chicago, space stations, and alien worlds. Some critics felt the changes made it feel more like an expansion than a true sequel. Sensible Software had no involvement in the 2011 third entry, developed under Codemasters’ ownership and published by Russian company Game Factory, which was widely regarded as a disappointment.
Today, the game is still accessible. PC versions of both the original and its sequel are available for under £5 on GOG, while the Mega Drive version is included on the Codemasters collection for Evercade.
Critical Reception
The first review to hit newsstands came from Amiga Power, where reviewer Cinn Stanley described Cannon Fodder as more important to him than eating or sleeping. The game received a 94% score, the magazine’s highest at the time (excluding Rainbow Islands’ budget re-release). Other Amiga magazines followed suit—Amiga Action and Amiga Computing also gave it 94%. Amiga Format went even higher at 95%, calling it one of the most addictive games in years. CU Amiga and The One Amiga awarded it 93%, while multi-format publications like GamesMaster and Edge gave it 92% and 9/10, respectively. Across eight major reviews, the game’s average score stood at 93.1%, making it one of the highest-rated games in UK Amiga magazines. On Lemon Amiga, it currently holds an 8.81/10 from over 500 user reviews.
Gameplay and Experience
Cannon Fodder is easy to pick up but difficult to master. The mouse-based controls are intuitive, allowing players to guide their squad with precision. The first few levels ease players into the mechanics naturally, without a dedicated tutorial. Anyone who has only played the game on a console with a gamepad has missed out on the superior Amiga experience.
Each level is packed with detail, and sound effects add to the immersion. The music, particularly the opening and mission-end themes, enhances the game’s atmosphere. While some objected to the humor, the overall tone leans somber. The attachment players feel toward their soldiers—each with unique names—makes every loss meaningful.
The game strikes an ideal balance between action and strategy, appealing to fans of both. Its influence remains strong, and it stands out as one of the best action-strategy titles of its time. Though it can eventually be completed, the desire to replay remains strong.
Conclusion
Cannon Fodder remains one of the finest Amiga games ever made. The mix of simple controls, strategic depth, and impactful storytelling ensures it still holds up today. With exceptional presentation, engaging gameplay, and a unique anti-war message, it’s easy to see why it continues to be highly regarded. A must-play for any retro gaming fan.
