Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Shoot 'em Up / Strategy
Cannon Fodder
Certified classic
| System | Sega Genesis / Mega Drive |
|---|---|
| Released | 1994 |
| Genre | Shoot 'em Up, Strategy |
| Developer | Sensible Software |
| Publisher | Virgin Interactive |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Cannon Fodder |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 12 |
Developed by Sensible Software and published by Virgin Interactive, Cannon Fodder arrived on the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1994 as a shoot 'em up. It blends shoot 'em up and strategy elements.
It landed about 5 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1994 include Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mortal Kombat II and FIFA International Soccer. Among the 75 Genesis shoot 'em ups in our database, it ranks #3 by legacy score.
It is part of the Cannon Fodder series. The series also appears on other systems with Cannon Fodder (SNES) and Cannon Fodder (3DO). Sensible Software also made Sensible Soccer, Mega Lo Mania and Tyrants: Fight Through Time for the Genesis.
Cannon Fodder is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you want to experience one of the Genesis's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Cannon Fodder is like
Shoot 'em ups (shmups) put you in a ship facing waves of enemies and bullets. Runs are short and intense, and the goal is to survive, collect power-ups and push your high score.
Tip for newcomers: Focus on your ship's small hitbox rather than the flood of bullets, and learn which power-ups suit each stage. Most shmups are designed to be replayed many times.
Cannon Fodder cheats & codes
22 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:
| Infinite Recruits | FF1D79:0032 |
|---|---|
| Mission Select | FF1D67:?? |
Cannon Fodder walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Cannon Fodder.
If you like Cannon Fodder, the Matrix also picks…
Sunset Riders Classic Co-op
Contra: Hard Corps Classic
Zombies Ate My Neighbors Classic Co-op
Thunder Force IV Classic
Playing Genesis games today
Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.
Cannon Fodder FAQ
When did Cannon Fodder come out on the Genesis?
Cannon Fodder was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1994.
Who made Cannon Fodder?
It was developed by Sensible Software and published by Virgin Interactive.
Is Cannon Fodder multiplayer?
No. Cannon Fodder is a single-player game.
How long does Cannon Fodder take to play?
As a shoot 'em up, Cannon Fodder typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Cannon Fodder on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.