Cannon Fodder SNES box art

Super Nintendo · Shoot 'em Up / Strategy

Cannon Fodder

Deep cut

SystemSuper Nintendo
Released1994 (originally 1993)
GenreShoot 'em Up, Strategy
DeveloperSensible Software
PublisherSensible Software
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesCannon Fodder
ESRBE10+
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 4

Cannon Fodder is a shoot 'em up released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo, developed by Sensible Software. This SNES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1993. It blends shoot 'em up and strategy elements.

It landed about 3 years into the SNES's life. Other notable SNES releases from 1994 include Final Fantasy VI, Donkey Kong Country and Super Metroid. Among the 53 SNES shoot 'em ups in our database, it ranks #21 by legacy score.

It is part of the Cannon Fodder series. The series also appears on other systems with Cannon Fodder (Genesis) and Cannon Fodder (3DO). Sensible Software also made Mega Lo Mania for the SNES.

Cannon Fodder supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

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 have a friend to play against
  • you've played the SNES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you dislike high difficulty and screens full of bullets

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 gameplay screenshot on SNES
In-game screenshot (SNES)

Cannon Fodder cheats & codes

7 codes on file (Pro Action Replay). Here are a few Pro Action Replay codes to start with:

Infinite Grenades7E15C603
Infinite Missiles7E15CC06
Number of Men Away is 07E091900
Leader Becomes General7E05AB0F
Infinite RecruitsC281-1403
Skip Mission (Press SELECT Ingame)7EFAE376 7EFAE498

See all Cannon Fodder cheats

Cannon Fodder walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Cannon Fodder.

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Playing SNES games today

The SNES library has aged exceptionally well, especially its RPGs, platformers and puzzle games. A large selection is available on Nintendo Switch Online, and if you own the cartridges you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88, including online with friends.

Cannon Fodder FAQ

When did Cannon Fodder come out on the SNES?

Cannon Fodder was released for the Super Nintendo in 1994; the original game dates back to 1993.

Who made Cannon Fodder?

It was developed by Sensible Software.

Is Cannon Fodder multiplayer?

Yes. Cannon Fodder supports up to 2 players.

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.

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