I. Game Background
1.1 Setting the Scene
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (originally released in Japan as Cadillacs Kyouryu Shin Seiki, or "Cadillacs: New Dinosaur Century") takes place in the 26th century. After a global cataclysm nearly wiped out human civilization, survivors emerged from underground shelters to find the Earth transformed into a savage world where humans and dinosaurs coexist.
In this new world, dinosaurs have reclaimed the planet, and humans have established new settlements among the ruins. Four protagonists—Jack Tenrec, Hannah Dundee, Mustapha Cairo, and Mess O'Bradovich—are environmental warriors dedicated to protecting dinosaurs from poachers. Driving Jack's classic Cadillac, they roam the wasteland to wage war against a poaching organization known as the "Black Market."
1.2 Origins and Adaptation
The game is based on the comic series Xenozoic Tales, created by Mark Schultz in the late 1980s. This Eisner Award-nominated comic is renowned for its exquisite black-and-white linework and detailed dinosaur illustrations, telling the story of human survival and adventure in a post-apocalyptic world.
Capcom brought this IP to the CPS (Capcom Play System) arcade board in 1993. As one of the late-era titles for the CPS, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs pushed 2D arcade visuals to their peak—featuring a 4,096-color palette, fluid character animations, and the Q-Sound stereo system. It stands as a definitive masterpiece of the golden age of arcades, alongside Capcom classics like Final Fight and Captain Commando.
II. Character Profiles
Players can choose from four characters, each with unique strengths, speeds, and skills suited to different playstyles.
2.1 Jack Tenrec—The Balanced Mechanic
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Strength | ★★★ |
| Speed | ★★★ |
| Skill | ★★★ |
- Pros: His ↓↑A (special move) deals the highest damage; his combo finisher is fast and has the longest reach.
- Cons: Most moves have slow recovery, making combos difficult; slide and normal attack range are short; his "blood-drain" (A+B panic move) does not stun enemies.
- Verdict: Balanced but lacks standout traits. He is the least-picked character and is not recommended for beginners.
2.2 Hannah Dundee—The Technical Speedster
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Strength | ★★ |
| Speed | ★★★★ |
| Skill | ★★★★★ |
-
Pros: Fastest attack and recovery speed; can stab three times with the knife; her panic move has the longest invincibility frames and is the easiest to use for "empty" panic attacks.
-
Cons: Lowest HP and defense; ↓↑A move is ineffective; weak anti-air capabilities; throws have positioning restrictions.
-
Verdict: A weapon master, perfect for players who enjoy fast-paced gameplay. As the only female character, she is a favorite for high-level players showing off their skills.
2.3 Mess O'Bradovich—The Power Tank
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Strength | ★★★★★ |
| Speed | ★★ |
| Skill | ★★★★ |
- Pros: Highest attack and defense in the game; →→BA (dash attack) has the longest range and high damage; largest grab range.
- Cons: Slowest running speed; combo finisher is slow and short-ranged; ↓↑A move has poor hit detection.
- Verdict: A heavy-duty tank. His high durability and powerful attacks make him a survivor in chaotic brawls. His →→BA is a god-tier move for both mobility and damage, arguably rivaling Mustapha.
2.4 Mustapha Cairo—The Fan-Favorite Speedster
| Attribute | Rating |
|---|---|
| Strength | ★★★ |
| Speed | ★★★★★ |
| Skill | ★★★ |
- Pros: →→A (dash attack) is the best in the game—fast recovery, long range, and high priority; longest reach; fastest runner; ↓↑A has great hit detection and range.
- Cons: Panic move has a large radius, making it harder to perform "empty" panic attacks; throw range is long, which can be disadvantageous for pressure; playstyle is relatively straightforward.
- Verdict: Affectionately known as "Yellow Hat" for his iconic headgear, he is the most popular character. His →→A can suppress most enemies in the game. With simple controls and high fault tolerance, he is the most recommended character for beginners.
III. Controls
3.1 Basic Controls
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs uses a standard 8-way joystick + 2-button layout (consistent with other Capcom titles like Final Fight and Captain Commando):
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| A | Attack |
| B | Jump |
| A+B | Panic Move / Blood-drain (consumes a small amount of HP to knock back all nearby enemies) |
3.2 Move List (Universal)
| Move Name | Input | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Run | →→ | Dash forward |
| Dash Attack | →→ + A | Most essential skill; performance varies by character |
| Jump Attack | B + A | Aerial attack, essential for flying enemies |
| Special Move | ↓↑ + A | Powerful attack, consumes a small amount of HP |
| Panic Move | A + B | Full-screen knockback, consumes HP, use in emergencies |
| Forward Throw | Grab enemy + AA↑A | Throw enemy forward |
| Back Throw | Grab enemy + AA↓A | Throw enemy backward |
| Mount Attack | Near downed enemy + ↑+A | Mount and repeatedly strike a downed enemy |
| Peak Kick | Press A at jump apex | A kick with stronger anti-air priority |
3.3 Character-Specific Moves
- Mustapha & Hannah: Press → + B when facing a wall to perform a Wall Jump, offering great mobility in tight spaces.
- Mess: His →→BA dash attack has the largest hit detection area and highest damage.
IV. Walkthrough and Boss Guide
There are 8 stages in total, each with distinct environments and unique bosses.
Stage 1: City in the Sea
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | From the top of a skyscraper down to the streets |
| Boss | Vice Terhune (Poacher Leader) + Rock Hopper (his pet Raptor) |
| Strategy | Take out the Raptor first (low HP, fast), then focus on Vice. Vice is bulky but hits hard; use jump attacks to kite him. |
Stage 2: The Swamp Forest
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Muddy swamp with sleeping Shivats (giant dinosaurs) that can be awakened |
| Mini-Boss | Lash Terhune (wields a mace) |
| Main Boss | Butcher (Japanese version: ATOMIC)—fast and wields a sharp blade |
| Strategy | If awakened, Shivats attack indiscriminately; let enemies wake them up. Butcher is fast and hits hard; dodging is key. Use obstacles for cover. |
Stage 3: Hell Road
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | A high-speed chase in Jack's beloved Cadillac |
| Boss | Hogg (Japanese version: GASPAR)—a biker who throws grenades while riding |
| Strategy | This is a driving chase. Ram Hogg's bike or use the car's radio. If the car is destroyed, use the shotgun. Watch out for grenades. |
Stage 4: Jack's Garage
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Inside and outside the garage |
| Boss | Slice—extremely fast, uses boomerang attacks |
| Strategy | Plenty of weapons available, including the M-16A1. Slice is fast with a wide attack range; keep your distance and use weapons to chip away at his health. |
⚠️ Famous Rumor: It is said that picking up the small stones at the entrance makes the boss "go berserk." This is one of the most famous arcade myths—the truth is that boss HP is tied only to the number of players, not the stones. See the FAQ below.
Stage 5: Village of Flame
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | A burning village; introduces Bludge (a Blanka-like mutant that spits acid) |
| Boss | Morgan → Morgue (Two forms: Human form + Mutant monster form induced by dinosaur extract) |
| Strategy | Morgan is strong in human form; his Morgue mutation is a fast, powerful charger. Avoid his charge path and counter with jump attacks. |
Stage 6: Jungle & Mine
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Jungle and mine, featuring Brontosaurus stomping zones |
| Boss | Tyrog—the strongest parasite created by Fessenden; must be defeated three times (Green → Red → Blue, getting stronger each time) |
| Strategy | Lure enemies under the Brontosaurus's feet to let the dinosaur do the work. Tyrog revives in stronger forms; the blue form is deadly—be patient. |
Stage 7: The Basement
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Underground laboratory base |
| Boss | Slisaur—Slice transformed into a dinosaur-man by Fessenden |
| Strategy | Depending on player count, you face 2 or 3 of them. Prioritize taking them out one by one. Your panic move (A+B) is crucial here. |
Stage 8: The Underworld
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Setting | Bio-lab → Sewers → Cave with rolling barrels, filled with traps like flamethrowers |
| Boss | Dr. Simon Fessenden—Two-stage final battle |
| Strategy | Phase 1: Sitting at a computer, summoning monsters and electric shocks. Dodge shocks and attack the computer. Phase 2: Transforms into a giant mutant dinosaur. Stay mobile, use stage hazards, and rely on ranged weapons and special moves. Enjoy the ending! |
V. Tips and Advanced Strategy
5.1 Basic Survival
- →→A is your best friend: Dash attacks are the safest and most efficient way to deal damage, especially Mustapha's →→A.
- Master Throws: You are briefly invincible while throwing an enemy, which is great for avoiding being swarmed.
- Prioritize Weapons: Dropped weapons (knives, pistols, shotguns, M-16A1) deal significantly more damage than normal attacks.
- Don't hoard panic moves: A+B costs HP, but it's worth it to save your life when surrounded.
- Food recovery: There are 17 types of food. Steaks restore the most health; fries and pizza are mid-tier; donuts and gum restore the least.
5.2 Co-op Tactics
- Overlap Invincibility: If two players overlap for over 2 seconds, they gain brief invincibility. Very useful against tough bosses.
- Division of Labor: One player distracts the boss while the other clears minions or provides ranged support.
- Help Teammates Up: If a teammate is knocked down, clear the area so they can stand up safely.
5.3 Boss Battle Rules
- Observe Patterns: Every boss has fixed attack patterns; learn them to predict and dodge.
- Use Stage Items: Boxes and oil drums often contain supplies and weapons.
- Mount Attacks: You can mount a downed boss for free, high-damage hits.
- Handle Flying Enemies First: Pterosaurs can only be hit with jump attacks. They become docile after taking enough damage.
5.4 Advanced Knowledge
- Infinite Combos: While there isn't a strict combo system, you can perform pseudo-infinite combos using wall bounces and dash attacks.
- Weapon Durability: Guns have limited ammo; melee weapons (knives) break after a certain number of uses.
- JP vs. US Versions: The Japanese version features scrolling text for the story, while the US version includes the "Winners Don't Use Drugs" FBI warning. Some enemy names differ between versions.
VI. Trivia and Arcade Legends
6.1 The "Stage 4 Stone"—The Greatest Arcade Myth
This is one of the most famous rumors in arcade history. In Stage 4, there are small stones scattered on the ground. A rumor spread: "Don't pick up the stones at the entrance of Stage 4, or the boss will go berserk and have double HP!"
If you picked one up and lost, your friends would blame you. Decades later, we know it's nonsense—but back then, nobody wanted to risk their precious arcade coins to test it. That "fear of losing" kept the rumor alive for decades.
6.2 The "Yellow Hat" Phenomenon
Most players consider Mustapha (Yellow Hat) the true "protagonist." In reality, Jack is the core character in Capcom's lore and the original comics.
Why the bias? Mustapha is just too good. His →→A dash attack is powerful, fast, and long-ranged, making him the best choice for survival. In arcade culture, "usability" trumps narrative. Thus, "Yellow Hat is the hero" became a collective memory.
6.3 The Stage 6 Car Theft Legend
Another rumor: you can "steal" a hidden motorcycle or Cadillac in the Stage 6 jungle. In reality, there are only background wrecks. Players likely confused this with the Stage 3 driving sequence.
6.4 Killing the Final Boss Before Mutation?
Some claim you can kill Dr. Fessenden before he mutates. Technical analysis confirms it is possible in co-op mode using high-burst weapons like the M-16A1, but it's nearly impossible in single-player.
6.5 Japanese Title Trivia
Many don't know that the Japanese title Cadillacs Kyouryu Shin Seiki translates to "Cadillacs: New Dinosaur Century," which sounds much more sci-fi than the localized "Cadillacs and Dinosaurs."
6.6 The "Invincible" Enemies
Sometimes enemies appear in the background on a different layer. Players spent years trying to hit them, but they are merely decorative elements and cannot be interacted with.
6.7 Soundtrack
Composed by Isao Abe, Syun Nishigaki, and Kiyo using the Q-Sound system. The soundtrack is a rare collector's item today, blending rock, jazz, and electronic elements perfectly suited to the post-apocalyptic aesthetic.
FAQ
Q1: Is there a hidden ending?
Q2: Are there hidden characters?
Q3: Can I pick up the stones in Stage 4?
Q4: Can you beat the game on the highest difficulty with one coin?
Q5: How many weapons are there?
Q6: What are the differences between versions?
- Japanese: Features scrolling story text and some different enemy names.
- US/World: Includes the "Winners Don't Use Drugs" FBI warning.
- Asian: Generally identical to the World version.
Q7: How can I play this at home?
- Emulators: Using MAME or FinalBurn Neo with your own legally owned ROMs.
- Official Collections: Check for Capcom arcade collections that include this title.
- Retro Handhelds: Many pre-loaded devices include this game.
