Cannon Fodder

A military-themed action-strategy video game series created by Sensible Software, debuting in 1993.

Strategy

Games

1993–2000

Years

Platforms

$64.25

Ø CIB

+14.2%

24M change

About

The Cannon Fodder series combines squad-based shoot 'em up action with tactical strategy elements. The franchise debuted with the critically acclaimed Cannon Fodder in 1993, which was followed by Cannon Fodder 2 in 1994 and a Game Boy Color release in 2000. The games are characterized by their dark humor, anti-war themes, and mouse-driven control scheme.

Created by British developer Sensible Software and led by Jon Hare, the franchise first launched with Cannon Fodder (1993) on the Amiga. The game's success prompted numerous ports, including releases of Cannon Fodder (1993) for the Atari ST, followed by versions of Cannon Fodder (1994) for MS-DOS, Sega Mega Drive, and Super Nintendo. Further ports arrived with Cannon Fodder (1995) on the Atari Jaguar and a handheld version of Cannon Fodder (2000).

The series is famous for its juxtaposition of cute, tiny sprites with violent deaths. Players guide individual soldiers, starting with iconic recruits Jools and Jops, whose survival leads to military promotions. Conversely, killed soldiers are permanently lost, represented by growing rows of graves on the recruitment screen.

The original release generated significant media controversy in the United Kingdom due to its advertising campaign and the inclusion of a red remembrance poppy on the box art, which the Royal British Legion objected to, forcing a design change. The sequel, Cannon Fodder 2 (1994), expanded the gameplay with sci-fi elements, transporting the soldiers to alien worlds and different historical eras.