Cannon Spike (DC, 2000)
Graphics-7 Sound-7.5 Control-9 Challenge-8 Story-4
Level Design-7 Frustration-8 Fun-7.5/8* Originality-5
Overall Score-7.5
*2-player
+
7 different characters to choose from (several Capcom character cameos such as Mega Man)
2-player co-op
Good variation
Special attacks/smart bombs (different in strength and tactical use)
Strafe and lock-on moves, melee attacks (uncommon for run 'n guns)
Difficulty options (7+ modes)
Fast paced and pretty intense
Mixes run 'n gun and pure shoot 'em up gameplay
All attacks have their uses
Nice dynamic between melee and ranged attacks + weak and strong attacks
Good bosses overall
+/-
Very short stages
A couple of sexually suggestive character outfits (male and female)
Delays before or between some moves
Somewhat randomized level order (first 3-4 levels)
No dodge move
-
Uneven difficulty
Can't change character after using a continue
No "win" screen after a stage with ranking or score stats
Somewhat bland backgrounds and lacking level design (short arena style stages with no environmental hazards)
Some smart bombs are a bit weaker than others
Some annoying sfx (Mega Man's shouting after using a stronger shot)
Unbalanced characters (Mega Man, Cammy and Red Riding Hood seem to be the best in single player, others are more situational or support style)
Forced roll move after getting knocked down (clunky)
Trial & error (need to have a special ready for some situations such as the beginning of level 8, boss patterns, learning the delay between attacks etc.)
A few unavoidable attacks?
Sometimes unfitting music
Level Design-7 Frustration-8 Fun-7.5/8* Originality-5
Overall Score-7.5
*2-player
+
7 different characters to choose from (several Capcom character cameos such as Mega Man)
2-player co-op
Good variation
Special attacks/smart bombs (different in strength and tactical use)
Strafe and lock-on moves, melee attacks (uncommon for run 'n guns)
Difficulty options (7+ modes)
Fast paced and pretty intense
Mixes run 'n gun and pure shoot 'em up gameplay
All attacks have their uses
Nice dynamic between melee and ranged attacks + weak and strong attacks
Good bosses overall
+/-
Very short stages
A couple of sexually suggestive character outfits (male and female)
Delays before or between some moves
Somewhat randomized level order (first 3-4 levels)
No dodge move
-
Uneven difficulty
Can't change character after using a continue
No "win" screen after a stage with ranking or score stats
Somewhat bland backgrounds and lacking level design (short arena style stages with no environmental hazards)
Some smart bombs are a bit weaker than others
Some annoying sfx (Mega Man's shouting after using a stronger shot)
Unbalanced characters (Mega Man, Cammy and Red Riding Hood seem to be the best in single player, others are more situational or support style)
Forced roll move after getting knocked down (clunky)
Trial & error (need to have a special ready for some situations such as the beginning of level 8, boss patterns, learning the delay between attacks etc.)
A few unavoidable attacks?
Sometimes unfitting music