“Cadillacs and Dinosaurs” by Capcom is a raw, roaring mix of muscle power, prehistoric beasts, and 90s comic book flair. Based on the Xenozoic Tales comic series, the game shakes up a post-apocalyptic cocktail of Mad Max, Jurassic Park, and Final Fight. Sounds crazy? It is – in the best way possible!
Story
In a distant future, Earth has been radically reshaped by an ecological catastrophe: humanity survives among the ruins of a fallen civilization, while nature has reclaimed the land – complete with long-extinct dinosaurs mysteriously brought back to life. Jack Tenrec and his three companions take a stand against a ruthless group of mercenaries and poachers, who threaten the fragile balance between mankind, nature, and dinosaurs with brutal force. While the story remains simple and linear, it lends the game enough character to give its adventure a sense of depth – and a subtle touch of comic book epicness.
Gameplay
“Cadillacs and Dinosaurs” sticks to the classic beat-’em-up playbook but cranks it up with an extra dose of dynamism and punch. Each of the four playable characters brings their own strengths, movesets, and special attacks to the table: Jack is the balanced all-rounder, Mustapha is quick and agile, Mess hits like a freight train, and Hannah blends technique with style. This variety adds plenty of replay value—even in solo runs. Controls are tight and responsive: one button for attacks, one for jumping, both combined for a special move—simple, intuitive, and instantly satisfying. With a bit of timing finesse, you can chain combos, grab and throw enemies, or smash them into environmental hazards.
The levels offer a welcome range of settings: city streets, jungle trails, subway tunnels, and futuristic labs keep things fresh. You’ll also get set-piece moments like high-speed chases on moving vehicles and boss fights with unique mechanics. A standout feature? The dinosaurs. Wild saurians crash into fights at random, attacking anyone—player or foe—and adding a layer of chaotic excitement. When a rampaging Triceratops barrels across the screen, you’ll need quick reflexes—or you can turn the mayhem to your advantage.
Characters
| Sprite | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Jack Tenrec | Jack is an eco-conscious gearhead who treats old tech with respect and has sworn to protect the dinosaurs. In-game, he plays the role of the balanced all-rounder – offering decent range, solid speed, and well-rounded damage. |
 | Hannah Dundee | A diplomat and scientist who knows more than she lets on, Hannah brings brains and style to the team – dedicated to fostering peaceful coexistence between humans and dinosaurs. In-game, she’s agile and technically skilled, with fast, precise attacks and acrobatic moves that reward finesse over brute force. |
 | Mustapha Cairo | Jack’s best friend and trusted mechanic, Mustapha is the cool daredevil with a soft spot for action and adventure. On the battlefield, he’s fast and agile, with excellent reach on his kicks and jump attacks—perfect for players who like to stay mobile and keep enemies at a distance. |
 | Mess O’Bradovich | A powerhouse of a man, Mess is a walking earthquake – strong, slow, and absolutely relentless. His playstyle is all about raw strength: slow movements, but devastating damage and massive throw power. Perfect for those who like to bulldoze through enemies with brute force. |
Weapons
| Sprite | Name | Ammo-Amount |
|---|---|---|
 | Gun | 6x |
 | Rifle | 6x |
 | Shotgun | 6x |
 | Uzi | 48x |
 | M-16A1 | 48x |
 | Bazooka | 4x |
 | Genade | Throw: 1x |
 | Dynamite | Throw: 1x |
 | Knife | Throw: 1x |
 | Rod | |
 | Club | |
 | Torch | |
 | Butchers Knife |
Graphics and Sound
“Cadillacs and Dinosaurs” is a visual powerhouse from the golden age of 90s arcades. The graphics are richly animated, razor-sharp, and bursting with character. Each of the four playable heroes boasts unique walking, punching, and special move animations—smooth, expressive, and crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Enemy designs range from street punks and heavily armed militias to raging dinosaurs, all fantastically animated and full of personality. The backgrounds are equally stunning. From jungles and caves to ruined cities and underground labs, every environment feels alive, layered, and atmospherically rich. Dynamic elements like explosions, waterfalls, and crumbling debris keep each stage visually fresh and immersive.
And the soundtrack? Pure Capcom magic. Expect crunchy guitar riffs, rapid-fire drumbeats, and dramatic synth lines that make every level feel like a scene straight out of an animated action flick. The sound effects pack a punch too: fists land with thunderous impact, guns rattle with metallic bite, and the roaring dinosaurs steal the audio spotlight.
Difficulty
Enemy waves come thick and fast, often attacking from multiple directions and giving you little time to breathe. You’ll need to time your attacks well, hold your ground, and learn enemy patterns—or you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed. Boss fights, in particular, are serious business: some are massive brutes with screen-filling special attacks that demand quick reactions and smart movement. Despite the intensity, the game stays fair and learnable. Stick with it, and you’ll soon figure out when to keep your distance and when to strike. In co-op mode, things get noticeably easier—especially when players cover each other or flank enemies to trap them. Solo players, on the other hand, will need patience and sharp reflexes. But the game rewards both with a satisfying and challenging flow that keeps you hooked.
Multiplayer
Up to three players can jump into the action simultaneously, resulting in glorious screen chaos—in the best possible way. Coordinated attacks, last-second saves, and classic tactics like “You take left, I’ll take right!” make the gameplay feel dynamic, strategic, and full of energy. One of the game’s biggest strengths is the distinct playstyle of each character, which creates genuine synergy within the team. While Mess plows through enemy lines like a tank, Mustapha can weave around and dish out precise damage. The result is a near-rhythmic flow of teamwork—filled with laughter, quick shouts, and the inevitable “Hey, leave that weapon for me!” Even better: the multiplayer mode features no friendly fire—a smart design choice given the non-stop action. So there’s no accidental knockouts between teammates, allowing players to focus fully on the mayhem around them.
