Cannon Fodder

"Cannon Fodder" is a notable classic in the realm of DOS games, known for its unique blend of tactical strategy and arcade gameplay. Developed by Sensible Software, it was first released for the Amiga in 1993 and later ported to various platforms, including MS-DOS.

Key Features of Cannon Fodder:

1. Genre Mix: The game skillfully combines elements of tactical strategy and arcade action. Players lead a squad of soldiers through various missions with objectives like terrain clearance, checkpoint control, and hostage rescue.

2. Squad Management: Players can split their squad into smaller units. While one unit is directly controlled, the others operate independently, providing covering fire.

3. Intuitive Control Scheme: The game primarily uses mouse controls (on PC), with left-clicks used to move soldiers or shoot and both mouse buttons to throw grenades or fire bazookas. The game's control system is intuitive yet requires skillful management, especially in handling limited ammunition for heavier weapons.

4. Vehicles: Various vehicles, including jeeps, tanks, and helicopters, add complexity and diversity to the gameplay.

5. Difficulty and Humor: "Cannon Fodder" is renowned for its challenging gameplay, which is complemented by dark humor and satire. The game doesn't shy away from showing the consequences of war, even in its satirical format.

6. Visual and Thematic Satire: One memorable aspect is the visualization of a hill that gradually fills with graves, each marked with a tombstone that reflects the rank of the fallen soldier. The game's theme song, "War has never been so much fun," underscores its satirical approach to war.

Reception and Controversy:

• "Cannon Fodder" faced controversy, notably from The Royal British Legion for its use of the red poppy symbol. This led to changes in the game’s box design in some regions and outright bans in others.
• Despite controversies, the game is also recognized for its underlying message. The documentation explicitly states that war is not a game and highlights the wastefulness of war.

Legacy:

"Cannon Fodder" stands out for its innovative approach to combining different gaming genres and its satirical yet poignant commentary on war. It's remembered for being a challenging game that doesn't glorify combat but instead uses humor and satire to critique it. For players interested in classic games, "Cannon Fodder" offers a unique experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, reflecting the complexities and absurdities of war.