Cadillacs and Dinosaurs: The Ultimate Arcade Beat 'em Up

June 15, 2025

Alright, fellow retro enthusiasts and arcade warriors, gather 'round! Today, we're revving up our engines and stomping through a prehistoric jungle to talk about one of Capcom's absolute masterpieces: Cadillacs and Dinosaurs! If you grew up haunting arcades in the '90s, chances are you've dropped more than a few quarters into this gem. And if you haven't, well, you're in for a wild ride!

A World Gone Wild: Story and Setting

Based on the comic book series Xenozoic Tales by Mark Schultz, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs throws you into a 26th-century post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives alongside, and often battles against, resurrected dinosaurs. The premise alone is pure gold: classic cars, futuristic tech, and giant, rampaging reptiles. What's not to love?

You play as one of four distinct characters:

Your mission? To uncover why dinosaurs are suddenly becoming violent and attacking human settlements. Spoiler alert: it involves some shady poachers and mad scientists. Classic arcade villainy at its finest!

Gameplay: Beat 'em Up Bliss with a Prehistoric Punch

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is a side-scrolling beat 'em up, a genre Capcom practically perfected. Think Final Fight or Street Fighter (the beat 'em up kind, not the fighting game kind) but with added dinosaurs and firearms. The controls are intuitive: punch, jump, and special attack. But the depth comes from the variety of enemies, weapons, and environmental interactions.

What makes it stand out?

Graphics and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

Visually, Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is a treat. The sprites are large and detailed, the environments are varied (from bustling cities to lush jungles), and the dinosaur designs are fantastic. Capcom's signature art style shines through, making every frame a joy to behold.

The sound design is equally impressive. The roars of the dinosaurs, the satisfying thud of your punches, the explosions of grenades, and the distinct sounds of each firearm all contribute to an immersive experience. And the music? It's pure '90s arcade gold – energetic, catchy, and perfectly sets the tone for the action.

Why It's a Timeless Classic

Cadillacs and Dinosaurs might not be as widely known as Street Fighter II or Final Fight, but it holds a special place in the hearts of those who played it. Its unique setting, combined with Capcom's mastery of the beat 'em up genre, created an unforgettable arcade experience. It's a game that's easy to pick up and play, but offers enough challenge and variety to keep you coming back for more.

If you're looking to dive into a classic arcade beat 'em up that's a little off the beaten path but delivers big on fun, then fire up Cadillacs and Dinosaurs. You won't be disappointed!

What are your favorite memories of Cadillacs and Dinosaurs? Let us know in the comments!