Cadash
A 1991 arcade platform-RPG combining action and RPG mechanics.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Cadash is a 1991 action role-playing platform video game developed and published by Taito for arcades. It was later ported to the TurboGrafx-16 in 1991 and the Sega Genesis (1992 in Japan, 1993 in North America), and re-released on multiple platforms in the 2000s and 2020s. The game is noted as an early example of the 'platform-RPG' genre, combining side-scrolling platform action with role-playing game elements such as statistics, levels, money, and magic.
- Developer
- Taito
- Publisher
- Taito
- Initial Release
- 1991 (arcade)
- Genre
- Action role-playing platform
- Platforms
- Arcade, TurboGrafx-16, Sega Genesis, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4
- Number of Playable Characters
- 4 (arcade and TurboGrafx-16); 2 (Sega Genesis)
- Number of Stages
- 6 (arcade); 5 (TurboGrafx-16)
Lore & Background
The game is set in a medieval fantasy world where demons and abominations of nature, led by a powerful demonic wizard called Baarogue (spelled 'Baarogue' in the English arcade version), seek to emerge from their underground kingdom of Cadash and conquer the human world. Baarogue promises his followers revenge for their ancient defeat and exile. After centuries of gathering strength, the demonic armies overwhelm the unprepared human kingdoms, but Baarogue's ultimate goal is to bind himself to the human princess Salassa, kidnapped from the Kingdom of Dirzir, to become invincible. King Dilsarl offers his kingdom to anyone who rescues his daughter.
Reader's Guide
Cadash is significant as an early fusion of platforming and role-playing game mechanics in arcades, a trend that became common in early 1990s Japanese arcade games. The arcade version supports up to four players via a link mode using two cabinets, while console versions support two players. The four playable characters—fighter, mage, priestess, and ninja—each have distinct attacks, statistics, and skills, with the Sega Genesis version omitting the priestess and ninja. The game features five stages, with environments ranging from meadows to caves and underwater areas. The arcade version includes a limited game time extendable by purchasing hourglasses. The game was re-released in Taito Memories Volume 2 (2005) and Taito Legends 2 (2007), and the arcade version was released by Hamster Corporation for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in 2023 as part of the Arcade Archives series.
Did You Know?
- The arcade version supports a four-player 'link' mode using two Cadash cabinets, with each player required to pick a different character.
- The Sega Genesis version only includes the fighter and mage as playable characters, omitting the priestess and ninja.
- The priestess can add extra playing time in the arcade version: 60 seconds in the Japanese version and 30 seconds in the international version.
- In the arcade version, the mage requires the most experience to gain levels, and no character can reach the maximum level by the halfway point of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cadash?
Cadash is a 1990 action role-playing platformer created by Taito that blends side-scrolling combat with RPG systems such as character stats, leveling, currency, and magic spells. It debuted in arcades before being ported to home consoles.
What platforms was Cadash released on?
The original 1990 arcade version was followed by TurboGrafx-16 (1991) and Sega Genesis (1992) ports. Later re-releases appeared on PlayStation 2, Xbox, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4.
How many playable characters does Cadash feature?
The arcade and TurboGrafx-16 versions let you choose from four distinct characters, while the Sega Genesis port trims the roster down to two.
Why is Cadash considered a landmark title?
It is widely cited as one of the earliest games to fuse side-scrolling platform action with role-playing mechanics, effectively establishing the 'platform-RPG' subgenre that later titles would build upon.
What RPG elements does Cadash incorporate?
On top of standard platforming, the game tracks character statistics, awards experience for leveling up, includes a money system for purchases, and lets you cast magic spells during combat.
More in Side-scrolling role-playing video games 1-24
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