Cadillacs and Dinosaurs Arcade Attract Mode (CLASSIC!!!)
0Be part of the first 1000 subscribers! Subscribe today!!!! Thank you!!!!
/ @retronick
Please post your favorite memories of this game in the comments!
The Cadillacs and Dinosaurs arcade game, released by Capcom in 1993, was part of the wave of side-scrolling “beat ’em ups” that were hugely popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s. If you remember games like Final Fight or Streets of Rage, it plays in a very similar style. You and up to two other players move through levels from left to right, fighting waves of enemies using punches, kicks, jumps, and special moves. What makes it stand out is its unique mix of setting and style.
The game is based on a comic series called Xenozoic Tales. It takes place in a post-apocalyptic future where dinosaurs have returned to roam the Earth alongside humans. That gives it a fun twist—so instead of just fighting street thugs, you also have to deal with prehistoric beasts that can interfere in battles. Sometimes the dinosaurs help you (by attacking your enemies), and other times they’re hazards you’ll want to avoid.
True to the title, Cadillacs also play a part. Between levels, you’ll sometimes jump into cars and get fast-paced driving sequences where you plow through waves of enemies on foot or in vehicles. The blend of brawling, dinosaurs, and classic American cars gave the game a distinctive personality that set it apart from other arcade beat ’em ups of the time.
Visually, it has that bold, colorful Capcom artwork that still looks good today. The characters are big and expressive, the dinosaurs are animated with detail, and the action moves quickly with a lot of impact. The gameplay is straightforward and easy to pick up, making it one of those arcade titles that anyone could enjoy—even if you hadn’t played many games before. It’s often remembered fondly as one of the standout arcade experiences of the early ’90s.
So while there’s no “official” modern console release, the game has lived on strongly through emulation and fan support. For many people in their 40s and 50s who remember playing it at the arcade, MAME or a mini arcade cabinet is the closest way to recapture that original experience.