Cadash

Cadash

Overview & History

Originally developed by Taito as an arcade coin-op in 1989, Cadash was later brought to the TurboGrafx-16 in 1991 by Working Designs, earning a reputation as one of the console's most ambitious action-RPG hybrids. The storyline plunges players into a dark, medieval fantasy realm where the tyrannical demon Balrog has kidnapped Princess Salassa. To rescue her, the kingdom's sovereign summons four legendary heroes to traverse treacherous caverns, haunted forests, and volcanic subterranean domains. While the arcade original supported simultaneous cooperative play, the TurboGrafx-16 iteration was streamlined into a solo adventure, yet it retained the sprawling level designs, shop systems, and experience-point progression that made the coin-op a cult classic. Players collect gold dropped by vanquished beasts to purchase upgraded plate armor, fire swords, and mystical talismans from merchant NPCs hidden throughout the labyrinthine stages, blending horizontal platforming with persistent character growth.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Cadash on the TurboGrafx-16 allows players to select from two distinct remaining classes out of the original four: the nimble Fighter, whose massive broadsword deals devastating melee damage at close range, and the Priest, who utilizes defensive holy magic and ranged projectile spells to smite undead fiends. Unlike traditional arcade platformers, characters level up by accumulating experience points from slain monsters, increasing their maximum health pool and striking power. Navigating the stages requires careful management of a time limit, jumping precision across crumbling platforms, and strategic use of restorative herbs. Boss encounters at the end of each zone demand mastery of enemy attack patterns, forcing players to duck, leap, and counter-attack with precise timing before the timer expires.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause