Cadash

Summary

Cadash is an early example of a trend that would become quite popular in Japanese arcade games during the early 1990s: the "platform-RPG." The game draws heavily from the gameplay mechanics of *Zelda II: The Adventure of Link*, blending side-scrolling platforming with an RPG-style system that includes stats, levels, currency, and magical abilities. In the arcade version, up to four players can team up at once, while console versions allow for two players, each choosing from four distinct characters: fighter, mage, priestess, and ninja. Each has unique attacks, stats, and abilities. Players progress through levels by defeating enemies and bosses, collecting keys to open doors, and gathering gold and experience points. Gold can be obtained from defeated enemies and treasure chests. Villages offer for sale items, weapons, armor, and—on consoles—extra lives, with each village offering increasingly powerful gear. Helpful NPCs and friendly creatures may also provide useful tips. The arcade edition has a time limit that can be extended by purchasing hourglasses at shops or by collecting rare in-game bonuses. Stores and secret spots contain healing herbs that restore 10 HP when health is depleted, and antidotes to cure poison from certain enemies. Two special elixirs in the game function like herbs but fully restore all HP. The game consists of five stages. Stages one, two, and four each have two areas: surface and underground. Stage three features three distinct worlds. Stage five takes place entirely within Castle Cadash. The settings vary widely, from peaceful meadows and dark caves to dense forests and underwater realms. Some enemies are inspired by traditional mythology, while others are entirely original to the game.

Storyline

The game is set in a medieval fantasy world akin to the grand high fantasy of The Lord of the Rings. Deep beneath the surface, in the underground kingdom of Cadash, dwell demons and unnatural creatures who have not forgotten the time, long ago, when they once lived in the light alongside humans. Among them arose a being of immense power—a demonic sorcerer born of a human woman, known as the Balrog (or Baarogue/Baalogue in the arcade version, and Barlog in the TurboGrafx version). The Balrog promised his followers that, if he could mix his blood with that of a human king, they would one day rise from their underground prison and reclaim the world above, exacting vengeance for their ancient defeat and banishment. For centuries, the Balrog and his legions of demons gathered strength, and now they are ready to break free and wage war on the human kingdoms, which have known peace for millennia. These kingdoms fall swiftly to the Balrog's might, and the human world is nearly destroyed. Yet the Balrog is not satisfied—his ultimate goal is the most powerful of all human realms, the Kingdom of Dirzir. One fateful night, the beautiful Princess Salassa is captured by the Balrog from the Keep of Deerzar, the capital of Dirzir, and taken to the feared Castle Cadash beneath the earth. There, the Balrog intends to perform a ritual that will magically fuse his essence with the princess, granting him ultimate power and invincibility. In his grief and desperation, the elderly King Dilsarl has sworn to offer his entire kingdom to whoever can rescue his beloved daughter. Many brave adventurers have ventured into the depths of Cadash in search of her, but few have returned.

Screenshots

Release dates by platform

Supported languages

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