Which version of Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is on this page?
This is Capcom's 1993 arcade game in an English-language build. It is not Cadillacs and Dinosaurs: The Second Cataclysm, the separate 1994 Sega CD rail shooter.
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs (1993 Arcade)
This page hosts Capcom's 1993 English arcade version of Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, the beat 'em up often searched for as the dinosaur arcade game. Choose among four fighters, control crowds with throws and weapons, and survive an eight-stage run; this guide adds the verified startup keys, character differences, combat advice, and version notes.
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Overview
Capcom released this English-language arcade action game in 1993 with support for up to three players. The title screen names Cadillacs and Dinosaurs and credits the story to the comic; Capcom's original sales flyer presents Jack Tenrec, Hannah Dundee, Mustapha Cairo, and Mess O'Bradovich as its four playable heroes.
Each character emphasizes a different strength. Jack is the balanced choice with a strong slide, Hannah is agile and especially effective with some items, Mustapha has exceptional speed and long-reaching flying kicks, and Mess trades speed for the highest power. The game combines lane-based brawling with grabs, throws, breakable objects, melee weapons, explosives, and firearms with limited ammunition.
The original arcade controls use a joystick plus Attack and Jump. Repeated attacks form a combo, walking into an enemy starts a grab, and throwing that enemy can knock down the group behind them. Pressing Attack and Jump together creates a crowd-clearing defensive move, but it consumes some health when it connects.
Controls
- W / A / S / D
- Move player one up, left, down, and right
- U / I / J / K
- Use the four emulated buttons shown as Y / X / B / A; the arcade game itself uses Attack and Jump
- Shift
- Use the Select or coin input
- Enter
- Use the Start input
Before you play
- Pick for the situation you find hardest: Mustapha's speed and long flying kick make him forgiving in crowded lanes, while Mess is slower but delivers the strongest close-range damage. Jack is balanced, and Hannah rewards careful item use and mobility.
- Approach dangerous enemies from above or below instead of walking straight into their attack line. Once a grab starts, throw the target through the group to create space rather than finishing every exchange in place.
- Save the Attack-plus-Jump defensive move for moments when enemies have surrounded you. It hits on both sides and briefly protects the character, but a successful hit costs health.
- Firearms show limited ammunition at the bottom of the screen. Spend those shots on dense groups or a dangerous target; an empty gun can no longer fire and is only thrown or swung.
Known limitations
- The hosted arcade program and character introduction use English game text.
FAQ
How do you start Cadillacs and Dinosaurs online?
Wait for the files to load, close the player-one key guide, press Shift for the coin input, and press Enter to start.
Which character should a beginner choose?
Mustapha is the easiest starting point for many players because his speed and long flying kick help control distance. Mess is a strong alternative if you prefer slower movement and heavier damage.
What are the browser controls?
WASD moves player one, U/I/J/K provide the four buttons shown by the player, Shift is Select or coin, and Enter is Start. The original arcade game uses Attack and Jump for its combat commands.
How many people can play Cadillacs and Dinosaurs?
The original arcade game supports up to three players. This page's verified keyboard instructions cover player one.