some time with Cadash.

[NeoFreak]

I finally got some time to sit down with Cadash and play some singleplayer; I BELIEVE that I made it all the way to the last boss? [ Evil dude pretends to be the king in the throne room, and then turns into a dragon? ring a bell?]

it was pretty awesome; I did really enjoy the dungeon area where you are fighting the zombies [ i know someone had mentioned this in another thread and said how cool it was; they were right] cool lightning effects too.

I think when i was about to fight the boss at the castle, there were two doorways, one went straight to the boss, and then there was another behind a gate, at first i approached the one behind the gate but then i second guessed my self and went through the first door which forced the red dragon on me when i had very minimal health. anyway, i guess i was just wondering if the other door gives you an opportunity to recover health and buy more herbs before the last encounter [is it the end?] Thanks.

[OldRover]

anyway, i guess i was just wondering if the other door gives you an opportunity to recover health and buy more herbs before the last encounter [is it the end?] Thanks.

No, the other door just takes you back to the area where you began the game. When you're just starting out, you're on the other side of the locked gold door you see.

[Keranu]

The bosses in Cadash usually don't require much strategy, so be sure to power up your character high enough until you take on the last boss. It shouldn't take very long and don't forget to stock up on those gold bell things for extra life.

[Tatsujin]

may someone tell me the main differences of cadash between the mega drive and the pce port? which is better and comes more close to the arcade original? thougth the arcade was just superior in terms of visuell aspects (first level landscape..W0W).

[OldRover]

Hard to say, really. The Genesis port tries hard to imitate the arcade version in terms of both graphics and level design but since it's missing two of the characters, it's a really hard sell. The PCE version does not try to imitate the arcade version, the graphics are a bit different and the level designs have quite a bit of variation from the arcade version, all four characters made it in. It's a matter of taste, really...my first experience with Cadash was the TG16 port, and after playing that so much, the arcade version just felt weak, since there was so much added to the PCE version to make it more enjoyable.

[Tatsujin]

since there was so much added to the PCE version to make it more enjoyable.

that sounds very interessting.
finally found a reason to be able to vanquish the high price here, so will pick up one very soon. thx a lot bro

[Joe Redifer]

I beat both the Turbo and Genesis versions of Cadash on a single night's rental each (two completely different nights, of course).  I've never played the arcade, but I did enjoy the Turbo version more.

[NeoFreak]

here is an in-depth summary of differences that nodtveidt posted a few months back in a different Cadash thread:

Alright, I'll do as much as I can here while I have some time.  

Cadash is a side-scrolling experience-based platformer (in other words, an action RPG). The basic premise of the game is to go rescue a princess.  You are given four characters to choose from, each with their own strengths and weaknesses:

The Fighter has excellent offense and defensive ability. He is moderately agile and gains experience at a decent rate. He cannot use magic of any kind, and his attack range is somewhat limited.
The Mage has low offense and defense with average agility. He gains experience the fastest of all the characters, and he is the only character that can use offensive magic which will eventually become extremely powerful. His melee attack is no better in range than the Fighter though.
The Priest has good offense and average defense. Her agility is rather low, and she gains experience slowly. Her attack range is excellent, and she is the only one who can use healing and protective magics.
The Ninja has average attack and defensive ability, but his agility is very high and his attack range is the greatest, considering he uses shurikens. He gains experience at an average rate.

The maximum experience level for al characters is level 20. Each character gains HP and MP (plus other stats) at different rates.

The gameplay is pretty cut-and-dry platforming with the added twist of experience gathering. Each enemy you defeat gains you experience points, and most also drop moneybags which you can use later on to buy new equipment and items. The items vary from version to version, but there are a couple which are the same in all versions, which are the herb (heals 10hp when you run out of hp) and the antidote (cures poison...becomes VERY important in the 3rd area which is filled with poisonous nasties). There are a total of five areas to conquer, each with different environments and enemies to learn.

Now, for a rundown of some of the differences between the arcade, the PCE, and the Genesis versions:

The arcade version can have two machines linked together, for two two-player teams (four players at once). This isn't possible on the other versions.
The arcade version, being a quarter-muncher, had to have a way of making money, so the game was timed, with the timer being modified when a new world was first entered, or a timeclock was purchased. Neither the PCE nor Genesis versions have this feature.
The arcade version will show you your stats when you enter a door, or when you stand idle for a moment. The Genesis version will show you your stats when you pause. The PCE version never shows you your stats.
The arcade version and the Genesis version allow you three letters to make your name. The PCE version allows four letters, and includes a couple of secret codes.
The Genesis version, as stated before, lacks two characters: the priest and the ninja. The arcade and PCE versions have all four characters playable.
The arcade and Genesis versions have very similar graphics. The PCE version does not try to copy the arcade graphics, which some people like (for example: me) and some do not.
In the arcade and Genesis versions, you could be resurrected if you died; another quarter in the arcade, and a special item in the Genesis version. In the PCE version, if you die, it's game over instantly, no resurrection possible (unless playing 2-player, in which one player can resurrect the other at an inn).
The PCE version adds an additional key to the second world.
Characters gain noticeable changes to their movement speed in the PCE version as they gain levels. This is much more subtle in the other versions.
The arcade and Genesis versions feature hidden items that can be attacked at various points in the areas. The PCE version doesn't have these, but instead has a number of extra treasure chests.
The Genesis version has a bit of censorship in it (the mermaid scene) which is in no way censored in the PCE version or the arcade version.
In the PCE version, the mermaid scales are an item you actually pick up. It is automatically given to you in the other versions without having to pick it up.
The PCE version is missing the Mage's level 20 magic spell.
The Genesis version has the same screen warp effect as the arcade for area transitions. This wasn't implemented in the PCE version, a simple fade is used instead.
The arcade and Genesis versions have the same cheap-looking warp effect on the flames in the title logo. The PCE version uses much nicer looking flames instead.
In the PCE version, huge hits cause tremendous throwback of your character. This doesn't happen in the other versions.
The "mini-me" character (I forget its name) that can be found in the fourth area of the arcade version is missing in both the PCE and Genesis versions. This is a little version of your character that sits on top of your head and rushes out to attack enemies when you press the attack button. It only lasts a few minutes but it's neat.  
In the arcade version, all inns get more expensive each time; if you stay at the same inn twice, the second time will cost more than before. The other versions have set prices, although they get more expensive as you progress through the areas.
The arcade and Genesis versions have equipment names in the shops. This is missing from the PCE version.
The PCE version has certain hidden platforms in the final area that are not present in the other versions.
The final boss in the arcade and Genesis versions are alike. The PCE handles this differently. Hard to judge which method is better, but the arcade and Genesis versions have much longer final boss fights.

There are other subtle differences as well (such as the ball and chain statues in the fifth area) and I could spend a day listing them, but these are the major differences that anyone who has played all three would see.

All in all though, the PCE version is an intentional break from the arcade version; it has a lot of features all its own and comes off being a different game overall. It's definately worth getting and playing.

[CrackTiger]

I put up some comparison screenshots from the Arcade, Genesis and Turbografx-16 versions if anyone's interested-

http://superpcenginegrafx.com/cadashcomp.html

The Genesis version doesn't appear to have any form of the cinema found in the other 2 versions.

Also, although the Genesis version uses some of the Arcade's sprites and is darker like the arcade, it's actually quite a bit different from the arcade, just not as completely redrawn like the PCE/Turbo version.

Personally, I think that the Turbo/PCE version looks the best overall of all three.

[OldRover]

CrackTiger, your screenshots are from the PCE version, not the TG version. You got it labelled slightly incorrectly ;) The TG version has correct English, unlike the hackneyed English butchering of the PCE version.

[Keranu]

Great screenshots, CrackTiger. I agree and think the Turbo version looks the nicest because of the cooler artwork and vibrant colors.

[GUTS]

Tough call, the Genesis version has bigger sprites but the Turbo one is much brighter.  The arcade one looks quite a bit better than both though, I was surprised since I thought the two versions were pretty close to the arcade.

[Tatsujin]

in terms of grafic, the arcade looks far better than both of the ports, especially in motion! the first level (uper world) is so nice detailed, it blowed me away back in those days it was in the arcades!

i have to agree with nodtveidt, that the MD version tries more to imitate the arcade one, but the pce looks also great and from what he said, the pce version just sounds much funnier!

[NeoFreak]

i really like the look of the warrior sprite from the arcade and md versions; althought i think most of the PCE sprites are drawn much nicer, like the pig goblin.

[ParanoiaDragon]

in terms of grafic, the arcade looks far better than both of the ports, especially in motion! the first level (uper world) is so nice detailed, it blowed me away back in those days it was in the arcades!

i have to agree with nodtveidt, that the MD version tries more to imitate the arcade one, but the pce looks also great and from what he said, the pce version just sounds much funnier!

The PCE version sounds much funnier :   I'm assuming you meant funner

[TR0N]

Cadash Genesis>lack of priest and ninja kill it for me meh  

Cadash PCE>Close while it's graphics and sound are not perfect having all of it's characters made it a winner for me.

Still if you realy wanna play it like the arcade try mame... or import taito memorial for the, PS2 or hope Taito Legends 2 for the Xbox get's a u.s release.

[Tatsujin]

just purchased the game last saturday but just struggling with its difficulty some hot hints out there??..it is not really my type of game, i can't be calm when unlimited of enemis attacking from both side again and again non stop. the spiders before the first level boss gave me the rest > sel & run!!

but of course will give it a chance again..and may be again

which character is your favorite?

[ParanoiaDragon]

My favorite character is the Ninja.  But I've beaten it with everbody.  The key is to level up really.  Take you time, defeating those pig things in the first cave.  Go where the pigs first show up, you can find a spot to stand in, where they will keep coming, & you keep shooting(don't forget to occasionally move over to where they were to pick up all the money before it disapears).  You'll level up like crazy.  Once you think you're strong enough, proceed, go to the next level, where the cavemen are, & do the same thing, then in the 3rd level, do the same thing where those rock guys are.  I can't remember anyother good spots in the game perse.  Hope this helps!

[Keranu]

What PD said is the key. Be sure to level up a lot in the beginning because it's almost the only way to beat the first boss. If I recall, level 5 is a good level to be at for the first boss.

[Tatsujin]

thx a lot for the help. do i have to buy HP&MP in shop or it increases itself by picking up the ca$h?

[OldRover]

Yeah, get to level 5 with most anyone, you can bruise through at level 4 with the Priest though (might want to anyways, she takes ages to level up).

Specifically speaking...

In the first dungeon, go down the first rope and you will see some Orcs up on a small platform, with some Green Slimes that drop from the ceiling and moving platforms to the far left. Stay on that raised platform and walk back and forth, slaying the Orcs and Green Slimes. From there you can proceed across the moving platforms (look out for bats) and into the next room.

In the second dungeon, go down the first rope (careful not to go into the water, it'll hurt you at first) and jump off to the left. Giant Frogs will come after you, just kill them and don't waste time with them really. After them comes the Trolls who throw bones at you. They can be hard to deal with on the decline, but get close enough to them so that their bones won't hit you, then attack. You should be able to wipe them out without getting hit. The first part just has them coming at you on one plane so they're easy to take out but they're few. The second area has them coming in groups but the area is sloped. At the bottom of the second area is a Treant, just kill it as soon as it pops up. Later in the level, where you find the Blue Door, the platform drops down a bit and you'll find three Treants, this is also a good place to do some levelling. Once you drop off of this platform, you won't be able to level anymore (unless you're the Priest) until after the next boss.

The third dungeon has the best level-up area in the game. When you enter, you go all the way to the bottom, then go all the way left. You'll run into a large set of stair-like platforms with Rock Golems walking slowly towards you. If you turn your back on them, they'll double their speed in an effort to run you over. They take quite a beating at first but stick with it. I've used this area to get all the way up to experience level 20 (not really necessary here but it's fun going through the rest of the game at max level). Be sure to go back to the Inn in the second overworld if you're running too low on life though...try not to go back while too low because of the nasty Beholder-kin you have to fight along the way.

The fourth dungeon has a couple of good levelling spots. The first one is in the first section after you get to the bottom of the rope. Manticores will come at you from the right, they have to be hit while crouching for most characters. They give pretty decent experience. Way to the right and up the rope (past the crazy guy who runs past you) are some dragons. They give some of the highest XP awards in the game but aren't particularly easy to fight at first, especially if your defence is low (you get hit, you go flying hardcore). But once you get the method down, they're good killin' for points. Don't bother with the Zombies or Flares, they're worth squat and they're too much of a pain to kill.

The fifth dungeon lacks any real good levelling spots, except for the tower climb after the Worm has been killed...stronger Treants appear on unreachable platforms above you, and are sitting ducks if you play any character but the Fighter (he can fight them too but it's not as easy).

Of particular note here in comparison to the arcade version...the Treants in the PCE/TG version will stop animating when being hit, meaning you can often times kill them before they shoot at you. In the arcade original, this doesn't happen, and they will blow you away in short order if you don't have the right timing to dodge their shots (not as easy as it sounds). Use this to your advantage when levelling up in the PCE/TG version.

[ParanoiaDragon]

Those things are orcs?  I learn something new everyday

Anyways, your HP/MP goes up with your leveling up.  You can buy loads of herbs at stores.  I usually buy as many herbs & antidotes as humanly possible.  I think on the first boss, I usually hit him at lvl 6 I think.  It's been awhile.  I think the Mage is the quicket to level up IIRC.

[OldRover]

Yeah, the mage is the quickest. In order, it's Mage, Fighter, Ninja, Priest.

Tatsujin: for the spiders near the boss in the first dungeon, you have to handle them slowly, you can't just plow through that area or you're dead quick. Go through this area SLOWLY! What you do is wait for them to come at you. When they stop, they'll shoot a web at you. As soon as you see them stop, jump. The web should fly right under you, and they'll keep walking. That's when you attack them. There are four or so of these lil bastards in that area. You'll know you're past them when you get to the bridge.

The mage is my favourite character. Being able to blow anything out of the sky at any time with a lightning bolt is just too damn cool.

[Tatsujin]

thx a lot for all your help. will give it a re-try soon