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Cactus (bootleg of Saboten Bombers)

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Getting to Know Cactus

Arcade
Puzzle
Unlicensed
5· 0 votes

Cactus is a bootleg version of the arcade puzzle game Saboten Bombers, originally released by Taito in the early 1990s. This unlicensed clone swaps the original's Japanese-themed visuals for a more generic cactus motif, but the core gameplay remains intact. It runs on standard arcade hardware and was likely found in coin-op cabinets as a cheaper alternative to the legitimate release. In Cactus, you control a small character at the bottom of the screen and catch falling cacti and bombs that drop from the top. The goal is to arrange them into rows of three or more identical items to make them disappear. If the column reaches the top, it's game over. The game moves faster as you progress, and the bombs add a twist - they can clear a small area when matched, or cause trouble if they land in the wrong spot. It's a straightforward puzzle game with a single-screen playing field. For fans of retro puzzle games, Cactus offers a rare glimpse into the bootleg scene that thrived around arcade hits like Saboten Bombers. It's not as polished as the original, but it maintains the same satisfying chain-reaction gameplay. If you enjoy titles like Puyo Puyo or Dr. Mario, this clone is worth a few credits to see how it holds up - just don't expect any surprises or new features.

GAME INFO

Platform: Arcade
Genre: Puzzle
Players: 1-2
Based on: Saboten Bombers

How to play Cactus online

Getting Started

When you start Cactus, you'll see a title screen (likely in Japanese). Press Enter to begin. You control a little guy at the bottom who catches falling items. Use the Arrow Keys to move left and right, and press the A button (X key) to raise your arms and catch a falling cactus or bomb. Once you have it, you can move it left or right before dropping it into one of the columns.

The core loop is simple: items drop from the top, you catch and place them, and try to line up three or more of the same type to clear them. Bombs add a bit of strategy - they'll explode and remove nearby blocks when matched, but if they pile up they can fill your screen fast. There's no time limit, but the speed gradually increases. If you're playing with a friend, you can use the multiplayer mode (if available) to compete on the same machine.

Since this is a bootleg, menus are in Japanese and may not have English options. The basic controls are straightforward: move with arrows, catch with X, and drop by releasing the catch (just let go). If you get stuck, try pressing S (B button) to see if it does anything - in some bootlegs it might cancel a catch or pause the game. Otherwise, just experiment and enjoy the classic puzzle action.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
X: Button 1
S: Button 2
Z: Button 3
A: Button 4
Q: Button 5
E: Button 6
Enter: Start / 1P
V: Coin / Insert

Cactus FAQ

Who developed Cactus?

The developer of Cactus is not widely documented, as it is an unlicensed bootleg of Saboten Bombers. The original game was created by Taito, but the bootleg's source remains unknown.

Does Cactus have a multiplayer or co-op mode?

Yes, Cactus supports a two-player versus mode, just like the original Saboten Bombers. Both players compete on the same screen, trying to outlast each other by clearing blocks and sending garbage to the opponent's side.

Which regions was Cactus released in?

Cactus was likely circulated in arcades as an unlicensed bootleg, so its exact regional distribution is unclear. It probably appeared in various countries where bootleg arcade boards were common, but there is no official record of a specific release region.