Cadash (France)

Getting Started

You begin Cadash by choosing one of four character classes: Fighter, Mage, Priest, or Ninja. Each has different starting stats and spells, so pick based on whether you prefer melee combat or magic. The game is a side-scrolling action RPG: you move left and right, jump over pits, and attack enemies using the S button. Defeated foes drop gold and experience orbs. Gold lets you buy equipment in shops scattered throughout the levels, and leveling up increases your max HP and attack power.

The core loop is exploration and combat. Each stage is a sprawling, nonlinear map filled with monsters, traps, and treasure chests. You'll need to find keys to unlock doors and progress to the boss. There's a heavy emphasis on grinding - you'll likely revisit earlier rooms to gain levels and money before taking on tougher enemies. The arcade version is harder than the console ports, with limited continues and a stricter timer per stage.

One thing new players should note: the menu text is in English even in the French version, so navigation is straightforward. Use the inventory screen (Start) to equip weapons and armor you buy or find. Magic users need to assign spells from their list using the select button. There's no saving - like most arcade games, you play from start to finish in one sitting, so plan your quarters accordingly.