Cannon Fodder

Overview

Cannon Fodder let players command tiny soldiers through missions of escalating carnage—point, click, shoot, watch the body count rise. But the jaunty music and poppy imagery concealed genuine commentary: recruits went from eager to dead, graves multiplied between missions, and “War Has Never Been So Much Fun” was clearly ironic.

Fast facts

Developer: Sensible Software.
Designers: Jon Hare, Stoo Cambridge.
Original platform: Amiga (1993).
Controversy: poppy imagery drew criticism from Royal British Legion.

Gameplay

Simple controls, complex tactics:

Action	Control
Move squad	Left-click destination
Fire	Right-click target
Split squad	Select individual soldiers
Grenades/Rockets	Hold button for arc

The poppy controversy

The game’s use of remembrance imagery sparked debate:

Cover featured cartoon soldier with poppy
Loading screen showed hill of graves
Royal British Legion objected
Sensible argued it was anti-war commentary

Anti-war message

Beneath the accessible gameplay:

Recruits named and tracked across missions
Hill of graves grows as soldiers die
New recruits look increasingly worried
“War Has Never Been So Much Fun” reads as bitter

Mission variety

Mission type	Description
Assault	Clear enemy positions
Rescue	Save hostages
Demolition	Destroy structures
Defence	Protect locations

Technical notes

Sensible’s signature style:

Tiny detailed sprites
Smooth scrolling
Mouse-driven interface
Memorable music (title theme)

Sequel

Cannon Fodder 2 (1994) continued the formula with new settings including alien worlds.

Reception

Critical acclaim alongside controversy:

Praised for gameplay innovation
Discussed in mainstream press (unusually for games)
Commercially successful
Remembered as Amiga classic

War has never been so much fun