A Forgotten Arcade Gem
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs might not be the first game that comes to mind when thinking of Capcom’s best arcade beat ‘em ups, but for those who played it, it’s an unforgettable experience. Released in 1993, this side-scrolling brawler mixed post-apocalyptic chaos, prehistoric creatures, and high-speed action into one of the most visually striking arcade games of its time.
The Game’s Iconic Pixel Art
Capcom’s CPS-1 arcade hardware pushed 16-bit pixel art to its limits, bringing highly detailed sprites, fluid animations, and vibrant backgrounds to life. The game’s character designs were a perfect mix of comic book grit and classic arcade exaggeration, making every punch, kick, and dinosaur encounter feel dynamic and impactful.
What Made the Art Stand Out?
✅ Bold, high-contrast pixel shading – Characters and enemies pop against the richly detailed backgrounds.
✅ Large, expressive sprites – Every movement feels weighty and satisfying.
✅ Unique setting – A fusion of 1950s-style cars, futuristic wastelands, and dinosaur-filled battles.
Recreating It in Layers
This level of detailed pixel artwork made Cadillacs and Dinosaurs a perfect choice for one of my handmade pixel art shadow boxes. I’ve recreated two different scenes, each capturing the heart of this cult classic:
- Stage 1 – A battle in the ruined city, with Jack taking on street thugs amidst the crumbling urban wasteland.
- Stage 2 – A fight for survival in the desert, featuring The Butcher and his gang members, and post-apocalyptic madness.
Each design uses layered pixel art techniques to create depth and bring these iconic arcade moments into a real-world display piece.
A Must-Have for Retro Gaming Fans
Whether you remember playing this in the arcades or just love the pixel-perfect craftsmanship of Capcom’s 90s beat ‘em ups, these shadow boxes are a perfect way to celebrate a hidden gem in gaming history.
🔥 Check out the full collection in my Etsy shop! 🔥
