Human Cannonball
Aim, Shoot, and Score
Step up to the cannon and prepare for a classic test of precision and timing. In this retro artillery game, you take on the role of a daring performer who must be launched from a cannon into a water tower supported by a tall structure. The objective is straightforward but challenging: adjust your angle and speed to ensure your character lands safely in the container of water.
The game offers eight different modes of play, allowing you to vary the difficulty and strategy with each session. You can change variables such as the cannon angle, the speed at which you are launched (measured in MPH), and the distance between the cannon and the target tower. This variety keeps the gameplay fresh, as you must constantly recalculate your trajectory based on these shifting conditions.
When playing alone, the stakes are personal but competitive against a computer opponent. You score a point every time you successfully hit the water tower. However, if you miss, the computer scores a point in return. The tension builds with each shot, as the first player to reach seven points wins the match. This scoring system means that accuracy is just as important as power; launching too hard or at the wrong angle will hand the advantage to your opponent.
For those who prefer playing with a friend, the two-player mode offers a head-to-head challenge. Each player takes turns shooting from their respective cannons. The goal remains the same: be the first to score seven points. This competitive format adds a layer of psychological play, as you might try to adjust your settings to make it harder for your opponent to predict your next move or simply focus on perfecting your own aim.
The game is based on an unreleased arcade video game called Cannonball, which was designed by Owen Rubin. The iconic cover art for this version was created by Cliff Spohn, giving the cartridge a distinctive look that has become part of gaming history. While the graphics are simple by modern standards, they effectively convey the necessary information for gameplay: the cannon, the performer, the tower, and the water target.
One thing to watch out for is the balance between power and precision. It is easy to be tempted to crank up the speed to send your performer flying as far as possible, but without careful angle adjustment, you will likely overshoot the tower or crash into the side. Finding the sweet spot where your trajectory arcs perfectly over the gap and drops gently into the water container is the key to consistent scoring. A related page worth opening after this one is Human Cannonball - Cannon Man, especially if you want another nearby game from the same series.
The game supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, making it a versatile choice for different playstyles. Whether you are looking to test your own skills against the computer or challenge a friend to see who has the steadier hand, Human Cannonball provides a timeless artillery experience. The simple controls allow you to focus entirely on the physics of the launch and the satisfaction of a perfect landing.
If you enjoy this style of projectile-based gameplay, you might also appreciate other titles in the genre that explore similar mechanics with different themes. For instance, you can check out Human Cannonball - Cannon Man for a variation on the classic concept.
Ultimately, this game is about more than just hitting a target; it is about mastering the variables at your disposal. With each mode offering different challenges, you will find yourself constantly refining your technique. The first to seven points wins, so every shot counts. Grab the controller, adjust your settings, and see if you have what it takes to become the ultimate human cannonball. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.