1995 Funtech
Platforms: Super A’Can
Dinosaur War was a title for the Super A’Can – a relatively obscure console released in 1995 exclusively in Taiwan by Funtech. Fresh to the market, the Super A’Can was Funtech’s ambitious attempt to rival fourth-generation consoles like the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64.
However, since the console was based around the Motorola 68000 microchip – the same one that powered the Sega Genesis and Neo Geo – Funtech soon realized their ambition never even reached the starting line. Eventually, the console failed, dragging its manufacturer down with it.
Only 12 games were released for the system, many of which are now hard to obtain these days, and with barely any information remaining. While 12 games were officially released, rumour has it that there were more games planned for the Super’ A’Can. Many of whom are lost to time. Luckily, after extensive research, a few images related to four of these games have been found. One of those games is Dinosaur War (恐龍戰記).
The images were originally spotted a couple of years ago on a Twitter account that was deleted shortly afterwards. There isn’t much to share about Dinosaur War aside from the fact that it was intended as an action isometric game with simulation and platforming elements, where you would progress through levels with a team of companions.
FRANK: “Thanks to Brandon Cobb, some better quality images have been added from his video of ‘Let’s visit Funtech!’. Brandon feels its extremely unlikely that any of the unreleased games will surface. Brandon has discussed the console at length with all the major players, and done business with just about all of them – but you just never know what might turn up some day.”
Many of Funtech’s ROMs were sadly destroyed following the disastrous failure of the Super A’Can, so it’s possible that much of the console’s library died along with the company.
If you know anything more about the game – please do get in touch. With thanks to Brandon Cobb for allowing us to use images from his video and for the information.
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