Dynowarz: The Destruction of Spondylus

Dynowarz: The Destruction of Spondylus is a science-fiction action platformer released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in April 1990. Developed by Advance Communication Company and published by Bandai, the game combines robotic dinosaur battles with traditional side-scrolling platforming. Its unusual premise puts players in control of both a scientist in a battlesuit and a giant mechanical dinosaur, creating two distinct styles of gameplay within a single adventure.

The story takes place in the artificial Spondylus Solar System, where a dangerous computer virus has infected the life-support systems of seven planets. Robosaurs, enormous computerized dinosaurs, have overrun the planetary surfaces. Professor Proteus discovers that his former research partner, the villainous Dr. Brainius, is responsible for the sabotage. To stop the destruction, Proteus must use his greatest invention, Cyborasaurus, to fight through the infected worlds and shut down their corrupted computers.

The gameplay alternates between two main sections. In the surface stages, you pilot Cyborasaurus through hostile environments, battling enemy Robosaurs with a selection of weapons. You can fire lasers and fireballs, launch your mechanical fist, and use bombs to eliminate enemies. Defeated opponents may leave useful power-ups that improve your weapons or replenish your energy and defensive barrier.

Once you reach a planetary base, the action changes. Professor Proteus leaves his robotic dinosaur and enters the facility on foot, navigating hazardous platforms, avoiding traps, and fighting enemies with his own weapons. His objective is to reach the central life-support computer, destroy it, and escape before moving to the next planet.

With seven worlds to conquer, Dynowarz offers a distinctive mix of giant robot combat, futuristic environments, and challenging platforming. Although the two gameplay styles can feel uneven, the idea of controlling a robotic dinosaur makes this obscure NES title an interesting choice for fans of retro science-fiction games.