Introduction
Released in 1992, Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa is a side-scrolling arcade beat ’em up by Konami. Based on the animated TV series of the same name, the game combined lighthearted Western themes with cartoon visuals and classic Konami co-op action, offering a fun twist on the brawler formula. It stood out for its bright, playful aesthetic that appealed to younger arcade-goers and fans of the show.
Development and History
- Developer: Konami
- Publisher: Konami
- Release Date: 1992
- Hardware: Konami Custom Arcade System
Developed in parallel with Konami’s other licensed brawlers like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons, Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa was designed to leverage the popularity of the animated show. The team applied their proven side-scrolling engine but adapted it to include more projectile shooting and platforming elements. The cabinet featured distinctive artwork with bright colors and cartoon scenes.
Gameplay Video
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players choose from four anthropomorphic cowboy heroes:
- Marshall Moo Montana
- Dakota Dude
- Cowlorado Kid
- Colorado Kid (some regional versions combined names)
Each character used revolvers and melee attacks to clear waves of outlaws and bosses. The controls were designed to be accessible, with a single button for shooting and another for jump attacks.
Key gameplay elements:
- 2D side-scrolling shooting and brawling with responsive controls
- Up to four players simultaneously in co-op play
- Power-ups: rapid-fire, spread shots, health boosts, and speed increases
- Rideable mounts in certain stages, adding variety to the gameplay
- Boss battles inspired by villains from the TV series, often featuring large, colorful sprites and unique attack patterns
The game blended shooting gallery elements with beat ’em up action, requiring players to dodge projectiles and melee strikes while clearing the screen. It was known for its catchy Western-themed music and voice samples.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
- Became a minor cult favorite among Konami’s licensed arcade titles, especially in Europe
- Praised for its colorful animation, humor, and approachable gameplay
- Less common in arcades compared to TMNT and The Simpsons, making it a collector’s item
- Remains notable for blending brawler mechanics with run-and-gun action and bright cartoon style that captured the spirit of the animated series
Fun Facts
- Some versions used a mounted light gun-style control scheme for certain bonus segments
- The cabinet artwork closely matched the animated series’ style guide and included character bios
- The TV show only lasted two seasons, but the arcade game outlived it in popularity among collectors
- Each character had unique victory animations, special catchphrases, and comedic animations when taking damage
Conclusion
Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa delivered a lighthearted, fast-paced spin on the arcade brawler, fusing classic Konami gameplay with a colorful Western theme. Though not as widely known as other Konami hits, it remains a beloved oddity for fans of ’90s arcade co-op action. For collectors and retro enthusiasts, it stands as a charming example of the creative licensed games that defined the era.