Guardian (ガーディアン) is a stage enemy from Cannon Dancer.
One of the defense systems created by the fanatical terrorist cult Slaver, Guardian is a flying machine designed after the cult's "God without Form", taking the appearance of a floating golden head in the likeness of Slaver[1]. Flying thanks to an Anti-Gravity Device installed in its bottom half[1], Guardian can perform smooth movements in the air to attack and pursue intruders. Considered one of the cult's favorite defense systems[1], it is one of the many obstacles Kirin faces in his infiltration of Agadan.
Information
Appears in Stage 1 (Agadan) and Stage 6 (Saskiraf).
Guardian appear and attack in groups of three, flying from the top of the screen and standing as an obstacle while spinning around. If Kirin strikes it, Guardian instantly retaliates by opening its face plate, revealing a weapon underneath, and shooting two circular energy bullets spinning rapidly. They are slightly more dangerous than other enemies, although they can be destroyed instantly by using one of Kirin's throw moves on them.
If Kirin happens to move pass them without destroying them, then the Guardians turn around and fly at Kirin in an attempt to strike him, flying off-screen afterward whether they hit or miss him.
Two Guardians are later confronted early in Saskiraf, where their behavior is different: They float down from above pursuing Kirin, and as soon as they get close enough, they open up their face to shoot a small laser beam at him, and following that dash at high speed in an attempt to strike at Kirin.
Design Notes
Guardian was conceptualized early on as being a pillar with Slaver's likeness that would double as a lamp as well, radiating light all around it. It was likely meant to be a decoration for the Slaver Temple.[1]
The device said to allow Guardian to fly is called an "Anti-Gravity Device"[1], the exact same name used for the large gravity-controlling computer faced as a boss in Strider.
Gallery
References
| Cannon Dancer |
|---|
| Kirin |
| Moves: Bunshin • Cartwheel Jump • Plasma Whirlwind • Slide • Taijutsu |
| Stage Enemies |
| Foot Soldier • Spider Weapon • Flying Weapon • Guardian • Tiger • Desert creatures • Draft • Black Commander Mizuchi • T-Tank • Ijiryu • Flame Fairy |
| Bosses |
| Material • Computer • Gamran • Visete • Herio • Sandora • Euro-Gam • Fake Tianon • Cannons • Willf • Die Rudel Taktik • Slaver |
| Locations |
| Agadan • Slaver Temple • Cabil • Indian Ocean • Woods & Prague • Saskiraf |
| Related Articles |
| The Federation (Jack Layzon) • Slaver (cult) • Teki |