Dynowarz: The Destruction of Spondylus is an NES action-platformer developed by Advance Communication Company and published by Bandai in North America in April 1990. Set in the artificial Spondylus solar system, the game follows Professor Proteus, the system’s creator and the mind behind the Robosaur project, as he pilots his ultimate Robosaur Cyborasaurus to save the system after its planets’ life-support computers fall to a deadly virus and their surfaces are overrun by giant robotic Robosaurs.
Gameplay splits into two modes:
1. **Cyborasaurus Mode**: Players control Cyborasaurus across planetary surfaces, battling hostile Robosaurs to reach each planet’s Artificial Intelligence Center (AIC). Collectible capsules refill energy (marked “E”) or grant shields (marked “B”). Each level ends with a powerful Robosaur boss; defeating it unlocks the AIC key.
2. **Professor Proteus Mode**: Inside the AIC, players take control of Professor Proteus, navigating traps and enemies to destroy the virus-infected life-support computer. Destroying it wipes out all enemies, and players must return to Cyborasaurus and use a molecular teleporter to travel to the next planet.
Across seven levels set on distinct planets with varied environments (ice, jungle, and more), the game features a password system to save progress between levels. Though praised for its unique premise, cutscenes, soundtrack, and some item designs, Dynowarz received mixed reviews at launch, with criticism aimed at its unbalanced difficulty, subpar graphics, and technical bugs.