U.N. Squadron

"The wild blue yonder just got wilder!"

In all honesty, when I first played this game I thought it was too hard. The second stage (aerial) battle kicked my tail repeatedly and I took the darn game back to the store. I wasn't used to being beat by shooter games; I was a master of such games and usually advanced very far in them on my first try but UN Squadron put an abrupt crack in my glass jaw. Later on I decided that I wasn't going to let the people of Aslan suffer under the iron hand of a ruthless militia of technically advanced mercenaries (or something like that). I went and rebought the game, settled down and focused. The result: a killer ride in the unfriendly skies!


Graphics- 9.5
The graphics in this game are nothing short of remarkable. The colors and detail given to the backgrounds, enemies, map displays, weapon selection menu and even the game-over screen are a top-notch feat that our friends at Capcom are adept at creating. On the desert stage, you can actually see the intense heat distorting your vision of the rock formations in the background. Pure genius! The bosses you encounter are superbly created with even the slightest wing tips or tank treads tweaked to visual perfection. Even the real-life enemies that exist in the game look great! (the B-2 stealth bomber and SR-71 multi-mach recon jet are just a couple)

Sound and Music- 9
Fact: Capcom has produced the more catchy tunes on video games than any other company...ever. UN Squadron is no exception. The music fits well with every stage. Even the bonus stage. The most notable soundtrack comes from the dark high altitude aerial battle in the storm clouds. The music starts then a lightning flash brightens the clouds as a menacing thunderclap finalizes the sequence. Total Sweetness! The sounds are impressive as well. The weapons have their own distinct audio which adds greatly to their diversity.

Gameplay- 9
You can put your aircraft anywhere on the screen that you want (preferably anywhere you won't take damage). The default controls are simple and easy to use but you can change them to your pattern if you want. The challenge grows as you progress further into the game; this is no surprise but you actually get to choose the level you want to play (provided your base isn't being attacked). Can't beat the desert aircraft carrier? Try your luck with the forest fortress. Can't beat the fortress either? Try taking on the super battleship. If you find yourself stuck on a stage you can't beat because you have no money to buy newer jets or more advanced weapons, you can always take on the enemy's supply convoy (bonus stage) and earn a quick $30,000. It might not seem like much but the bonus stages are always on the map giving you chances to rack up on cash. A great attribute indeed don't you agree? I thought you would ;)

Replay value- 8.5
I played this game quite a few times after I beat it since I didn't get all the planes and all the weapons available. Furthermore, I just enjoyed the game's graphics and gameplay time and time again.

Overall- 9
This game is definitely in the top 3 of SNES shooters. Number one most likely. Got the urge to wreak some serious havok that'll cost the enemy about $10,000,000,000 in damages? Get this game. Don't rent, *buy* this game. It's about $10-$15 at pawn shops and flea markets. This is a steal for the thrills and missile mayhem you're gonna experience, flyboy!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/14/00, Updated 09/14/00