U.N. Squadron

"Absolutely fantastic"

When people think of the different companies that make arcade shooters, Capcom is generally not one that comes to mind. However, in 1989 Capcom released UN Squadron (aka Area 88) for the arcades, and then ported the game to the Super Nintendo in 1991. The game is a horizontally scrolling game similar to Gradius or R-Type (also two excellent series), plays much differently. While this defiantly an arcade shooter, it is very different than your typical one since it has much more variety to it.

While you start out with only one plane that can only equip three of the special weapons, you will eventually be able to own up to six. Planes are purchased with money you get from defeating enemies and completing missions (money is basically your score) however it will be a few missions before you can afford an upgrade. Each plane has their own configuration of special weapons as well as differences in speed and what level the main gun can reach. Some planes are designed for air-to-air fights, while others are more useful against ground targets.

Your main gun is a standard forward firing cannon with unlimited ammo. It starts out fairly weak, however it can be level up to five to seven times, depending on the plane. Leveling up requires collecting a certain number of powerups during missions by killing red enemies. Powering up the gun not only makes it stronger, but makes the beam wider as well. The only unfortunate thing is that the gun is not completely automatic. If you hold down the fire button your plane will fire not stop for a second or two, then you will have to press the button again to fire another volley.

Special weapons are much more powerful, not to mention more fun, but they cost money and you have a limited supply. Special weapons range from standard bombs and missiles to lightning attacks, spread waves, and a mega crush. Unfortunately you will not be using planes that can equip the cooler weapons until the last couple of missions in the game. You are refunded the cost of any special weapons that you did not use during the mission; however if you die you lose everything.

There are a variety of terrains that you fly through, including forests, deserts, canyons, water, and a cave (yes, somehow there is a cave large enough to fly aircrafts through). For the most part the different environments are merely cosmetic, however the are a few enemies that are unique to a specific environment. The types of enemies range from other aircraft to tanks and rocket launchers to gun-platforms. All of the boss fights are intense and very difficult and include things like gigantic tanks, submarines, warships, bases, aircraft, and even a ceiling-mounted machine.

While you cannot do the ten stages in any order you want, there is a bit of non-linearity to it. You are a mercenary working for an organization in what is called Area 88, which is at war with the neighboring state. When the game starts out you control very little territory, however as you complete missions the amount of land under your control will expand, giving you access to new targets.

This game is hard- as in Gradius III hard. However unlike most shooters that overwhelm you with enemies, UN Squadron has relatively few enemies on the screen at once; the difference is that the enemies are much more accurate and maneuverable than average, plus there is almost always at least one homing missile around.

The bosses are enormous and extremely powerful. Many of the bosses are larger than the screen, so you will have to continually make strafing runs at it until you defeat it. While most of the bosses have a small weak spot making it hard to kill, most individual guns can be shot off one at a time until you have a clear shot at the weak point. All of the bosses are very powerful, even the first one, however then can all be defeated with enough practice.

This game is also very unforgiving so you must have extremely quick reflexes if you are going to survive. Unlike games such a Gradius V or Ikaruga, which have extremely small hit boxes (the area of your ship that must be hit for damage to register; such as the cockpit), the entire plane takes damage. Additionally, there are no respawn points, so if you die you have to restart the entire level again.

Fortunately you do have a life gauge, but not a traditional one. Once you are hit your life gauge goes to zero, and if you take another hit at this point you will die. After a short while (which can seem like a long while) your gauge will refill, but to a lower level than before you got hit. Different types of damage take away a different amount of life; missies are deadlier than bullets, and crashing is almost always near fatal.

UN Squadron is a nice looking SNES game: lots of color, impressive backgrounds, and huge enemies- pretty much everything that a game of this time should have. The planes have a number of animations, so when a plane turns around you actually see it make the U-turn; it doesn't simply reverse direction instantaneously. The audio is decent for its time, but not amazing. This is to say it doesn't make you run for the mute button, but you won't run out and download the soundtrack either.

Sadly this game and its sequel, Carrier Airwing, are the only shmups Capcom has ever made. It's a shame because this is an excellent and unique game. It is also one of the hardest games ever made, so it certainly isn't for everyone. However if you are looking for an old-school challenge, then get this game.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/05