Retro(game)spective - U.N. Squadron

Retro(game)spective

Every day Ben “Ben Pack” Pack or one of his brave compatriots will play a retro game, and break it down for you. That’s right, every day. To complain about us eventually missing a day or suggest your own, go ahead and comment below the article, or email us at retrogamefunclub@gmail.com

9/16/2010

The Game: U.N. Squadron

Release Year: 1989

Skewes: Arcade, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, SNES, ZX Spectrum

So what’s it like: U.N. Squadron is a 2D side-scrolling shooter in the vein of Gradius. You play as one of three pilots who must take down the mysterious Project 4. That’s all the story you’ll get, and all the story you need.

Yes, leave the fate of the world in the hands of a madman.

Each pilot can command six different ships, with a combination of up to 11 different weapons. Weapons differ from bombs to take out tanks and the like, to vulcan cannons to shoot enemies all around you. You can also upgrade your basic attacks by collecting power-ups.

Why can't I have the giant stealth bomber?

What is unique about U.N. Squadron compared to other shoot-em-ups is the inclusion of a health bar. You can be hit once, and if you survive long enough you will not die, and instead only lose part of your total health. That does not make the game any easier than others in the genre, as this game is still ass-kickingly hard. Also unique to the game is the over world map. You do not have a straight progression from level to level, but can instead choose which level you want to play, and even some side missions to build up extra cash for upgrades.

Should you go back: Yes. Challenging but not impossible, this game is one of my personal favorites on the SNES that nobody played. Combine the action with a pretty awesome soundtrack and it is a must play.

Should this game be remade: Yes, but, not on consoles. It would be nice to see a DS version of this game.