Nester’s Favorite Games: U.N. Squadron (1991)

The Game: A 2D horizontally scrolling shoot-em-up in which you pilot a plane through a variety of levels fighting a terrorist organization known as “Project 4.”

Why it’s a Favorite: U.N. Squadron (aka Area 88) was originally an arcade game from 1989, and was ported to various home computers. However, the U.N. Squadron I’m referring to is the 1991 SNES port that made numerous improvements to the overall design.

The sense of scale is unrealisitc, but undeniably cool.

The game is a standout in the world of 2D shmups because it unabashedly breaks many of the genre’s conventions while still maintaining the core experience. Much like Capcom’s 19XX series, it eschews the space theme of most shoot-em-ups in favor of a more down to Earth (so to speak) militaristic setting. Players can choose the order in which they play stages from a map screen that’s gradually expanded. Money is earned during missions that allows the player to purchase special weapons and even new aircraft. And unlike the one-hit kills of most shoot-em-ups, the game provides a health bar, but even that works in a brilliantly unconventional way.

 

However, what really makes U.N. Squadron soar is how well it all comes together. The game achieves great balance through the variety of options it presents to the player. Picking the right pilot, plane, special weapons and level not only adds an element of strategy, but also allows the player to tailor the experience to his/her own style. Make no mistake, this is a difficult game, but its flexibility helps to make it surmountable.

Oh, and it’s got incredible music by Mari Yamaguchi.

U.N. Squadron was originally based on an anime and manga called Area 88, and because of that, licensing issues prevent it from being reissued. That makes the game a bit obscure and hard to find, which is extremely unfortunate because it really deserves more recognition and respect.

Memorable Moments: The feeling of satisfaction from beating the game for the first time.