U.N. Squadron
Take to the Skies Against Project 4
Fly as a mercenary pilot in U.N. Squadron. Destroy enemy planes, buy weapons in the shop, and take down Project 4 in this classic horizontal shooter.
The action unfolds horizontally as you fly through various stages, destroying enemy planes and vehicles that stand in your way. You will face waves of aircraft, ground targets, and powerful bosses. The gameplay feels fast-paced and responsive, demanding quick reflexes to dodge incoming fire while picking off enemies. It is easy to see why this title received high critical acclaim, with Entertainment Weekly giving it an A grade and IGN ranking it 37th on its 'Top 100 Super NES Games' list.
One of the best features of U.N. Squadron is the shop system. Before entering each level, you can use money earned from destroying enemies to purchase special weapons and defenses. This adds a layer of strategy to the shooting action. You might choose to buy a powerful bomb for clearing screens or upgrade your ship's firepower to take down tough bosses faster. The SNES version allows each pilot to use a range of aircraft, including the F8 Crusader, giving you options to customize your playstyle based on the challenges ahead.
Playing as Shin Kazama, Mickey Simon, or Greg Gates offers slightly different experiences, though all three share the core mechanics of flight and combat. You will need to manage your energy carefully while looking for power-ups scattered throughout the levels. The visual style is crisp and colorful, typical of Capcom's arcade heritage from the late 80s and early 90s. The game was originally developed under the title Area 88, but for Western markets, it was retitled to U.N. Squadron to remove references to the original manga series.
The difficulty ramps up quickly as you progress. You will encounter dense patterns of enemy fire and large boss battles that test your ability to aim and dodge simultaneously. The horizontal scrolling keeps the action moving forward, preventing you from getting stuck in one spot. This design choice makes the game feel dynamic and engaging, distinguishing it from other Capcom shooters like 1942 which often feature vertical scrolling.
As you fly through the levels, keep an eye out for hidden items that can boost your score or provide temporary shields. The shop is your best friend in this game; do not hoard your cash if you are struggling with a particular boss. Upgrading your weapons early can make the difference between a quick victory and a frustrating defeat. The sense of progression from a basic fighter to a heavily armed war machine is satisfying and rewarding. A related page worth opening after this one is Swat Kats The Radical Squadron, especially if you want another nearby game from the same series.
The sound design complements the fast-paced action, with engine roars and explosion effects that add to the immersion. Each stage has its own theme, taking you from clear skies to more dangerous environments filled with obstacles. The variety in enemy types keeps the gameplay fresh, ensuring you are always adapting to new threats.
If you enjoy classic arcade-style shooters with a modern twist on mechanics, U.N. Squadron is worth trying. It captures the excitement of aerial combat while adding strategic depth through its weapon shop. The challenge is steep, but the reward of mastering each level and taking down Project 4 is immense. It remains a standout title in the SNES library for its tight controls and engaging gameplay loop.
For fans of other squadron-based games, you might also enjoy playing Swat Kats The Radical Squadron, which offers a different take on aerial action with its own unique characters and challenges.