A Capcom shooter built on the Area 88 manga, with mission based progression and plane purchases. Gripping system, gorgeous mood, a SNES great.
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Category
Shooter1 player7+
Description
Horizontal shoot-'em-up in which a squadron of mercenaries battles a terrorist organization. Published by Capcom, released in Japan in 1991. Eight stages with varied military aircraft, power-ups to collect to upgrade missiles and bombs, simultaneous two-player mode and Mode 7 visuals for certain sections. Japanese version of UN Squadron, released under that name in the West.
The Japanese Super Famicom version of 'U.N. Squadron', based on the Area 88 manga whose licence did not travel to the West under this name. The Japanese cart sports an original cover and title directly tied to Kaoru Shintani's manga, and preserves the original pilot sprites without rebadging. Intact boxed CIB with cardboard sleeve and manual is valued by Capcom Super Famicom collectors for this licence/game coherence specific to the Japanese market.
Is Area 88 still worth playing in 2026?
An adaptation of the Area 88 manga by Capcom, this horizontal shmup stands out by inserting a between mission shop where loot can be spent to upgrade and unlock aircraft. The result is a shooter with real progression to manage, a roster of distinctive planes and crisp Capcom pixel art. The pacing stays a touch sedate by modern arcade standards, yet the identity stays unique. Recommended to fans of readable horizontal shmups and to anyone curious about a successful crossover with a cult 1980s manga.
