Area 88, released by Capcom in 1989, is an intense side-scrolling arcade shoot ’em up based on the popular manga series. Better known to international players as U.N. Squadron, the game places you in the role of a mercenary fighter pilot battling through waves of enemy aircraft, ground forces, and massive mechanical bosses.
How to Play
Select your pilot and maneuver your fighter jet through enemy-filled stages, shooting down targets to earn money for upgrades. Between missions, you can purchase stronger special weapons or entirely new aircraft to handle tougher assignments. For arcade controls in the browser, press 5 to insert a coin and 1 to start. Use the Arrow Keys to fly, Z to fire your main guns, and X to deploy your selected special weapon.
Tips
- Save your earnings: Don’t spend all your money on special weapons in the early stages. Saving up for a superior aircraft, like the F-20 Tigershark or A-10 Thunderbolt, will give you a significant advantage later on.
- Watch your damage gauge: Your jet can withstand a few hits, indicated by it starting to smoke. However, taking another hit while in this critical state will cost you a life, so switch to evasive flying until your damage recovers.
- Equip for the terrain: Tailor your payload to the mission. Equip bombs for stages with heavy ground resistance, and opt for spread missiles when fighting in open skies.
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