Science Fiction's golden era really is calling to us lately. After the news that Grey Skies: A War of the Worlds Story is coming to Switch next month, it's now been confirmed that developers Assemble Entertainment will bring us a 1950s-style Shoot 'Em Up game called Squadron 51 later this year, working with WhisperGames.
Truthfully, we first learned about it back in 2018, but news has been rather quiet ever since and it joins a fine lineup of shmups including Ikaruga, Aleste Collection, and Jamestown+. Described as a love letter to classic films like War of the Worlds, Godzilla, and Dr. Strangelove, you play as Lieutenant Kaya, fighting for humanity's freedom across 11 side-scrolling levels.
Though you can play alone, Squadron 51 also offers 2 player co-op, alongside a dynamic difficulty system to best suit your play style. You can upgrade your fighter too as you advance, using special attacks to take down this alien menace. Fittingly, these missions are presented with a stylised black-and-white aesthetic and, better yet, it also contains live-action FMV scenes.
Its Kickstarter campaign has now gone live with numerous physical rewards, though sadly that doesn't include a physical copy of the game. At this time, they've already reached £5,328 / $7,269 out of a $28,000 / £20,526 goal, so it seems likely Assemble Entertainment will hit its goal.
Are you excited to see more shmups on Switch? Will you be picking up Squadron 51? Let us know down below.
[source kickstarter.com]
Comments 17
This looks very interesting. Hope it’s not too hard to see bullets and enemies but other than that looks great
This looks absolutely glorious. It's so authentic right down to the ship looking like it has a wobbly feel to it. I am really impressed with this. Hope it hits it's target.
Why did I read that as Suda 51?
It looks ok, but with the black and white, the bullets and explosions look like its just a massive white out and cant see anything, no thanks
I'm a tad concerned for readability, but it's still a brilliant look. Hope it works!
This looks amazing!
I remember seeing this reported here in 2018 - I liked it then and I like it now! A game with its heart firmly in the right place.
I'm glad it didn't disappear into the depths of time like so many of the B-grade schlock sci-fi films that inspired it.
How about a dual release - Squadron 51 and then Area 88/U.N. Squadron (that side scrolling manga-based Capcom shooter I loved in the arcades and SNES)?? How awesome would that be?
I don’t there’s anything that could convince me NOT to buy this game. Not pricing. Not download size. No amount of bad reviews. I am in.
I normally hate shooters, but wow...I might actually try this. Really digging the art style!
@Toshiro_Baloney Me too, this is right up my alley!
It looks amazing in terms of art direction, but looks very hard on the eyes. I'm a sucker for shmups, it's the genre I own the most games in, so I'll keep it on the ninja radar.
NINJA PENDING APPROVAL OF ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
This shall be mine!
The flying saucers hanging/spinning-on-a-string effect is great!!! Just like olde tyme movies.
I dig it, I'll buy it!
I think this looks cool. Hope it's got a jazz-noir soundtrack. Get some Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore on there...
Yes looks stunning, will be watching this one.
This is in real danger of not hitting its goal!
Tap here to load 17 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...