When
I first heard that U.N. Squadron
had a sequel I got pretty excited. U.N. Squadron/Area 88 was one
of the earliest SNES masterpieces. U.N. Squadron is a great game,
but for whatever reason, it doesn't get much attention after a couple
of times through. The thought of a new game which took off from
where U.N. Squadron left off, was thrilling to say the least.
Perhaps
I just expected too much from Carrier Air Wing, or perhaps its'
little annoyances compound themselves too much, but I found Carrier
Air Wing slightly disappointing. I mean, it's just basically U.N.
Squadron with a few extra levels tacked on, there are no real differences.
Lets
start off with the good aspects. The graphics hold true to the first
game, but don't really get any better than the first. This being
the arcade game, I was surprised of how well the first game was
translated to the SNES, as it looks just as good.
Like
the first one, 2 players can play at the same time, which is always
helpful in a good shmup. But unlike U.N. Squadron, there are no
personalities piloting the planes, you just get to choose from 3
slightly different looking planes. And on top of that, I don't even
think there is any difference in the planes at all, they all handle
the same and have the same weapons as each other. What's the point
in that? If anyone knows if there is truly a benefit in one plane
over any other, please fill me in, cuz I don't see it.
I
think the weapon system worked the same way in the first game, but
my major gripe here is that it goes wayyyyy too fast. Basically
there are three weapon choices; blue -- strong missiles, yellow
-- normal, and green -- sortta in between. When you shoot down the
ships that contain these weapons, they cycle through the different
colours, but at a fast pace. This becomes a problem at hectic times
in the game, and you'll find yourself picking up a power-up you
never wanted in the first place.
Another
big gripe I had with this game is the dumb fuel guage. I can't remember
if the original had it or not, but it has been used in games like
the 194X series. It was manageable in the 194X games, but here it's
an unnecessary distraction, you'll often die and never know what
hit you.
It
may sound like Carrier Air Wing has it's share of problems (and
what shmup doesn't?), but it's not all bad. Like I mentioned before,
it's pretty much U.N. Squadron with some more levels. It's not that
there's anything really wrong with it, it's just that there's not
enough new with it.
A
marginally passing 6/10
Carrier
Air Wing - Capcom
