Under Defeat Nintendo Switch Review 7/10 "Get To The Chopper!" 🚁💥 @clearrivergames @claricedisc #RetroGaming

I've always been a sucker for helicopter video games. I love SWIV and I love Desert Strike and the Strike series of games.

Under Defeat is a classic helicopter based arcade shoot 'em up that has been given a new life on the Nintendo Switch. It was originally released in the arcades during2005 and has now been brought to the Switch by Clear River Games and City Connection. The idea here as ever is to bring both nostalgia and some modern enhancements for fans of the shmup genre.

Under Defeat is set in an alternate World War II era, where players take control of a helicopter pilot fighting against various enemy forces. The game features a unique shot-tilting angled mechanic that allows players to attack enemies from various different angles. As with most games in the SHMUP genre, the story is minimal and focuses more on the intense action, bullet dodging and strategic gameplay rather than a deep narratives and characters.

Under Defeat on the Nintendo Switch retains the core gameplay that made it a hit in arcades and on the SEGA Dreamcast. The game is a vertical scrolling shooter, where players navigate through levels filled with enemy aircraft, tanks, and other death inducing bullet sponges. The thing that makes or breaks a SHMUP are the controls and in this case they are tight and responsive, making it a joy to manoeuvre the helicopter and aim shots at your adversary artillery.

One of the standout features of Under Defeat is the aforementioned shot-tilting mechanic. This allows you to to tilt shots left or right, adding a layer of strategy to the gameplay and bullet button mashing mayhem. This mechanic is particularly useful when dealing with enemies that approach from different angles, making the game more dynamic and engaging than a lot of bog standard shoot 'em ups.

Graphically, Under Defeat has been given a fresh lick of paint for the Switch and the graphics are crisp and detailed. The game runs at a steady frame rate, ensuring that the action remains fluid even during intense bullet hell firefights. The developers have also included a New Order Mode, which offers you updated graphics and a remixed soundtrack by Shinji Hosoe, known for his work on Ridge Racer and Tekken.

As you'd expect from a SHMUP of this calibre Under Defeat is challenging but the difficulty curve is well-balanced, gradually increasing as you progress through the levels. This hopefully makes the game accessible to newcomers while still providing a tougher challenge for veterans of the bullet busting genre. The inclusion of a two-player mode adds to the fun, allowing you to team copter up and tackle the game's levels together.

SUMMARY
Under Defeat is a solid addition to the continually growing Nintendo Switch SHMUP library. It's a well-executed port that retains the ballistic awe and intensity of the original arcade game.

7/10

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