One look at Squadron 51, and you'll know exactly what it's gunning for. From publisher Assemble Entertainment, this is essentially a 2D shoot 'em up, but it's the presentation that sets it apart. While most shmups are super colourful with futuristic backdrops, this one goes the other way, adopting the look and feel of a '50s science fiction film.
That means a black and white, film grainy look as you pilot an old-school fighter plane against shiny, spinning UFOs. It certainly looks the part, but what of the game itself? Well, there will be four aircraft to choose from, and you can customise them with a series of special weapons. The levels will be punctuated by FMV cutscenes, which ought to be a treat. It even supports drop-in drop-out co-op with a second player if you want to squad up with a buddy.

Squadron 51 is coming to PlayStation 4 sometime in 2021. What do you think of this one? Are you a fan of this game's aesthetic? Chocks away in the comments section below.
[source gematsu.com]
Comments 17
Looks really good... but the issue I have with a lot of shoot'em ups that try something different grafically is that it's really difficult to find a balance between an interesting and original artstyle and the visibility needed for games of this genre.
See : Rym 9000 / Red Death / Null Drifter
Looks very nice.
That trailer reminded me of the old Cinemaware games I used to play on my Amiga back in the day, like Rocket Ranger and It Came From The Desert.
The bullets need to be in colour. Bullet-hell is bad enough but when you can't properly distinguish the bullets from the explosions and background, that's no fun at all.
Looks pretty good tbf love the style, but even from just the trailer its going to be very difficuilt to makeout where things are, bullet hell games are chaotic fun, so having everything just the same 2/3 colours might be a bit problematic.
@PaperAlien Was just thinking that myself. Looks really difficult to tell if something is behind you, depth wise, or on the same plane (excuse the pun!). As it showed the UFOS flying behind the plane.
Great art style. Will be a great psplus game.
Iām really digging this, Iām getting Steel Empire vibes from it, which I used to play all the time. I love the setting. Looking forward to it, especially if I can get it on Switch.
Star Citizen lawsuit for the name incoming.
Looks awsome. š
Looks great, i'll definitely give it a look. I am still fan of 1942 from the arcade which I still play on my phone I also loved UN Squadron on the SNES which is side scrolling like this one so count me in
Just wondering though how do people who are colour blind play these (B&W) games? Is there some form accessibility option!?!?
I love shmups (probably me age) and this does look lovely but I'd hope there was an option to play it in colour.
Haha, this is nuts!
Side scrolling shooters loved them in the commodore and Amiga years. It would make a great PS Plus game!
Looks great. If it reviews well I'll buy it.š»
The setting reminds me of Unstoppable Zorg. Looks fun!
Like any other "gimmick" game, it certainly looks interesting but we'll have to wait to see if the gameplay is actually good, and if the style adds or detracts from the experience.
Let's hope the execution is top notch!
Could be a decent game. Hope the difficulty is up there with cup head
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