Under Defeat

By Joseph Luster

Arcade shoot ‘em ups were a dime a dozen back in the day, but developer G.rev did things a little differently. Originally released in 2005, Under Defeat put players in control of a heavily-armed helicopter, flying and blasting through the skies from a semi-isometric viewpoint. It could be disorienting at times, and the controls took getting used to, but putting the time and effort into Under Defeat yielded some keen rewards.

Now Under Defeat is getting a welcome comeback on modern platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Publishers Clear River Games and City Connection brought the faithful port with some nice bells and whistles to consoles and PC in early December, timing the worldwide release day and date with the Japanese launch.

All-out war has erupted in this alternate history timeline, giving players a chance to take on their enemies in a chopper with firepower to spare. There are three modes in total, including Arcade Mode, which aims to replicate the original experience right down to the 4:3 aspect ratio. There’s also New Order mode, which adapts the game to modern screens with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Meanwhile, New Order Mode+ introduces a bunch of new features, including a WARNING GAUGE that adds a new risk-reward mechanic to both assist and challenge players.

Takehiro Eda and Zerodiv Fukushima Factory supervised the new release of Under Defeat, ensuring a quality port. If you’re looking for something a little different with a still-classic feel, this one is worth your time.