UFOs! Aliens! Aircrafts! Resistance! SHOOT 'EM UP! Squad 51 vs. the Flying Saucers is a spaceship shooter with 2D gameplay and 3D environment. Enjoy a smart combination of a fast-paced shooting experience and the 1950's sci-fi movies aesthetic, with live-action cutscenes.
Players control an aircraft and navigate through levels filled with enemy ships, projectiles, and boss encounters, defeating all opponents in their path. The core gameplay loop involves maneuvering the ship, dodging incoming fire, and using a variety of weapons and special abilities to take down the onslaught of enemies.
Reviewers widely praise the game's controls as tight and responsive, allowing for precise maneuvering of the ship. Players report that the controls feel satisfying, with the ships handling well and no input lag or unresponsiveness, crucial for the game's fast-paced, challenging shoot 'em up action.
As players progress, they encounter a wide array of enemy types, from basic alien fighters to more complex, challenging foes. Reviewers highlight the diversity of enemy patterns and attack types, which keep the gameplay engaging and require players to constantly adapt their strategies. The boss battles, in particular, test players' skills in unique ways, with reviewers calling them creative and demanding.
The game features a dynamic difficulty system that adjusts the challenge based on the player's performance, catering to players of all skill levels. For those who struggle, the game also includes an "Infinite Lives" mode, allowing less skilled players to experience the full story without facing repeated Game Over screens.
Between levels, players can use their accumulated points to unlock new weapons, sub-weapons, and ship upgrades. Reviewers praise this progression system for providing a sense of meaningful advancement and customization, allowing players to tailor their loadout to their playstyle and gradually become more powerful as they improve.
The game supports local co-op multiplayer, enabling players to team up and tackle the levels together. Reviewers note that the cooperative experience adds another layer of fun and coordination, as players must work together to survive the onslaught of enemies.