Review - UNDER DEFEAT

Developer: CITY CONNECTION, TAKE x OFF

Publisher: CITY CONNECTION

Available on: PC (Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S

Review system: PlayStation 5

War never changes. Weapons get more dangerous, tactics change, and the people who fight are numerous. However, war has its challengers, winners, and losers. That is the case in UNDER DEFEAT, a Sega Dreamcast and arcade classic that takes off from Japan and lands here in the West. When a war is on the brink of ending, a duo of helicopter pilots will take off to ensure victory in UNDER DEFEAT. 

UNDER DEFEAT is a unique vertical shoot-em-up, with cutting-edge weapons and a unique degree of shooting. Across several stages, players battle ginormous enemies and waves upon waves of smaller enemies, all in a mission to ensure victory. This decades-old shmup still shines bright, even in 2025. While it could have used a few more enhancements, UNDER DEFEAT is a great time. 

Under Fire

War is about to end, and it’s up to female pilots and their experimental chopper to take to the skies and strike down the enemies' biggest and most dangerous foes. UNDER DEFEAT is a vertical isometric 3D shoot ’em up, or shmup. The environment and presentation are in 3D, but the view is from an angle as opposed to top-down. The goal, like any shmup, is to survive, taking down as many enemies as humanely possible without dying. One hit means losing a life. 

Accompanying the player’s craft is a smaller “option” craft. The smaller craft can fire different munitions depending on what the player collects. Some enemies have power-ups for Vulcans, artillery, and missiles. The power-up rotates between these specific shots. Whichever one is chosen is up to the player, depending on the situation. Additionally, players can use a bomb to clear enemies and shots. 

Under the gun

One of the more unique aspects of UNDER DEFEAT is the ability to shoot diagonally. Most shmups only allow for one straight direction, forward or backward. By using the joystick and the fire button, players can shoot from the side on an angle, at the 10 or 2 o'clock position. This is effective for dodging enemy fire and eliminating specific units, but also a sort of risk versus reward with the number of enemies swarming the screen. 

This release of UNDER DEFEAT comes with several game modes. Arcade Mode gives the original experience in a 4:3 ratio. New Order presents the game for modern displays, while New Order Plus presents a warning gauge for a risk vs reward style of gameplay. There are adjustable difficulties to tailor the experience and it is recommended to start the game on novice. Finally, the game can be played with two people. 

Defeat is not an option

UNDER DEFEAT is a fine shmup. The gameplay loop is easy to learn but hard to master. Shooting and maneuvering are easy, but the game will pelt players with waves of enemies, inundating the screen with enemy units. Bullets fly everywhere, and survival hangs on the skin of teeth. It's an all-out war! However, you aren't flying some RC plane. 

Taking down waves upon waves of enemies is euphoric. Taking down large bombers with airborne cannons is a thrill. This is especially true with the boss fights, which feature leviathans of war such as mammoth battleships and jet fighters. It does take a little getting used to with the shooting angle mechanic, but it does make the shooting more interesting. 

Never UNDER DEFEAT

There isn't much to fault with UNDER DEFEAT. I wish there were some quality-of-life improvements, such as more levels, a health bar, more continues, and making use of the haptic feedback on the PS5 controller. However, what we have is a strong shmup that is sure to challenge any player looking for a challenge. 

UNDER DEFEAT is an exciting, good time. This refreshing update of the classic shmup is sure to delight those looking for a hardcore challenge, especially with a friend. The unique aspects of the shooting keep players engaged and the old-fashioned gameplay keeps players on their toes. There is no defeat. There is a war to win in UNDER DEFEAT.

UNDER DEFEAT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

A review key was provided by the publisher