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Exo Squad (USA)

25 plays

Exo Squad

What is Exo Squad?

Exo Squad is a licensed action game for the SEGA Genesis that came out in the mid-90s, based on the short-lived but memorable animated series about mecha pilots and a heavy-handed slavery metaphor. It's one of those games that tries to mirror the show's tone, but it's not exactly a household name. The cartridge version we're looking at is the USA release, though the developer and publisher aren't widely documented.

The player takes control of three different characters across levels that switch between walking gunfights, platforming, and driving a mech. Each character has their own weapon and range, and you swap between them depending on the situation. The levels are side-scrolling with a mix of shooting and jumping, and occasionally you hop into a vehicle for a more chaotic segment. The boss fights tend to be bullet sponges, but the variety keeps it from feeling like a straight run-and-gun.

If you're into weird licensed Genesis games, Exo Squad is worth a look because it actually tries to do something different instead of being a lazy cash-in. The gameplay blend is ambitious even if the execution is rough around the edges. It's not a classic, but it's a neat piece of retro history that shows how publishers chased trends like mech anime in the 16-bit era. Just don't expect a polished masterpiece.

GAME INFO

Platform
SEGA Genesis
Genre
Action
Region
USA

How to play Exo Squad online

Getting Started

First thing you'll see is a title screen and a brief intro. Press Enter to skip and you'll get a character select screen where you pick one of three pilots. Each has different stats and weapons, but you can swap between them during levels by pressing the start button and selecting from the pause menu. The game throws you into a side-scrolling stage immediately, so be ready to fight.

The core loop is simple: walk right, shoot enemies, collect power-ups, and reach the end of the stage. You have a health bar and a limited number of lives. Some stages feature a mech section where you get a bigger gun and a dash move. Watch out for instant-death pits and enemy projectiles. The game is fairly generous with continues, but levels can be long.

One important tip: your character's special attack (press Y or X depending on the button mapping) uses weapon energy, so don't spam it. Also, you can switch characters on the fly from the pause menu if you need a different weapon type. Experiment early to see who fits your playstyle. The manual is not included here, but the controls are standard for a Genesis action game.

CONTROLS

Controls

  • Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
  • X: A button
  • S: B button
  • Z: C button
  • A: X button (6-button pad)
  • Q: Y button (6-button pad)
  • E: Z button (6-button pad)
  • Enter: Start / Mode

Exo Squad FAQ

Who developed Exo Squad?

The development studio behind Exo Squad is not widely documented. Some sources attribute it to an external studio, but reliable confirmation is lacking.

What makes Exo Squad stand out among SEGA Genesis titles of its era?

Its mix of gameplay styles across three playable characters sets it apart from standard run-and-gun shooters. The licensed source material also gives it a distinct sci-fi tone that differs from other action games on the console.

Is Exo Squad considered easy to pick up or challenging?

It leans toward the challenging side, especially during boss fights and the driving sections. New players may find the character swapping mechanic confusing at first, but it becomes manageable with practice.

All SEGA Genesis games

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