Exo Squad (USA)
Exo Squad (USA) - Action Classic
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 recorded in common databases, so I can't give you a definitive studio credit.
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.
How to Play Exo Squad (USA) 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.
Exo Squad (USA) Keyboard 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
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