Sqoon (NES) Playthrough
5Playthrough of Irem's 1986 side-scrolling shooter for the NES, Sqoon.
Sqoon is a side-scrolling shooter developed by Home Data and published by Irem for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986. It stands out as one of the earlier titles on the NES that combines frantic arcade-style gameplay with a slightly offbeat, science fiction narrative. The player takes control of a pink submarine named Sqoon, tasked with battling alien invaders who have turned Earth into a frozen wasteland and are harvesting humans from the oceans.
The gameplay revolves around piloting the submarine through underwater environments, shooting enemy sea creatures and alien machines while rescuing human survivors from underwater cages. Players must collect these survivors and periodically return them to an island base by surfacing, adding a layer of strategy to the usual shooting action. There's a fuel system in place that requires constant management; running out of fuel results in the loss of a life, so players must destroy specific enemies to obtain refueling capsules. This mechanic adds a sense of urgency and forces the player to balance offensive actions with logistical ones.
Sqoon is notable for its bright, colorful visuals and relentless enemy waves, which contribute to its high difficulty level. The controls are responsive but the gameplay can become hectic quickly, with the player needing to constantly move, aim, and manage both fuel and rescued hostages. The soundtrack is energetic and somewhat whimsical, providing an odd contrast to the dire themes of alien invasion and mass abduction.
Though it never achieved major popularity, Sqoon is remembered for its unique concept and challenging gameplay. It was one of the few NES titles developed by Home Data, and its quirky design and mechanics have earned it a small cult following among retro game enthusiasts. Its obscurity and difficulty have kept it from mainstream recognition, but it remains a curious and distinctive entry in the NES library.