Thanks to developers Cope-com, we’re able to bring you an early look at one of our most anticipated game releases of the year – Battle Squadron ONE.  A port of the Amiga game, it’s one of the best-loved vertical shoot ‘em ups of the era, and it’s incredibly exciting that’s it’s soon to be released for the iPhone.

We’ve been following the Battle Squadron story from the start, giving you a look at the new logo, covering the features and showing an early demo video too; however this is the first time we’re seeing it actually being played!

The video reveals the game can be played in either portrait or landscape orientation, with tilt as the preferred control method combined with auto-fire and a tap of the screen for the smart bombs.  It’s looking silky smooth with plenty of action too, plus the original music still sounds great!

Going back to the control method for a moment, we’re wondering if tilt will be the only option, or like R-Type there will be a virtual d-pad or touch system alternative in Battle Squadron ONE.  Although I rarely choose tilt, it does look super-responsive and very accurate in the gameplay video, so perhaps this could be the one to convert me!

There’s no precise release date for Battle Squadron ONE as yet, but the winter 2010/2011 estimation means it’s getting closer.  We’re obviously hoping for a 2010 launch though!