This anime was based on the Manga of the same name and revolves around a secret base in the middle of the desert.  This anime series is 12 episodes and each episode approximately 25 minutes.

Shin is the main protagonist and most of the story revolves around him.  I thought he was a girl when I played the game back in 1989	The commander.  Not a lot is known about him but he just seems to be there to give orders	McCoy is the shop keeper and rips everyone off big-time.	I couldn't find a picture for the photographer.  He seems to want to take pictures of the fighter pilots when they are at there most vulnerable.

The story revolves around a group of mercenaries that are there to earn money and either they pay $1,500,00 or serve a three year tour of duty.  As the story unravels, we learn how Shin got into this outfit.  His friend signed him into it when he was drunk.  The next thing he that happened was that he was shipped off to some place called Aslan.

As a fighter pilot style anime, it's not very good.  I thought Macross Plus gave me a better insight into understanding the mindset of a pilot.

Here's a nice wallpaper

It was released as a arcade/console/computer game

Unlike the anime, which seemed to drag on and on, the game is a fast pace shoot em up and is hard near the end.  You pick one of three mercenaries and then afterwards have to pick your weapons and extras. Area 88 was called UN Squadron in the west. The sequel was called Carrier Command in he west. 

 I love this game and would love to see a compilation released. 

I don't think it's even worth downloading that's how boring and the ending isn't an ending at all.