Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System/Mark III
- Developers: Sanritsu, Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
- Publishers: Sega of America
Aerial Assault (1990)
Developer: SNK Publisher: SNK Genre: Side-scrolling shooter Release date: 1990 Platforms: Arcade, Neo Geo
Gameplay
Aerial Assault is a side-scrolling shooter in which the player controls a fighter jet through five levels, each with a boss to defeat at the end. The player’s ship can fire lasers and bombs, and can also collect power-ups to improve its firepower or speed.
The game features three difficulty levels: Easy, Normal, and Hard. On Easy difficulty, the player has unlimited lives and can continue from the beginning of the level if they die. On Normal difficulty, the player has a limited number of lives and must restart the level from the beginning if they die. On Hard difficulty, the player has only one life and must complete the entire game without dying.
Weapons and power-ups
The player’s ship can fire lasers and bombs. Lasers are the ship’s default weapon, and they can be fired rapidly. Bombs are more powerful than lasers, but they can only be fired one at a time.
The player can collect power-ups to improve their ship’s firepower or speed. Power-ups include:
- Speed Up: Increases the ship’s speed.
- Power Up: Increases the ship’s firepower.
- Bomb Up: Gives the player an extra bomb.
- Shield: Gives the player a shield that protects them from enemy fire.
- 1Up: Gives the player an extra life.
Levels
The game consists of five levels, each with a unique boss to defeat. The levels are:
- Mission 1: The player must fly through a series of canyons, dodging enemy fire and destroying ground targets. The boss of this level is a giant flying fortress.
- Mission 2: The player must fly through a forest, dodging enemy fire and destroying ground targets. The boss of this level is a giant spider.
- Mission 3: The player must fly through a city, dodging enemy fire and destroying ground targets. The boss of this level is a giant robot.
- Mission 4: The player must fly through a desert, dodging enemy fire and destroying ground targets. The boss of this level is a giant sandworm.
- Mission 5: The player must fly through a series of space stations, dodging enemy fire and destroying ground targets. The boss of this level is a giant alien spaceship.
Bosses
Each level of Aerial Assault features a unique boss to defeat. The bosses are:
- Mission 1: Giant flying fortress
- Mission 2: Giant spider
- Mission 3: Giant robot
- Mission 4: Giant sandworm
- Mission 5: Giant alien spaceship
The bosses are all large and powerful, and they require the player to use all of their skills to defeat them.
Graphics and sound
The graphics in Aerial Assault are colorful and detailed. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the enemy sprites are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with catchy tunes that add to the excitement of the gameplay.
Conclusion
Aerial Assault is a classic side-scrolling shooter that still holds up today. With its fast-paced gameplay, challenging levels, and memorable bosses, Aerial Assault is a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
