Air Twister | PS5 Review

Famed 1980's arcade game developer Yu Suzuki returns to bring to us what might be the most magical, and artistically designed rail shooter ever to grace a gaming console. It is a blend of oldschool 3D rail shooter gameplay like that seen in Space Harrier, Out Run, and Afterburner. Gameplay that is backed by the most wonderful rock opera soundtrack from Valensia. An experienced composer known for their work with QUEEN's greatest hits over the span of a few decades. 

All of this comes at you for a fair price, and includes the addition of mind blowing modern visuals that are utterly awe inspiring, in and of themselves. It's a full-on feast for the senses and an easy to pick up and play experience, that while challenging in it's own right, is equally as chill if not casual enough to enjoy. If you fancy short bursts of shoot 'em up style gameplay with enemy waves, and epic end bosses set to various sci-fi and fantasy themes then keep your wallet or purse ready for the release of this upcoming masterpiece!!!

Filled to the brim with content "Air Twister" brings with it several modes of gameplay, textual story background via informational unlocks, and unlockable customization options that would put most games of this genre to shame. You have, in the all inclusive deal, a main campaign and accompanying arcade mode comprised of 12 different wave filled biomes that are each individually themed and audibly orchestrated. Featuring background themes reminiscent of an Alice in Wonderland adventure or a science fiction epic set on a Desert alien planet with living fossils. Complete with three basic yet highly complimentary mechanics tied only to movement, auto-targeting through movement, and shooting. 

As a heroine of an attacked Air planet you face off against the alien force that are the Needles. Somewhere beyond a white hole in a universe unknown to us. The origin of life itself, in the Atlantean sense. Using your inherited magic, and a winged pet you fly into battle with the intent of ridding the known universe of the alien invaders.

As Princess Arch, would be savior of her home planet, the challenging combat comes in several different varieties. In the difficulty based campaign you'll see the various cinematic cutscene transitions unfold between stage victories and an end tally that accounts for health left, formations destroyed, and time spent. All between waves of enemy formations, and a final boss battle. The efforts therein rewarding you for your clearing perfection with star currencies for spending back on the game's stage based skill tree. 

Outside of that somewhat story inclusive experience lies the Arcade mode which is as it sounds. A purely gameplay focused playthrough of the same 12 stages against 20 enemy types, and 10 major boss encounters. Sprinkled with the occasional bonus stage for added measure. All while having the playable protagonist limited by heart health, continues, and your ability to properly assist her in dodging incoming enemies as well as bullet hell projectiles. Past the two mainstay features there also exists a bonus Boss Rush mode purely about the bosses. That, and a Stardust mode that is basically a Time Attack mode. Leaving Fluffy mode to be the Score Attack mode of the game, and Turbo Mode to be a uniquely trying sped up version of Arcade mode. 

Not only do you get those modes of play but there is an additional Tap Breaker mini-game mode wherein rotating numbered blocks appear before Princess Arch in a timed display where shooting the correct targets in sequence nets you points for a potentially high score. In all modes Princess Arch's earnings for feats rendered will give her the opportunity to unlock cosmetics from the Challenges menu in the form of extra hairstyles, make-up, and outfits. You can doll Princess Arch up however you like once you unlock these items, and that look will be transferred to her in-game avatar. 

Additionally You can enhance Princess Arch's in-game stats like heart health, and even give her defenses against certain bosses or enemies through unlocked accessories on a stage skill tree where the cost to unlock the extra content there are the stars you get from killing of complete formations of enemies in the various modes of play. 

About the Gameplay ...

Gameplay in the main modes of 'Air Twister' is fast, fluid, and frenetic. With action constantly moving forward as moving formations of enemies come in from the sides, the front, and behind in telegraphed instances before exiting offscreen. Of course this is where precision targeting becomes of key importance. Survival, and elimination of all enemies and enemy formations is the key to banking that top alphabetical grade along with the maximum amount of stars, and a score worthy of the leaderboards. With an "A" grade being top tier, and everything below of lesser value. At the end of a stage you will pause to fight against a screen filling boss comprised of weak points that will need to be targeted and shot multiple times. Each boss carries it's own unique attack patterns as well, and with the boss defeated your success or lack thereof is tallied in full. 

The Verdict ...

For such an out of nowhere indie "Air Twister" really delivered on a lot of levels. It offers what it is more a living art experience than it is a game, but not to a fault. The gameplay while super simplistic allows the player to fully enjoy the worlds they fly through. Taking it all in as they deal with the enemy threat. All while enjoying one of the most stellar soundtracks I've ever heard in a video game. This game is truly a treat for the senses, and is an on rails ride very much worth experiencing. I hope you give it a chance when the 10th of November rolls around! I believe you'll enjoy it just as much as I did.