Rogue Flight | PS5 Review

Truant Pixels' "Rogue Flight" is, but one of many stark reminders as to why AI is a potentially problematic pursuit. In this anime inspired universe where a space defense system known as A.R.G.U.S. destroys the surface of Earth in the matter of 72 hours forcing survivors underground we find pilot Nadia Sawas who is assigned to the role of pilot and savior due to her prior flight knowledge. She heads out on a last ditch attempt to battle A.R.G.U.S. in the last remaining fighter jet in an bid to win the war against it. A solo mission with an uphill battle against an armada of AI controlled craft.

At it's basic level "Rogue Flight" is an on rails arcade flight simulator/shooter in which you control the last remaining fighter jet that Nadia is promptly assigned to. At your, and her beckon call are a couple of different shot types, multi-targeting missiles, and the ability to out maneuver enemy craft using special thumbstick moves and barrel rolls. It is your traditional on rails 3D space shooter with anime aesthetics, and a VHS screen filter. It pays, through it's modern design, an homage to classic anime series like Macross, and the obscure era of anime VHS bootlegs they hailed from. 

As a complete package deal with customization options aplenty, and tons of unlockable features to boot you'll find a main story playthrough, and a roguelike mode set to one of several difficulty settings. These modes of play taking place in the skies and space surrounding the home planet of Nadia, and her on the ground support crew. As you are guided through radio communication, and key characters of interest you'll fly, shoot, and maneuver your way through a progression of waves of lesser and larger enemy craft. Getting combos for continuous kills without taking damage as you try to survive fatal damage, and the loss of your limited stock of ships. 

Back at the main menu you'll find a menu for customizing ship decals, and features as well as name tags, and a UI color. This mild personalization makes itself known in third person flight mode more so than the optional first person cockpit perspective that can be changed on the fly during gameplay. Outside of ship customization comes settings and options that will reduce flash, add VHS grain filters, and custom tailor the sound and presentation features to a players' liking.

The soundtrack, itself, is very anime by design with an opening Japanese intro complete with song. That and the ability to change voice-overs to Japanese. Giving that oldschool subtitles option that a lot of anime fans dig! Needless to say there's a lot to work towards outside of the gameplay loop, and the various challenges as well as modes.

In addition to customization, presentation, and soundtrack/voice-over toggles comes bonus content unlocked, and earned through continued gameplay efforts. You'll find a lore driven compendium, access to new customization options, and a new roguelike mode of play. 

The Presentation ...

Though in 3D, "Rogue Flight" captures that early 90's anime appearance that aligns with series like Macross, or Gundam. With VHS screen filters it further captures that nostalgic appeal. Things like the added musical intro, and the option for Japanese voice-overs completes the anime package. Gameplay, on the other hand, is a throwback to old arcade on rail shooters, and it too captures that era of entertainment, perfectly. For those worried about the photosensitive nature of the special effects you can toggle on or off the flash effects, and trust me when I say it does help.

The Verdict ...

I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of content, gameplay, and nods to anime given in "Rogue Flight". It really aimed to capture both the arcade cabinet experience, and anime viewing experience of the VHS bootleg days. It's something fans of classic anime will greatly appreciate. Gameplay, itself, is challenging, but the methods with which to destroy the enemy are easy enough to catch onto. 

The implementation of a mandatory training mode was a good call by the developer. The added fact that there's a ton to unlock for continued play, and a roguelike mode that extends replay value significantly is a huge plus. Overall it is a spectacular homage to geek and anime culture that hits the mark! I highly recommend it to any anime fan looking for that trip down memory lane, but with a new experience!!!