Airborne Justice (PS5) | REVIEW | A Budget Priced Military Shmup With Extras!!!

Airborne Justice, for the PS5, is a military shmup developed by SEEP and published by Ratalaika Games. This vertical shoot 'em up, as it were, draws inspiration from retro arcade titles, putting players in command of a powerful helicopter as they blast through waves of airborne foes across a series of intense levels. 

The game's plot focuses on a straightforward mission to dismantle an enemy air force. Key characters include pilots Rock and Stan, who team up to pilot the chopper and deliver destruction from the skies. All with less plot development/character building, and more action.

Beyond the core experience that spans five stages, the title offers several additional elements to enhance engagement. It supports local co-op for two players, allowing friends to join forces, if so desired. After completing the main campaign, three extra modes unlock including a high-speed variant that ramps up the pace for quicker runs, a remixed version that shuffles level elements and eliminates continues for added challenge, and a survival option where the goal is to endure endlessly while racking up score. 

The Gameplay ...

In terms of gameplay, movement is handled via the analog stick or D-pad for dodging hazards. Primary fire unleashes rapid shots, while secondary missiles and chargeable bombs provide heavier firepower options, the latter requiring a brief cooldown after use. Instead of traditional lives, the helicopter has an armor system that absorbs damage, replenishing fully upon reaching score milestones like 25,000 points, which also grants bonus missiles. Power-ups dropped by defeated enemies include health refills, temporary shields, enhanced attack power, dual-shot capabilities, and extra munitions. Scoring emphasizes destruction, with points awarded for every enemy taken down, encouraging aggressive play to hit those recovery thresholds and climb leaderboards. 

The Presentation ...

Visually, the game embraces a retro pixel art aesthetic that evokes the look of early arcade cabinets, with straightforward sprite designs for helicopters, enemies, and environments like cloudy skies and boss arenas. The soundtrack, itself, complements this vibe with chiptune-style tunes that provide energetic backing to the action.

The Verdict ...

Overall, Airborne Justice delivers solid playability through its accessible controls and fast-paced shooting, making it easy to pick up for short bursts. However, replay value is moderate, bolstered by the unlockable modes and co-op but hampered by the briefness of its five-level campaign and uneven difficulty spikes that can frustrate newcomers. The content feels lightweight for the genre, prioritizing nostalgia over innovation, which might leave players wanting more depth after a few sessions. It's best suited for enthusiasts of old-school shooters who enjoy quick, cooperative arcade action and trophy hunting on a budget.