Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine
- Developers: Kaneko
Aero Blasters (1990): A Detailed Retrospective
Introduction
Aero Blasters is a horizontally scrolling shoot ’em up video game developed and published by Kaneko and licensed to Namco. It was originally released in the arcades in 1990 and ported to the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990 and 1991 respectively. The game was notable for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and two-player simultaneous gameplay, which was a rarity among side-scrolling shooters on home consoles at the time.
Gameplay
Aero Blasters puts the player in control of a fighter jet that is also capable of space travel. The player must shoot down enemy ships, collect power-ups, and defeat bosses to advance through the game’s seven levels. The game features a variety of enemy types, including fighters, bombers, and turrets. The player’s ship can be upgraded with different types of weapons and power-ups, including lasers, missiles, and homing shots.
One of the most unique features of Aero Blasters is its two-player simultaneous gameplay. This allows two players to work together to defeat the game’s many challenges. The two players can share power-ups and cover each other’s backs, making it possible to defeat even the most difficult bosses.
Graphics and Sound
Aero Blasters features colorful and detailed graphics for its time. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the enemy ships are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a mix of upbeat and intense tracks that perfectly complement the gameplay.
Ports
Aero Blasters was ported to the PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16 and Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1990 and 1991 respectively. The PC Engine version is generally considered to be the best home port, as it features the same graphics and sound as the arcade original. The Mega Drive version is also solid, but it suffers from some slowdown and graphical glitches.
Legacy
Aero Blasters was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and two-player simultaneous gameplay. The game has since been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It remains a popular choice among fans of shoot ’em up games.
Conclusion
Aero Blasters is a classic shoot ’em up that still holds up today. With its fast-paced action, challenging levels, and two-player simultaneous gameplay, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great shoot ’em up to play, be sure to check out Aero Blasters.
Additional Information
- Developer: Kaneko
- Publisher: Namco
- Release Date: 1990
- Platforms: Arcade, PC Engine/TurboGrafx-16, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Genre: Shoot ’em up
- Number of Players: 1-2
Review Scores
- AllGame: 4/5
- GameSpot: 8.5/10
- IGN: 8/10
- Nintendo Life: 8/10
Trivia
- The game was originally known as Trouble Specialty Raid Unit in Japan.
- The Mega Drive version of the game was released as Air Buster in North America.
- The game was ported to the PlayStation 2 in 2006 as part of the Namco Museum 50th Anniversary collection.
- The game was also ported to the Xbox in 2007 as part of the Xbox Live Arcade service.
- The game was most recently ported to the Nintendo Switch in 2022 as part of the Arcade Archives series.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
