Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Indie
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation Portable
- Developers: Mediatonic
- Publishers: Kalypso Media Digital
Who’s That Flying?! (2010) Review
Who’s That Flying?! is ashmup developed by Qute and published by Taito. It was released in arcades in Japan in 2010, and was ported to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2011. The game is set in a 1950s-inspired world, and follows the adventures of Earth’s self-proclaimed “Guardian” as he battles an alien invasion.
Gameplay
Who’s That Flying?! is a vertical-scrolling shmup in which the player controls the Guardian of Earth, a powerful superhero who can fly and shoot lasers. The game features a variety of enemies, including spaceships, robots, and giant monsters. The Guardian must defeat these enemies while avoiding their attacks and collecting power-ups.
The game is divided into six stages, each with its own unique boss. The stages are set in a variety of locations, including cities, deserts, and outer space. The Guardian must use his laser arm to destroy enemy ships and obstacles, and can also collect power-ups to increase his firepower and speed.
Graphics
Who’s That Flying?! features a unique art style that is inspired by 1950s science fiction comics. The game’s characters and environments are all rendered in a cel-shaded style, and the game’s colors are bright and vibrant. The game’s visuals are impressive, and help to create a sense of atmosphere and immersion.
Sound
The game’s soundtrack is composed of upbeat and catchy tunes that perfectly complement the game’s action-packed gameplay. The sound effects are also well-done, and help to create a sense of excitement and urgency.
Story
The game’s story is told through a series of cutscenes that are presented between stages. The story is simple but effective, and it does a good job of motivating the player to progress through the game.
Overall
Who’s That Flying?! is a great shmup that offers challenging gameplay, impressive visuals, and a catchy soundtrack. The game’s unique art style and setting help it to stand out from other shmups, and the game’s story is engaging enough to keep the player motivated to progress through the game.
Score: 8/10
Who’s That Flying?!: A Deeper Dive
Gameplay Mechanics
Who’s That Flying?! features a number of unique gameplay mechanics that help to set it apart from other shmups. One of the most notable mechanics is the Guardian’s laser arm. The laser arm can be used to destroy enemies, but it can also be used to grab and throw objects. This mechanic adds a new level of strategy to the game, as the player must decide how to best use the laser arm in each situation.
Another unique gameplay mechanic is the game’s “Fever” system. When the player defeats enemies without taking damage, the Fever meter will fill up. Once the Fever meter is full, the player can activate Fever mode. Fever mode increases the player’s firepower and speed, and also makes the player invincible. Fever mode is a powerful tool that can be used to quickly clear the screen of enemies.
Level Design
The game’s level design is excellent, and each stage offers a unique challenge. The stages are varied in terms of their environments and enemy types, and the player must constantly adapt their strategy to survive. The game’s bosses are also well-designed, and each boss requires a different approach to defeat.
Story
The game’s story is simple but effective, and it does a good job of motivating the player to progress through the game. The story is told through a series of cutscenes that are presented between stages. The cutscenes are well-written and voice-acted, and they do a good job of developing the game’s characters.
Overall
Who’s That Flying?! is a great shmup that offers challenging gameplay, impressive visuals, and a catchy soundtrack. The game’s unique art style and setting help it to stand out from other shmups, and the game’s story is engaging enough to keep the player motivated to progress through the game.
Score: 8/10
Review Score
8/10