*This game is not suitable for those with severe motion sickness or epilepsy
Aaero is an indie game that combines what you love about arcade games and music into a unique gaming experience. This is the first multi-platform game from Mad Fellows, an independent game studio based in Leamington Spa, UK. Their site describes the game as a “rhythm action game featuring an incredible licensed soundtrack.” The premise of the game is simple, but unique. The player controls a spaceship that must maneuver around a course of obstacles while staying on an illuminated path all while fending off various enemies.
For starters, this game is visually stunning. The art style is reminiscent of Brut@l and Journey. There seems to be a focus on creating an atmosphere that is unique to each song and reflects its reflects beat and aesthetic, which is amazingly spot on every time. There is such careful attention paid to how each level is constructed from the environment to the placement of the ribbon track to the enemies encountered. It is clear that a lot of time was devoted into each level’s creation and it pays off.
The gaming experience can best be described as Guitar Hero meets a modern Space Invader. Each level revolves around a song, but instead of rock music this game centers around techno/dubstep. So if you are not a fan of this genre, you may not enjoy this game. For those that are fans or do not mind the genre, it is incredibly entertaining to see how each song plays into the gaming experience. Songs determine everything from pacing to the frequency of enemies to the complexity of the track. The gaming mechanics incorporate concepts from both Guitar Hero and Space Invader. On the rhythm game side, the player must try to maintain their position on a ribbon track that elevates the quality and volume of the song. The arcade style mechanic is seen in how the player must defeat multitudes of enemies and their swarms despite limited mobility.
After each level, you win stars based on your score. A certain number of total stars is necessary to unlock the next level so it’s often necessary to replay previous levels until you earn enough. I found that during these replays, I was not bothered by listening to the same songs and the levels were challenging enough that they were still enjoyable to play through.
The enemies did not overwhelm the game, but added enough difficulty to keep the game interesting. The only thing I found a little difficult was trying to lock on and successfully hit enemies, which are able to move around the full range of the screen whereas the ribbon path never leaves the outermost circumference. This may not be an issue though for more experienced arcade gamers.
All things considered, I believe that it is possible to find enjoyment from playing or watching this game. Aaero seems to encompass both the innovation and nostalgia that are expected from top-notch indie games and it is certainly worth a try.
Rating: 9.5/10
Watch the Aaero Launch Trailer:
To commemorate the launch of the game, Aaero is currently available for the limited promotional price of $11.99 USD, a 20% discount off the regular $14.99 USD price.
PS4 Review
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Overall Score - 9.5/109.5/10
Most of my childhood was dedicated to raising my Pokémon, but nowadays I find myself taking time off to enjoy indie games and RPGs. I have always been fascinated by how easily videogames immerse us into their own worlds and stories, and I hope to be a part of this one day. Until then, I would like to serve my gamer community in helping you to navigate between the great and the overhyped.
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