Well, Air Twister is a game that was full of surprises and by the end of my play session, I was smiling nonstop due to how utterly insane it was. You play as a flying woman with a laser blasting crossbow taking out enemies, with controls that are extremely easy to learn how to use. You can lock onto multiple enemies before firing a series of homing shots with one button, while another button fires a single unguided shot straight ahead.
This feels so familiar if you have played some of SEGA’s classic sprite-scaling rail shooters, and is a game that fans of those titles will love. Everything feels just right and while it does not try to do much to evolve in that aspect, the game does not really need to. Air Twister does have depth but you will find it once you are done with the initial gameplay.
Air Twister has a menu packed with content, such as the Adventure Map that sees you spend points earned from downing enemies to improve your states, increase your maximum hit points, unlock perks, and gain a new wardrobe to customize the heroine. This is not to say that this is an RPG, but that Air Twister does work to add in changes to the typical format and even a failed run lets you accomplish something, although these upgrades are all optional. There are several other modes as well, in addition to lore entries, details about the world and more options.
You cannot choose a level to start from, and starting over means you start from the very beginning. That said, you will keep any upgrades you have chosen, so you will be able to do a bit better the next time you play. In this way, Air Twister can sort of be compared to a roguelike, but with much less randomization that defines that genre.
Air Twister is a gorgeous game visually, with effects that really pop out, but the music is what catches the attention fast. The game uses soundalike versions of Prog-Rock songs, starting with a song that is clearly trying to be Bohemian Rhapsody, mimicking the Queen song as best as it can. This soundtrack really does help make Air Twister stand out more, and that is appreciated.
Overall, Air Twister may not be the longest or most difficult rail shooter, but it does try some new things. The upgrade system makes replaying the game feel more rewarding, but it would have been nice if the additional modes and secondary depth were more integrated into the main game. What were are left with is a short and somewhat flawed game, that is still fun to play, even with the drawbacks. if you are a fan of SEGA’s classic rail shooters, then you need to give this one a play.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
