Air Twister Review

Welcome to our detailed review of Air Twister, an on-rails shooter game that combines elements from classics like Panzer Dragoon and Star Fox. Developed by Yu Suzuki, known for his innovative contribution to the gaming industry, Air Twister offers a visually stunning experience with a unique soundtrack. However, despite its initial appeal, the repetitive gameplay and lack of variety detract from its overall enjoyment. In this review, we will explore the different aspects of Air Twister, including its gameplay mechanics, visuals, progression system, lore, and additional modes. Let’s dive in and see if this game is worth your time.

Overview of Air Twister

Air Twister puts players in control of Princess Arch as she combats an alien invasion on her home planet. The game follows the genre of on-rails shooters where players navigate through predetermined paths while engaging in combat. As you fly forward, you can tap the screen to fire at enemies or swipe across them to lock onto multiple targets simultaneously. This combination of shooting mechanics draws inspiration from games like Panzer Dragoon and Star Fox.

Princess Arch possesses unique abilities that make her adept at handling the alien threat. Players have the option to use either touch controls or connect a controller for more precise movements and targeting. While controlling Princess Arch, you’ll need to dodge enemy attacks while launching your own offensive maneuvers.

Visuals and Music

One of the standout features in Air Twister is its captivating visuals. The vibrant colors and imaginative environments create an immersive experience for players. Each level is beautifully designed with attention to detail, showcasing fantastical landscapes and stunning effects.

Accompanying the visuals is an exceptional soundtrack composed by Valensia, a renowned Dutch composer. The music adds depth and enhances the overall atmosphere of the game. It’s safe to say that both the visuals and music are strong points for Air Twister, contributing to a joyous and engaging experience.

Repetitive Gameplay

While Air Twister impresses with its visuals and music, it suffers from repetitive gameplay that hampers the overall experience. Each playthrough feels identical, lacking variety or surprises. As the game progresses, strategy takes a backseat, and mindless tapping becomes a viable approach. Some players have found success by continuously tapping the fire button and moving Princess Arch in random directions to dodge attacks. This lack of depth and strategic gameplay makes Air Twister feel tedious after a while.

Progression and Unlocks

Air Twister utilizes a progression system where players start from the beginning each time they die. Experience points (XP) earned during each playthrough can be used to unlock upgrades and improvements. The game features a sprawling map with multiple paths, allowing players some choice in their progression.

However, one drawback is the layout of the unlockable map. Players are required to spend XP on cosmetic items such as clothing, hairstyles, and makeup before reaching more practical enhancements like increased life points or improved weapons. This can be frustrating for players who want to focus on upgrading their combat abilities rather than cosmetic customization.

Lore and World-building

Air Twister presents an interesting world filled with lore entries that players can unlock throughout the game. These entries provide additional information about Princess Arch, her world, and the enemies she faces during her mission against the alien invasion. The lore entries add depth and humor to the game, making them an enjoyable aspect for players who appreciate world-building details.

For example, players discover that Princess Arch is an expert at Flying Cucumber, which contributes to her exceptional skills in aerial combat. These delightful pieces of information offer insight into the game’s universe while keeping players engaged in discovering more about Princess Arch’s world.

Additional Modes

In addition to its main campaign, Air Twister offers a few challenge modes for players to explore. These modes are variations of the core gameplay but do not provide experience rewards. While they can offer some additional gameplay options, they may feel like time-wasting additions due to the lack of substantial incentives or rewards.

One such mode is Fluffy mode, which changes the perspective and provides minimal experience rewards for collecting stars in a maze-like setting. However, for most players, these challenge modes do not offer enough value or replayability to warrant repeated playthroughs.

Final Notes

Air Twister succeeds in delivering a visually appealing experience with a unique soundtrack that sets it apart from other games. The game’s creative boss fights and imaginative world-building add moments of joy and silliness. However, the overall repetitive nature of the gameplay detracts from its initial charm, making it feel tedious and redundant after multiple playthroughs. While Air Twister has its strengths, it falls short in providing engaging and varied gameplay.

We hope this review has provided you with valuable insights into Air Twister. If you enjoy visually stunning games with unique soundtracks and don’t mind the repetitive nature of on-rails shooters, Air Twister might still be worth checking out.