Game: Aaero Complete Edition
System: Nintendo Switch
Developer/ Publisher: Mad Fellows/ S2 Entertainment
Price: £10.99|$14.99| € 12,99
Rating: EU 7+| USA 10+
Release date: 24th December 2018
Also Available On: PS4, Xbox and Steam
Review code is kindly provided by Mad Fellows
2018 was an excellent year for Music Rhythm games. This year I’ve been treated to Lost in Harmony, Pianista, and now Aaero: Complete Edition. So how does the game fare?
What is Aaero?
Aaero is a futuristic rhythm twin-stick shooting game. The game requires players to control their spaceship’s movement and weapons in time with the music. Your ship flies through environments such as deserts, tunnels, and war-torn cities. Awaiting you are robotic insects, missiles, ships, and ribbons of light which must be dispatched and traced in rhythm with the music.
Playing Aaero
Aaero is simple to play but tough to master. The game gradually introduces you to its mechanics via a helpful tutorial. From there, players can tackle the first stage which plays to the same music track and features elements from the tutorial itself. The left control stick controls your ship’s movements, while the right stick with RZ targets and shoots on-screen targets/enemies. The nature of the game demands precise controls which Aaero delivers.
High scores and overall grades are obtained by completing each stage with high accuracy.
A visual, musical spectacle.
The game’s visuals and soundtrack make a remarkable partnership. I’m not usually one for Electronic Dance Music. Groups such as “Noisia, Flux Pavilion, Katy B, Neosignal, Astronaut, and Barely Alive” mean nothing to me. And even though I’m far from being a convert to the EDM genre itself, it suits Aaero, and helps to provide a great playing experience.
I suppose it emphasises how important visuals are to music and vice versa. In other words, the game’s genre of music doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You may even end up with the odd favourite which you hum to yourself while doing some daily chores.
It’s also evident that each stage has been designed to play around the soundtrack. This can be seen from the manner in which each ribbon, enemy, and weapon fire rhythmically moves onscreen.
Huge Bosses!
The boss fights in Aaero are amazing! There’s nothing like being pursued by a gigantic worm that burrows and resurfaces at high speeds or by a giant robotic spider whose legs break through tunnels as you pass through them. These are the type of situations players face in Aaero. Its bosses are well-designed and look great!
Content and Difficulty
Aaero contains 21 stages and 4 game modes. The game’s 21 stages include levels which originally sold as DLC on other consoles. If you struggle with normal mode, then grow your skills in chill-out mode. As soon as you master normal, then gameplay can be extended thanks to advanced and master modes. New stages and modes require a set star amount which is rewarded depending on how well players finish each stage.
Concerning difficulty, the game is challenging, but I’m not an expert rhythm game player. I’ve struggled to obtain stars to unlock later stages but this hasn’t ruined my experience. Aaero is so good that I’m happy to keep trying again and again. If you continue to struggle, then each stage can be enjoyed in chillout mode.
Overall
I’m a big fan of Aaero: Complete Edition. There’s plenty for Rhythm fans to enjoy and even though Pianista remains my favourite rhythm Switch game, Aaero: Complete Editon isn’t far behind.
