Game: Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge
Genre: Action, Platformer
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam (Windows), PS4 & Xbox)
Developer|Publisher: Iguana Entertainment | Ratalaika Games
Age Rating: EU 7+ | US Everyone
Price: US $5.99 | UK £5.99 | EU € 5,99
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Ratalaika Games.
Aero the Acro-Bat: A Welcome Retro Return
Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge was originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2002 as a remake of the original Aero the Acro-Bat from the SNES and Mega Drive era. Now, Ratalaika Games has worked its re-release magic to bring this version to modern platforms with a few added features. While it’s not a perfect game, it offers decent retro fun at a low entry price, making it worth a revisit on the Nintendo Switch, especially for retro gaming enthusiasts.
A Story from the 90s
The game’s plot centres on Edgar Ektor, an evil corporate industrialist who, after being banished from the circus following a prank gone wrong, seeks revenge by trying to rid the world of circuses and amusement. After kidnapping the circus staff, it’s up to Aero, the acrobatic bat, to save the day and rescue his girlfriend. This quirky storyline, presented through a simple comic strip at the start of the game, is very much a product of its time, charming in its simplicity and refreshingly different, if not a little bizarre.
Complete the Objectives
Aero the Acro-Bat hails from an era when 2D platformers dominated gaming. Players progress through four levels, each consisting of five stages and culminating in a boss fight. The main objective is to find the exit, but most stages require completing specific mission tasks first. These can range from jumping through a set number of rings to finding hidden items. Occasionally, the game mixes things up with more thrilling segments, like riding a roller coaster and dodging hazards. These faster-paced sections are more engaging, while objective-based exploration can sometimes feel tedious due to necessary backtracking.
Levels are filled with enemies and hidden collectables that boost health, grant extra lives, and increase scores, along with useful power-ups like temporary invulnerability and flight.
Flashy Moves
Aero has some clever moves to help him overcome obstacles. He can use a diagonal drill jump to defeat enemies or shoot stars from his hands when collected. These options offer variety in tackling levels, adding depth to the gameplay. True to its retro roots, the game lacks a tutorial, but the developers have included the original manual for reference, a nice touch for newcomers and nostalgic players alike.
Circus Vibes
Visually, the game holds up surprisingly well. Aero’s character animation is detailed and smooth, and players can view these animations in an optional menu. The overall circus theme is reflected in the game’s enemies, such as sinister clowns and trapeze artists, giving it a fun, distinctive flair. The soundtrack, while high-energy and fitting the circus motif, may not appeal to everyone and felt underwhelming in parts.
Extra Features
This re-release comes with typical quality-of-life enhancements, such as save states, a rewind function, and a turbo mode. Cheats like unlimited lives and invincibility can also be toggled on or off for an easier experience. The inclusion of the original manual and a gallery of artwork are nice additions, though it’s disappointing that this game isn’t bundled with other Aero titles for a complete collection.
Conclusion: Retro Gem
Aero the Acro-Bat: Rascal Rival Revenge is a solid retro platformer with its own unique quirks and moments of frustration. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who enjoy nostalgic games or have fond memories of Aero, it’s worth revisiting. The preservation of classic games on modern platforms is always a win in my book.
Final Verdict: I like it 
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