Aero Fighters

Game Details:

Aero Fighters was renowned among shoot 'em ups of its time for its distinct personality. The game supports two-player co-op, and the nations chosen by the two players determine the order of subsequent stages and the final ending. During gameplay, players can pick up "P" icons to enhance their main weapon's power and side shots. The boss designs are incredibly imaginative, ranging from massive stealth bombers to mechanical fortresses hidden deep in the ocean. Additionally, the game includes some hidden quirky elements; for instance, the Swedish pilot is actually a rabbit dressed as a Viking. This deadpan sense of humor was also carried over to its spiritual successor, the *Strikers 1945* series.

Game Guide:

• Fighter Analysis:
• USA (F-18): Wide shot spread, ideal for clearing out mobs. The bomb is a powerful missile strike with high burst damage.
• Japan (FSX): Extremely high rate of fire with concentrated firepower, making it a highly effective fighter against large bosses.
• UK (AV-8): Features a unique side-firing secondary attack, providing wide coverage, making it suitable for crowd control.
• Sweden (AJ-37): Piloted by a rabbit, its missiles have a weak homing effect. The bomb ability provides extensive momentary invincibility.
• Power-Up Management: Collecting "P" items in the game changes your shot pattern. While the maximum power level is strong, your character's hitbox does not change, so don't neglect to dodge small enemy bullets just because your firepower is intense.
• When to Use Your Bomb: In this game, the bomb is not just a screen-clearing special, but also a lifesaver. When you're cornered by bullets or a boss unleashes a full-screen random bullet pattern, use your bomb decisively to take advantage of the invincibility frames to reposition, rather than saving it until you get shot down.
• Scoring Mechanics: Destroying specific buildings or special enemy units will drop scoring items (like dollar signs or medals). Picking up these items higher up on the screen yields more points than picking them up at the bottom.
• Boss Battle Strategy: Watch for the boss's cannons to glow as a tell; it usually signals a high-power straight laser or a fan-shaped spread shot. Stay in the lower-middle part of the screen, weaving left and right to bait the enemy's bullet patterns to one side, then quickly move into the opening to deal damage.