My Played Video Games Review: Aero the Acro-Bat for the Super Nintendo

Aero the Acro-Bat is a video game from 1993, made by Iguana Entertainment (Texas-based game developer) and published by Sunsoft of Japan. It was available on both the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. The main character, Aero the Acro-Bat, is a red bat with human-like features and was brought to life by David Siller.

Aero the Acro Bat is another hero in a very big trend of video game platform animal mascots like Crash Bandicoot or Earthworm Jim, created during the 1990s.

The Story

Welcome to the most acrobatic and thrilling show ever! The crazed industrialist, Edgar Ektor, has taken control of the World of Amusement and poses a threat to the circus. The only hope lies in the high-flying and daring Aero the Acro-Bat!

Get ready for spine-tingling excitement as Aero takes on Ektor's wicked henchmen. You'll bungee jump into action and skydive through danger using the SNES' Mode 7 graphics. Hold on tight as you ride a roaring roller coaster, tiptoe across a terrifying tightrope, and powerfully drill and twist through every sinister circus enemy you can imagine.

Remember, the show must go on, and Aero is here to save the day!

The Graphics and Sound

The game's graphics are not impressive. The characters are small and lack details. Aero appears like a typical mascot from the 16-bit era. The game has only four main backgrounds, and they are not very detailed. The bosses and foreground objects are the only things that look decent. Overall, Aero's graphics do not meet the standards set by other SNES games.

However, there's a pleasant surprise in the form of the game's music. It's really good, featuring many circus-themed and original tunes that stick in your head. The music is fitting for a 16-bit platformer, but it can get a bit repetitive. On the other hand, the sound effects are not as good; there are very few, and they sound clunky.

The Gameplay

Aero is a platformer game that is extremely challenging. You have to be careful because your character can die quickly from just one mistake. The levels often have simple objectives, like standing on star platforms or jumping through hoops, but they make you search every part of the level, making the game even harder.

Aero is not very good at fighting. You have limited attacks, like using stars, and a tricky drill attack that you can use while jumping in the air. Enemies are not the main challenge; instead, you'll face lots of dangerous spikes that can kill you instantly. The drill can help you jump higher, but it takes some practice to use it effectively.

The game is quite long for a platformer you can complete in one go. It has 19 levels, three boss fights, and even bonus levels using Mode 7 graphics. The game does not offer a difficulty setting, so it might take you a very long time to finish it. However, you'll find plenty of extra lives as you progress. But be cautious, some levels are very tough, especially the ride levels where you can lose lives quickly. To beat the game, you need to keep trying and memorize everything, but once you finally conquer it, the feeling of accomplishment is big.

Replay value is mediocre. You won't be inspired to play it often, but you will be somewhat entertained.

My Verdict

Despite its faults, Aero is surprisingly a solid platformer. While it may have some rough edges, the gameplay itself is well-designed for those who enjoy a challenging experience. Despite encountering some cheap moments, true gamers will be determined to complete the game, and find the journey enjoyable. It will certainly require numerous attempts, but many will find satisfaction in the adventure it offers.

Play it on the favored Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a great emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!