| Graphics: |    3.5 |
| SFX: | 3 |
| Music: | 3 |
| Gameplay: | 3.5 |
| Challenge: | 3 |
| Replay: | 3.5 |
| Overall: | 3.5 |
| Genre: | Shmup |
| Reading ability: | US Release |
| Company: | Video System |
Background:
If you've played any Psikyo shmups, especially the Strikers series, then the Sonic Wings games (known as Aero Fighters internationally) will seem very familiar to you since most of the team who worked on Sonic Wings went on to work for Psikyo's Strikers series. A game called Aero Fighters Assault was released for the Nintendo 64, but it was more of a 3D flight sim shooter than a 2D shmup like its predecessors. I've never played Aero Fighters Assault, but it looks similar to Ace Combat for the Sony Playstation.
It took me years before I was able to find Aero Fighters for the SNES, cart-only. A few years back I bought Sonic Wings, the Super Famicom version. No longer interested in the US version, I sold it for a mere $15 not realizing how rare and expensive the game. is. Boy, what a mistake. :(
The Game:
This is a decent vertical scrolling shmup for the SNES/SFC, of which there are not many decent ones on the console. Like in Area 88/U.N. Squadron, it uses modern-day aircraft using firepower you might see in the distant future (but not likely). It allows you to choose from several different pilots from various countries, who use their own unique aircraft with its individual weapons systems. You collect powerups to enhance your firepower, and you can use special weapons to do mega damage to one or more enemies. You fly an assortment of missions around the world, and it seems that the order of these missions depends on which character you choose.
Secrets:
This version has a hidden boss attack and time attack mode, and Rabio Lepus makes an appearance as a hidden selectable character. (Rabio Lepus was a HuCard shmup on the PC Engine.)
Endurance Mode:
At the player select screen, hold the R button then press A, Left, Y, Right, X, Down, B, Up on Controller 2. You'll play a special boss rush version of the game.
Play as Rabio:
To get the character Rabio go to the character select screen and hold Right Shift. While holding this use Controller Two to press Left, Down, Right, X, Y, A, B, Left, Down, Right, Down, X, Y, A, B.
Courtesy of Gamefaqs.com.
The Good:
This is a fast-paced, action-packed shooter that is great fun to play. Playing the different characters presents a different angle on the strategy of each level, which boosts the reply value of the game.
The Bad:
Sonic Wings gives each fighter plane its own special weapon, and they are each used differently. Each country has two pilots, but unfortunately the secondary pilot can only be played by player 2 in the two-player game. It would have been better to be able to choose the secondary player in the one-player game like in the coin-op version, and it would have been even better if each player can choose which country to fly for. Oh well.
Overall:
Let's face it: There are some pretty terrible shmups on the SFC, and consequently there is a shortage of good, solid shmups for the console. Some of the best ones I can name are Macross: Scrambled Valkyrie, Area 88, R-Type III, and Gradius III. These are all horizontal shmups though, and the SFC lacks decent vertical shmups like Space Megaforce/Super Aleste. Fortunately, Sonic Wings delivers a decent vertical shooting experience. Sonic Wings is fun to play and it is a good, solid shooter.
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