"Aero the Acrobat is a completely mediocre platformer with a unique atmosphere that deserves a look"

Ah Aero the Acrobat, a game that, back in it's day, pretty much defined mediocrity for the platform genre. A little too short, a little too easy, and only average in it's enjoyment factor, Aero the Acrobat truly defines the term 'average'. Being released on the Sega Genesis, which already had it's own slew of incredibly good platformers (most notably the Sonic the Hedgehog series) it was pretty much lost in obscurity fairly quickly. The truth is though, with it's unique setting and changing gameplay objectives, everyone who enjoys platformers should at least give this game a try!

Gameplay

Aero the Acrobat has many of the features of your usual platformer/action game. You jump, you ride on vehicles, and you have a short-range attack (basically you jump then jump again to 'drill' up or down diagonally) as well as a long range attack (projectiles). The levels are varies quite nicely, with different objectives for many of the levels. Some have you just getting to the end of the level, some have you riding a roller-coaster, dodging obstacles in your way, while others require you to find a certain amount of objects in the level (such as finding switches). It is with the latter that that gameplay fails a bit. It is incredibly annoying to have to search throughout a fairly large level to find that one switch that you didn't press. Sometimes it's better just to start the whole level over again, this time searching everywhere so you *hopefully* won't have to backtrack again.

Gameplay Score - 21/30
+ Nice varied objectives for levels
- 'Collection' levels

Graphics
The environments in Aero the Acrobat are quite unique. The worlds are very colourful (especially the first which takes place in circus tents) and are full of life. Aero and his enemies are also animated quite well and move smoothly and seamlessly throughout their environments. Not the greatest platformer graphics on the Genesis, but quite good.

Graphics Score - 16/20
+ Colourful and lively graphics

Control

The Control in Aero the Acrobat is quite tight and responsive, as any platformer should be; you never really feel like you are not in control of the character. My only complain lies with Aero's means of physical attack. His drill attack can be tricky to pull off in some situations and you may find yourself smacking into enemies and losing health rather than hitting them with a well-placed attack.

Control Score - 14/20
+ Responsive control
- Drill attack mechanics could use some work

Sound

Ah the sounds of Aero the Acrobat, hope you like circus music! Most of the tunes in Aero the Acrobat are familiar circus tracks that you have heard all your life. Surprisingly they sound quite well on the Genesis. Thing is though, you have to LIKE circus music...some are universally appreciated (such as the first 'worlds' music) whilst others make you want to finish the world so you can proceed to hopefully better music. All the sounds effects were average, not much happening with them that you haven't seen in any other platformer

Sound Score - 6/10
+ Some nice circus tunes
- Some terrible circus tunes, sound effects aren't anything special.

Replay Value

Aero the Acrobat fails miserably in this category. The game is pretty fun the first time you play it, but once you beat it, that's it. You may have the urge to play it again a while later, but as soon as you get to one of the 'collection' levels your urge will melt away very quickly.

Replay Value Score - 6/20
+ Will keep you playing until you finish it
- Won't ever want to play it again after finishing it

FINAL SCORE BEFORE REVIEWER'S TILT : 63 / 100

Reviewer's Tilt
Aero the Acrobat, while being a wholly mediocre action/platformer deserves a look at least once because of it's unique atmosphere and lively, colourful graphics and characters. Go on, give it a try.
+10 to final score

FINAL SCORE AFTER REVIEWER'S TILT : 73 / 100

GAMEFAQS SCORE : 7 / 10

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/16/04