New Sonic Wings/Aero Fighters game by SUCCESS

[pieslice]

I had the chance to buy a Sonic Wings PCB about a year ago but passed on it. I kind of regret that now, as it was pretty cheap for a shooting PCB. I've only played the original Sonic Wings once for a single credit when they put it out at Mikado last year, and I have no idea how the game is, partially because I forgot the entire experience, so I'm not entirely sure how Reunion compares to the original's design philosophy, even though gauging Reunion's design philosophy on just this one short trailer is basically impossible. Seeing this trailer makes me especially curious about the original game's enemy placement and enemy shot speed, density, and patterns, as the enemy shots they've shown off for this are very fast. I guess I can go get it on ACA or something.

I’ve only played the original and liked it quite a bit. Aero Fighters cab was playable on videogame expo of the scottish national museum last fall.

[Bassa-Bassa]

SW is easy-mode Psikyo, basically. And I mean it - it's really basic though it's also really really well refined. Short stages, lots of ships (though you need to use the 2P side for the whole thing - the best ones are only there), and fair challenge made it shine. Chara design with its silly approach was just a welcome addition, not the game's core as it seems to be with Reunion. At least it's keeping the sprites in 2D, oh well.

[To Far Away Times]

SW is easy-mode Psikyo, basically. And I mean it - it's really basic though it's also really really well refined. Short stages, lots of ships (though you need to use the 2P side for the whole thing - the best ones are only there), and fair challenge made it shine. Chara design with its silly approach was just a welcome addition, not the game's core as it seems to be with Reunion. At least it's keeping the sprites in 2D, oh well.

Yeah, Sonic Wings is pretty much a kinder, gentler Psikyo experience.

Each Sonic Wings game is better than the previous one, imo. I’m not too crazy over the first one, but the second one is pretty decent, and the third one is a really nice game. I think most people would find the soundtracks in Sonic Wings and the various Psikyo games to be pretty forgettable, but Sonic Wings 3 has an unforgettable meme-worthy “love it or hate it soundtrack,” and I fell on the side of loving it.

[jehu]

General FYI: Sonic Wings 1, 2 and 3 are all available on ACA if you’re curious. Limited is the only one that’s a bit difficult to source with current-gen consoles.

What a shame, this game. I’d hope that Hamster would be a little more defensive on behalf of the IP; I agree that this is worse than Sol Cresta, which was at least trying to have style. Nothing would make me happier than a 6 month delay with a promise of visual overhaul, but I suspect the economics of the franchise don’t make that a viable option. Let’s hope the Tatsujin and Night Striker reboots have a little more self-respect.

[Ms. Tea]

It's in arcades for a few months before coming home, right? Part of me's wondering if they're treating the initial release as a soft launch and are actually finishing dev in time for the home releases... maybe that's just being optimistic though.

[DenimDemon]

SW is easy-mode Psikyo, basically. And I mean it - it's really basic though it's also really really well refined. Short stages, lots of ships (though you need to use the 2P side for the whole thing - the best ones are only there), and fair challenge made it shine. Chara design with its silly approach was just a welcome addition, not the game's core as it seems to be with Reunion. At least it's keeping the sprites in 2D, oh well.

The atrack mode music is burned on my mind.

Yeah, Sonic Wings is pretty much a kinder, gentler Psikyo experience.

Each Sonic Wings game is better than the previous one, imo. I’m not too crazy over the first one, but the second one is pretty decent, and the third one is a really nice game. I think most people would find the soundtracks in Sonic Wings and the various Psikyo games to be pretty forgettable, but Sonic Wings 3 has an unforgettable meme-worthy “love it or hate it soundtrack,” and I fell on the side of loving it.

The intro music is burned on my mind.
I like 3 at lot...but still prefer 2 over it.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

General FYI: Sonic Wings 1, 2 and 3 are all available on ACA if you’re curious. Limited is the only one that’s a bit difficult to source with current-gen consoles.

What a shame, this game. I’d hope that Hamster would be a little more defensive on behalf of the IP; I agree that this is worse than Sol Cresta, which was at least trying to have style. Nothing would make me happier than a 6 month delay with a promise of visual overhaul, but I suspect the economics of the franchise don’t make that a viable option. Let’s hope the Tatsujin and Night Striker reboots have a little more self-respect.

Yes, Sonic Wings Limited is on the PSX console as a Major Wave budget release. Stellar arcade stg that's not to be missed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Steven]

Now that I think about it, I don't remember if I've ever played a Psikyo game that isn't Strikers 1945 Plus, which I checked out once or twice for a few minutes on the AES. Yes, that's right, on the AES, which it didn't get released on. There was some WWII airplane arcade STG at a restaurant on Okinawa that I may or may not have played about 15 years ago, but I don't remember what it was, or if I actually played it, although I think I did. It was a 3:4 game, so I do believe it was Strikers I or II, but I really don't and can't remember. For the past few years, I've been considering going to Okinawa just to see if they still have that game and to find out what it is. It would have been the second arcade STG that I ever played, now that I think about it, assuming that I did play it.

It's in arcades for a few months before coming home, right? Part of me's wondering if they're treating the initial release as a soft launch and are actually finishing dev in time for the home releases... maybe that's just being optimistic though.

Simultaneous release, I think.

[Angry Hina]

As for Aero....looks even worse in movement than in screenshots. The fighters animation are really poor...

Think so too. Even the explosions and the shots look like they hardly could have been made more ugly.

[Steven]

I played Total Annihilation last night for the first time in a while. Obligatory "holy fuck now I remember why this is one of the best games ever made" (it really is, seriously; you NEED to play it!) aside, I was reminded that this 1997 game has actual (really big) turning animations for all of the aircraft, which Sanic Wangs here seems to lack, and the 3D models and textures look way better as well. The background's 2D, of course, but it was shocking to see a game releasing nearly 30 years later that looks this much worse. Hopefully they'll at least get some non-terrible turning animations for enemy zako in there, as what they have now is definitely not how aircraft fly.

Speaking of the zako, when I saw the zako in the trailer I was immediately like who the fuck still flies F-14s? Isn't this supposed to be pretty modern, judging by the presence of that overpriced piece of shit F-35 that we spent so much money on when I was in that we didn't have enough money to buy any damn toilet paper for our offices? Yes, that actually happened, and I had to send some of my guys next door to literally steal toilet paper from our maintenance guys. Anyway, turns out Iran still uses the F-14, according to Wikipedia. Huh. Do they not have anything better? Apparently not.

[D]

General FYI: Sonic Wings 1, 2 and 3 are all available on ACA if you’re curious. Limited is the only one that’s a bit difficult to source with current-gen consoles.

What a shame, this game. I’d hope that Hamster would be a little more defensive on behalf of the IP; I agree that this is worse than Sol Cresta, which was at least trying to have style. Nothing would make me happier than a 6 month delay with a promise of visual overhaul, but I suspect the economics of the franchise don’t make that a viable option. Let’s hope the Tatsujin and Night Striker reboots have a little more self-respect.

Yes, Sonic Wings Limited is on the PSX console as a Major Wave budget release. Stellar arcade stg that's not to be missed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

And Sonic Wings Special (A huge upgraded port of arcade: Sonic Wings Limited) on the Sega Saturn as well as on the mentioned ps portl!

[Bassa-Bassa]

Not sure about the differences but Limited is arcade only and is a port of the consumer Special (PS1/SAT) if we attend to release dates. Supposedly, an improved port indeed and it's not unlikely the arcade version was actually made first (or in parallel with the PS1 version, as they share base hardware) and reserved till the consumer versions were distributed.

[Steven]

Are there any reasons to choose PS1 Special over Saturn Special or are they basically interchangeable? I see Saturn Special all the time in stores, but I don't think I've ever seen the PS1 version. I don't really have that much interest in PS1, though, so I typically ignore the PS1 sections in favour of Sega consoles unless I'm actively looking for something on PS1, which is very rare.

[Jeneki]

I recall the difference between PS1 and Saturn versions of Special are minimal, with minor graphical / sound differences.

Arcade Sonic Wings Limited is a different game, with different ways to progress the levels and a different item scoring system.

[EmperorIng]

I should also add that, imo, Sonic Wings Limited (arcade) is superior to Sonic Wings Special (the console game) having played both a bit. There is something off and wrong about the autofire in Special, it never feels effective or like you are doing real damage. Also, the loading screens - INBETWEEN - the end-of-stage dialog screens, sandwiching them really kills the fucking mood and momentum when you are trying to play. Stick to mame.

Also, another livestream with some footage of was revealed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPJWsAamAhQ



At least the bullets are fast. Unless this game looks wildly different in a month a better title might be Sonic Wings Exhumed.

[pablumatic]

Wow that's bad. The video capture didn't even look 60fps. It looked 30fps or lower. Maybe that's the stream though.

[sumdumgoy]

x

[Jonpachi]

Are there any reasons to choose PS1 Special over Saturn Special or are they basically interchangeable? I see Saturn Special all the time in stores, but I don't think I've ever seen the PS1 version. I don't really have that much interest in PS1, though, so I typically ignore the PS1 sections in favour of Sega consoles unless I'm actively looking for something on PS1, which is very rare.

The better version of Donpachi and Dodonpachi are on PS1. Also ZanacXZanac, R-Type Delta, Einhander, etc. Don't skip the PS1. It's secretly got a great shmup library!

[sumdumgoy]

x

[Steven]

Are there any reasons to choose PS1 Special over Saturn Special or are they basically interchangeable? I see Saturn Special all the time in stores, but I don't think I've ever seen the PS1 version. I don't really have that much interest in PS1, though, so I typically ignore the PS1 sections in favour of Sega consoles unless I'm actively looking for something on PS1, which is very rare.

The better version of Donpachi and Dodonpachi are on PS1. Also ZanacXZanac, R-Type Delta, Einhander, etc. Don't skip the PS1. It's secretly got a great shmup library!

I have about half of those, actually, or I guess all of them if you count the MiSTer. I need to get back to Einhander... I played it once a while ago after I bought it but I think I got distracted by something else.

Actually, I haven't played any STGs at all since mid-December for various reasons (mostly just not feeling it right now) and haven't played games much in general since then, so hopefully I'll get back into it eventually.

[D]

This section features the trailer
Not sure if that is known.
I see it has a TATE mode, so I am really happy about that!
https://youtu.be/YbngdwtzsKs?si=JFVyZ_jur2_mk3yh&t=469
Top 10 Most Anticipated Shoot 'Em Up Games of 2025
Vinu Croiss

[Klatrymadon]

The comment about this looking like a PS2 game is terribly unfair to the hundreds of PS2 games with a bit of intentionality in their art direction, many of which still look stunning. This is a very 2025 form of slop.

[D]

The comment about this looking like a PS2 game is terribly unfair to the hundreds of PS2 games with a bit of intentionality in their art direction, many of which still look stunning. This is a very 2025 form of slop.

You speak the truth, my friend!

[Lemnear]

Wow that's bad. The video capture didn't even look 60fps. It looked 30fps or lower. Maybe that's the stream though.

It gave me this impression too, but if you look at the bullets fired by the player they seem to be at 60fps but those of the enemies are not
I can't understand how they could have put those flames, looked at the trailer they edited and said "yes, they're fine like this"...

Are there any reasons to choose PS1 Special over Saturn Special or are they basically interchangeable? I see Saturn Special all the time in stores, but I don't think I've ever seen the PS1 version. I don't really have that much interest in PS1, though, so I typically ignore the PS1 sections in favour of Sega consoles unless I'm actively looking for something on PS1, which is very rare.

The better version of Donpachi and Dodonpachi are on PS1. Also ZanacXZanac, R-Type Delta, Einhander, etc. Don't skip the PS1. It's secretly got a great shmup library!

The best porting ever for DoDonPachi and DonPachi, and in the case of DDP it even competes with the Arcade version.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Wow that's bad. The video capture didn't even look 60fps. It looked 30fps or lower. Maybe that's the stream though.

It gave me this impression too, but if you look at the bullets fired by the player they seem to be at 60fps but those of the enemies are not
I can't understand how they could have put those flames, looked at the trailer they edited and said "yes, they're fine like this"...

Are there any reasons to choose PS1 Special over Saturn Special or are they basically interchangeable? I see Saturn Special all the time in stores, but I don't think I've ever seen the PS1 version. I don't really have that much interest in PS1, though, so I typically ignore the PS1 sections in favour of Sega consoles unless I'm actively looking for something on PS1, which is very rare.

The better version of Donpachi and Dodonpachi are on PS1. Also ZanacXZanac, R-Type Delta, Einhander, etc. Don't skip the PS1. It's secretly got a great shmup library!

The best porting ever for DoDonPachi and DonPachi, and in the case of DDP it even competes with the Arcade version.

For Lemnear,

There was a time when you could actually buy a barebones Cave arcade jamma pcb of DoDonpachi for a mere $250.00-$280.00 usd back in 2003 which was the usual going rate for one back in those days of arcade pcb collecting lore -- of course, those days of buying the legendary DDP pcb "on the cheap" are long gone (it's easily in the four figure range nowadays if you want it badly enough -- it certainly is worth it's weight in gold). It's either play the "real deal" arcade pcb of DDP or through Mame emulation. Sure, the developer/publisher of SPS did the porting of DDP for the PSX gaming platform indeed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Lemnear]

Wow that's bad. The video capture didn't even look 60fps. It looked 30fps or lower. Maybe that's the stream though.

It gave me this impression too, but if you look at the bullets fired by the player they seem to be at 60fps but those of the enemies are not
I can't understand how they could have put those flames, looked at the trailer they edited and said "yes, they're fine like this"...

The better version of Donpachi and Dodonpachi are on PS1. Also ZanacXZanac, R-Type Delta, Einhander, etc. Don't skip the PS1. It's secretly got a great shmup library!

The best porting ever for DoDonPachi and DonPachi, and in the case of DDP it even competes with the Arcade version.

For Lemnear,

There was a time when you could actually buy a barebones Cave arcade jamma pcb of DoDonpachi for a mere $250.00-$280.00 usd back in 2003 which was the usual going rate for one back in those days of arcade pcb collecting lore -- of course, those days of buying the legendary DDP pcb "on the cheap" are long gone (it's easily in the four figure range nowadays if you want it badly enough -- it certainly is worth it's weight in gold). It's either play the "real deal" arcade pcb of DDP or through Mame emulation. Sure, the developer/publisher of SPS did the porting of DDP for the PSX gaming platform indeed.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

Thanks as always!
Maybe I say that because I had DDP on my modded PS1 (the original, then also on the Mini), so out of habit I played that version more (even nowadays).
Strange, I can find little information about ARIKA and practically zero about SPS

The more I read Steven's posts the more I realize that we are truly diametrically opposed

[Steven]

Obligatory bullet hell sucks, play Espial, Gyrodine, and Scramble instead. Dangun Feveron and Crimzon Clover are both pretty fucking awesome, though.

[Lemnear]

There are not many users who prefer STG Old School and who reside in Japan, let alone Tokyo.
So this is a mission for you, Pilot Steven:

MISSION BRIEFING:
From May 2nd to 6th there will be location tests for a new S.T.G., the meeting place is "Takadanobaba Game Center Mikado 4-5-10 Takadanobaba Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Oasis Plaza Building 1F・2F"
Your goal is to infiltrate the building and gather as much information as possible about the prototype codenamed "Sonic Wings Reunion".
If necessary, blow up the building and destroy any evidence of the existence of the Sonic Wings Reunion project, otherwise, report to this site.
This message will self-destruct in 5 seconds

More details:
https://www.success-corp.co.jp/topics/20250418/43678/

[Steven]

Hell yeah, I love location tests. I guess I actually have something to do during GW now.

[Jeneki]

Nice. If it's testing at Mikado, they'll stream it for sure. I guess that makes sense as Mikado's been advertising it on their youtube channel.