Wild Blue Skies is a spiritual successor to the famous, fan favourite Star Fox. The colourful anime visuals, punchy story, and exceptional gameplay appeal to lovers of dated and arcade games. Moreover, the branching storyline, AI companions, and score-chasing action ensure that there is plenty to keep you coming back for more.
This single-player arcade on-rails combat game has been developed by Chuhai Labs and published by Balor Games. It is due to be released across multiple platforms, and fans of classic space shooters or low-poly fighters will adore this title. Its slick gameplay, easy-to-follow story, and sharp action are addictive. Therefore, it is tough to put down and instantly appealing.
Wild Blue Skies tells a high-energy story.
The Blue Bombers are a squadron of brave and battle-hardened fighters. However, they have their work cut out for them when they come up against the deadly force of Grimclaw. Bowie Stray and his crew must cross several tough environments as they battle rival pilots, huge bosses, and seamlessly, never-ending waves of enemy squadrons.
The story is nicely told through interesting Anime cutscenes. Moreover, each character has a lively and fascinating personality. The result is a plot that keeps you focused and action that never outstays its welcome. With an array of enemies to destroy and plenty of environmental hazards to overcome, Wild Blue Skies tests your reactions and flying skills.
Although this is coined as an on-rails game, some free-flowing moments challenge your tactical approach and your flying abilities. I loved this blend of gameplay ideas as the on-rails action felt delightfully retro, and the free flight elements delivered dangerous, adrenaline-fuelled moments.
Short, sharp levels.
Wild Blue Skies embodies arcade action in every layer of its being. The scoring system is fair but challenging. With 4 major goals to achieve and points for every successful dogfight, players will push themselves to earn a ribbon and achieve the best score.
The gameplay focuses on light gun fire, bombs, and charged lasers. Each offers a different tactical layer to overcome singular, large, or grouped foes. On top of this, there are timed events, agility tests, and everything in between. Furthermore, you must collect 4 medals per stage to complete the grand slam. If you can do this, you’ll top the leaderboard and feel a sense of achievement.
Finally, the story branches and twists at key points. This forces gamers to replay the game if they wish to destroy every boss and see each plot point. Although this may not appeal to everyone, I liked the depth and the different stages I had to explore.
Wild Blue Skies is clean but dated.
The anime visuals, cutscenes, and consistent frame rates make Wild Blue Skies a treat to look at. Moreover, it is exceptionally colourful, and identifying your teammates and your foes was an easy task. However, the slightly dated sprites and simple animation may not appeal to everyone. I liked this, but fans of more detailed and modern games may not appreciate the walk down memory lane.
The audio is awash with high-energy and deliberate sound effects. The music is bold, brash, and aggressive. The result is a traditional arcade edge with an adrenaline-inducing approach. Consequently, every bullet, dodged projectile, and failed attempt will get your heart racing.
Brilliant controls.
The on-rails approach lets you focus on dodging your opponents’ advances. This isn’t easy, as timing is everything. However, once you get to grips with the design, you’ll weave past each projectile, avoid every obstacle, and look like a pro pilot in no time.
Replay value is limited to high score chasing and accessing every branching storyline. This may not be enough for lovers of 3D flight-combat games, or those wanting hours of drama and story-rich gameplay.
Wild Blue Skies is a great arcade experience.
If you want an excellent on-rails flight-combat game, Wild Blue Skies is appealing. Visually, it blends modern and dated styles with stable and comfortable gameplay. Additionally, it is an audio treat even if it is occasionally uncomfortably loud. It may be short, but it offers enough elements to keep you coming back for more. Accordingly, it is great, and I recommend buying it here! Can you take down the evil Grimclaw? Work as a team, avoid every projectile, and maximise your score!
