Air Twister Reviews
While we were desperate to love Air Twister, it feels like an undernourished Space Harrier homage full of missed opportunity. For Sega fans who want little more than a Space Harrier experience in new clothes, there's little to complain about… except maybe that soundtrack. But, while the extra modes expand the game's longevity and encourage a clear, they feel tacked on. It's fine to go back to for a quick blast now and then, but sit with it for a day or two and its lack of inspiration starts to gnaw. The arcade hardcore are most likely to reap the greatest rewards, but even then there may be a nagging feeling of uncapitalised promise.
Overall, Air Twister is a fine arcade title. It’s initially fun to play, and its trippy fantasy visuals do a decent job of drawing you in. However, once you’ve managed to topple the final boss and are treated to the end cutscene, there really isn’t much to keep you playing or cement the game in memory. The main story mode becomes just what you grind on to afford better butt dressings. I think the fallen swan deserved better.
Don't try to compare this game to anything recent. Air Twister is a one-of-a-kind piece, the product of the whim of a genius mind that, if it manages to connect with you, will make your imagination run wild without any further worries. Otherwise... Well, you've always been interested in seeing an elephant with wings.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you're looking forward to play some good rail shooter on consoles, then there are lots of great alternatives to Air Twister. Just take a look at REZ on PS5 or Panzer Dragoon Orta on Xbox consoles.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Air Twister is a fun arcade feeling game directed by Yu Suzuki that has a great soundtrack and a decent gameplay loop. Though it can get very repetitive if you are trying to play for long spurts of time.
Fans of rail shooters and Suzuki's early arcade work should give this oddball a chance. While the game's core mechanics are rather shallow and its visual assets unimpressive, it succeeds in replay value, boss battles, and music.
Air Twister is a very engrossing rail shooter that keeps luring gamers back for more. The steady stream of bonus content is a satisfying beckoning mechanism that makes replays rewarding. On top of the intrinsic rewards, it is gratifying to improve and master the levels with Valensia’s soaring music as the backdrop.
It is almost as if Air Twister has a lot of secondary depth in its systems that isn't really supported by its short simple campaign. That being said, even while being highly aware of these flaws I still had a really good time playing through it. Everything about Air Twister is bizarre and often flawed, but I can't say it isn't fun.
Yu Suzuki has done something original here. Definitely not for everyone, but it has its charm. Unfortunately, it also has its flaws. It is hard to get into the game when one of the bosses is a clock. The final boss is just a geometric formation. The story is there, but it's as if it's not there at all. The gameplay isn't bad, but even that gets old after a while.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
As a fan of classic arcade shooters, I had fun with Air Twister but its tacked-on upgrades and goofy extra content weigh it down.
What happens if we transport a 1985 gameplay to modern gaming machines? Air Twister refreshes the concept of Space Harrier effectively, adding numerous side activities to counter the short longevity of old arcade productions. Though not revolutionary, Yu Suzuki's new work is a successful homage to this old way of gaming, simple but still fun. If you loved Space Harrier, Air Twister will likely win your heart, despite its essential presentation.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Air Twister is a fun adventure to go through once, but fending off an alien invasion more than that feels more like a chore. At least you can ride a giant swan for a short time.
Occasionally fun but filled with modes that add little to the classic formula, Air Twister is a project as strange as it is nostalgic.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Walking the fine line between honoring and completely ripping off the classic arcade shooter Space Harrier
Air Twister’s main game is short once you manage to nail down a run, but boy is it very sweet and well worth trying to challenge yourself with, with the optional modes/adventure map providing enough replay value to challenge yourself further.
Though it may not be a remarkable adventure and doesn't extend itself for dozens of hours, Air Twister stands out as a fun and casual rail shooter with a modern approach to the '80s spirit. It's a perfect title for short gameplay bursts for high scores and content unlocking, but keep in mind repetitiveness is a factor always present in this war.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Air Twister is a short game, designed to capture the essence of the golden age of arcades, in which Yu Suzuki reminisces about his time at Sega. If you're nostalgic for a game like this and you're still dreaming of the return of Panzer Dragoon, you might like Air Twister and constantly replay the same levels in search of a better score. Despite the fun it can bring over a couple of hours, it's easy to feel that it's a very humble project on its scale and that Suzuki could do a lot more on a larger project.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
For those of you who missed it’s original release on the Apple Arcade, and I’m almost sure that was just about everyone, you owe it to yourself to download this release on your favorite console and enjoy.
Air Twister is a peculiar game that can be intriguing and fun despite its flaws. It’s neat to see Yu Suzuki go back to the success of Space Harrier all these years later, though the price may be a bit steep for those who aren’t arcade enthusiasts.
Air Twister is the sort of game that works well on the Switch due to its simplicity and ease of playing in short bursts. Along with the host of arcade titles that I’ve taken a look at over the course of the system’s lifespan, it’s yet another respectable addition to its catalog. Just don’t expect it to blow you away or anything – what it does might not be much, but it is as well developed as it can be for what it is.