Aera First Look

by Levi Buchanan - IGN.com | 08 July 2009 12:00
 
Platforming meets flight sim?
 
More and more iPhone games are knocking down pre-conceptions that Apple's device just cannot handle gorgeous 3D. Add iChromo's Aera to the growing list. This flight sim looks stunning in its debut screenshots. However, this is not a flight sim in the sense of previous genre hits. iChromo describes the game as a cross between side-scrolling and flying. You maintain a linear path through the skies, not entirely unlike the SEGA classic NiGHTS.
 
There is a Free Flight mode for just exploring the scenery, but much of Aera circles around missions. Pilots will race rivals, play capture the flag, dog-fight opponents, and perform high-flying stunts for the thrill of the crowd. The more missions you complete, the more planes you unlock and more locations are thrown open for your virtual wings. If you get into trouble, a "second chance" mode lets you rewind time to before a crash and try a different approach.
 

Aera, you can be my wingman any time.

Aera also features a replay mode so you can record your biggest stunts or shoot-downs and then play them back later.
 
iChromo says that Aera is nearing completion and will be landing on the App Store very soon. IGN will keep an eye on this flier, so come back soon for a full review.
 
Supplied by IGN.com