Aero Fighters 3

Game Details:

In Aero Fighters 3, players can choose from a roster of characters from various countries like Japan, the USA, Germany, and the UK, with each team possessing a unique fighter jet, attack style, and a powerful "Bomb" attack. The game's biggest highlight is its non-linear level design. Depending on how or when players destroy specific targets in certain stages, the game will diverge into different branching paths, leading to multiple endings. Compared to the previous two installments, the third game features a more robust fighter power-up system and smoother controls. The game's style blends a serious war theme with numerous absurd elements, such as mecha bosses that transform into giant crabs or monkeys. This contrasting charm is a core appeal of the series.

Game Guide:

Fighter Selection and Firepower Control:

Beginners are recommended to use the American team's "Sikorsky" helicopter. Although it has slow movement speed, its wide bullet spread and auto-tracking sub-weapon provide a very high survival rate. For players aiming for speedruns, the Japanese team's Zero fighter is the top choice. Its charge shot and Bomb deal massive damage, quickly shortening the duration of boss battles.

Triggering Branching Paths:

The game's level progression depends on the player's performance at the end of a stage. For example, destroying specific buildings or specific colored enemy planes in the first stage will determine whether the subsequent path leads to the European or Asian theater. To challenge the hidden stages or reach the true ending, you must master the destruction sequence of each stage.

Strategic Use of Bombs:

Bombs here are not just a tool for survival. Since item drops are frequent in this game, when facing a boss with multiple form changes, you should proactively use a Bomb to cancel out bullet patterns and deal point-blank damage.

Co-op Mode Benefits:

The game supports two-player co-op, and specific character combinations will trigger special ending dialogues. When playing together, you can adopt a strategy where one player focuses on clearing out minions while the other uses charge shots on the boss for a smooth clear.

Scoring Techniques:

The point value of gold coins in the game fluctuates depending on where they are collected on the screen. Collecting coins at the very top of the screen yields the highest score (2000 points). Therefore, when you have fire superiority, try to dash to the top of the screen to collect points the moment an enemy plane is destroyed.