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Review of Luftrausers on PS3

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo Mar 2014
Cover image of Luftrausers on PS3
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS3 PS3 logo
Released: 18 Mar 2014
Genre: Shoot 'em up
Developer: Vlambeer
Publisher: Devolver Digital

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, fasten your seat belts! We're diving headfirst into the chaotic skies of 'Luftrausers,' a frenetic shoot 'em up that's as intense as it is addictive. This game straps you into the cockpit of a customizable flying death machine, where you're tasked with a simple but terrible mission: shoot everything that moves and try not to blow yourself out of the sky. With no health bars and only your wits to keep you alive, it's all about that sweet blend of skill, strategy, and sheer panic. Get ready for some challenging aerial acrobatics and humorous mayhem!

Gameplay

The moment you launch into the game, your plane arcs and dives like a caffeinated bird on a mission. In *Luftrausers*, you have full control over your aircraft, which means you can turn literally anywhere. But don't let that overwhelm you! Speed and momentum are key here. Simple maneuvers can lead to disaster if you forget to factor in how the laws of physics govern your dodgy aircraft. Also, the game hands you a weapon with a distinct twist; you can only fire from the front, meaning you'll constantly find yourself twisting and turning to get a bead on enemy ships while dodging enemy fire. It's like trying to dance with two left feet; awkward yet thrilling. Customization is where things get spicy. As you rack up kills, you earn unlocks that allow you to tweak your aircraft's weapons, hulls, and engines, each adjustment echoing through your gameplay style and the game's accompanying soundtrack. You can trade swaps and create aircraft reminiscent of a child's toy designed by a toddler on a sugar high. Want to glide effortlessly while shooting supersonic lasers? Done. Prefer a tank that rumbles and soaks up damage like a sponge? You got it! Each aircraft part introduces challenges that will either make you feel like a dogfighter from the golden era of aviation or lead you to curse your screen in frustration. Take note, there's no hand-holding here. Death comes swiftly and mercilessly-an enemy missile might just take you out of the skies before you can say 'What rookie mistake did I just make?' But dying in this game isn't the end; it's merely a pit stop on your road to glory. Each time you die, it's an opportunity to rethink your strategy, restart, and-hopefully-reclaim your lost pride like a toddler after a tumble. Want to challenge yourself further? Try going for high scores in chaotic dogfights while trying to jamb a battleship with your plane. It's exhilarating, it's chaotic, and it feels bloody amazing when you pull it off.

Graphics

On the graphics front, *Luftrausers* boasts a minimalist style that's all about coolness-think of it as the hipster of video games. Everything has a retro flair that screams arcade while keeping it clean and modern. Aircraft zip and zoom across a vibrant, stylized ocean that's waiting to swallow them whole. You might find yourself dodging enemy missiles while chuckling at how solid yet simple everything looks. The color palette is like a box of crayons after a heavy art class, giving rise to an almost surrealistic fight against the backdrop of a beautiful but dangerous sky. You won't find lush landscapes here; instead, you'll immerse yourself in a world of explosive delight!

Conclusion

In conclusion, *Luftrausers* isn't just a game; it's an explosive, high-octane rollercoaster that tests your reflexes, skills, and ability to think on your feet (or wings!). With a hefty challenge that rarely feels unfair, exciting combat, and whimsical customization, it's the ideal blend for those looking for a thrill. It demands skill and wit and rewards every notable achievement with a phenomenal feeling of satisfaction. Once you strap yourself in, you may find it hard to put the controller down. Just remember: as much fun as this game is, spare a thought for any innocent furniture nearby; it may not survive your rage when an enemy ship catches you off guard and sends you crashing from the skies. Happy flying!

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