#airgrave

Airgrave

As the follow-up to Santos’ previous PS1 shoot-em-up, Stahlfeder: Tekkou Hikuudan, Airgrave is an improvement in every way. It features proper in-game storytelling from the perspective of four playable characters, more detailed environments, and gameplay that’s mechanically denser and more challenging while still remaining approachable. These improvements are backed with an appropriate level of confidence, something that’s evident in the way the game stylishly introduces all of its 3D bosses by zooming in on them from all angles while detailing their specs and abilities. The music this time around was done by Shigenori Masuko of Studio Cliché, a team founded by Fumito Tamayama, who composed for games like Decap Attack, Linkle Liver Story, and Mega Drive cult darling Battle Mania: Daiginjou.