Luftrausers (2014)

A simple yet fun little game by the devs who brought us: Super Crate Box and Nuclear Throne.

Luftrausers arrives at a point where the indie game market is stronger than ever, with developers continuing to raise the bar in terms of product quality. With the aforementioned strife that Ismail and his team have undergone through the production process, it wouldn't have been a surprise to see this title banished into mediocrity. But make no mistake, this game is up there with the best of them.

Luftrausers is a perfect case study for the benefits and limitations of a game concerned solely with fun. On the plus side, it takes all of four seconds to get into the game and start enjoying it. On the other hand, anything that detracts from the fun (in this case, balance issues) damages the overall experience more than it normally would. As a result, all but the most dedicated fans will give up on Luftrausers after a short time - not because the game itself is short, but because it's not fine-tuned enough to maintain interest. However, it must be stressed that before that drop-off point, the game's sharp controls, dynamic presentation, and unique combat options make it irresistibly addictive. Two days' worth of constant entertainment is time well spent, and if that doesn't deserve a recommendation, nothing does.

Matched with an attractive sepia tone and a thumping soundtrack, Luftrausers is an enthralling and time-sapping trial of nerve and persistence. It's certainly a game much more suited for pocket gaming and the Vita release will likely prove to be the essential version, but whatever your chosen flavour there's a quality to the design that'll shine through on any platform.

Luftrausers is a nice little getaway from the story-focused games that populate the landscape nowadays. It's a great game that is both fun and challenging for those who appreciate simpler experiences. Those not interested in chasing high scores will still get some mileage out of the challenge and unlock system, but the game is really made for those who adore points. The short playtimes for each round ensure that you can sneak in a round or two between other things, but the addictive nature proves alluring enough that hours can fly by before you notice. For anyone who enjoys a fun, solid game, Luftrausers comes highly recommended.