Aera Delivers One of Our Most Exciting iPhone Game Reviews

In our attempt to bring you the best iPhone game reviews, the AppSmile Team has come across one gem that should not be overlooked. Aera, the much-anticipated, side-scrolling, casual flight simulator game from iChromo, has finally hit the app store and it does not disappoint. Beautiful graphics, fluid animation, and terrific controls combine to create an enjoyable experience, whether you are shooting down aircraft or simply taking a scenic flight.

You’ll be presented with four planes and three locations to explore in Aera. Choose from a number of different missions like Aerobatic/Solo, Dog Fight, Race, and Free Flight. Can you grab all the defined floating objects before running out of time in Aerobatic/Solo mode? It’s not so easy, as you need to dodge mines and hit hovering rings in your attempt. If you feel extra competitive, try a quick dog fight. Last plane flying wins. Give your huge supply of ammunition and rockets a workout. When you defeat the enemy, bonuses will be awarded you. These come in the form of points, rockets, etc. Race mode tests your speed to finish a course while avoiding mines along the way. Free Flight mode allows you to enjoy the controls and style of Aera in a relaxing atmosphere. Choose from Easy, Medium, or Hard difficulty levels in Campaign mode or Quick Play.

Although the iPhone is a 2D device, Aera sports nice 3D graphics. All the game sounds are great with realistic propeller sounds and crash audio adding depth. No background music is available, but this isn’t missed since this is more of a simulator than arcade title. You’ll love the controls. The accelerometer handles most of these – tilting your iPhone adjusts the altitude. Give it a jolting shake and your plane will flip 180 degrees. There are controls on-screen which will allow you to adjust the throttle, fire, boost, or switch camera angles. Aera presents all these buttons in an uncluttered array. If you need further help, a tutorial is included along with a walk-through.

Features abound in Aera. The “TimeBack” aspect will auto-reverse time if you nail an object. This give you the chance to try your hand at that section of the game again. Essentially, this gives you the opportunity to continue playing without starting from the beginning of the level. The AppSmile Team was glad to have this helpful feature. If you want to evaluate your flight, you can do so by watching the video replay of your completed mission. No online play exists except for local wi-fi multiplayer. Dual or Capture the Flag mode are your options here. Sensitivity can be adjusted in the Configuration menu. A Prediction line can also be turned on and off here. The Prediction line is a virtual path you will take if you remain at the current altitude and speed.

If you’re looking for a beautifully combined flight simulator, arcade flier, and side scroller game in the App Store, Aera is your answer. Our favorite mode was Dog Fight for sure. However, Solo mode might be the choice for goal-oriented minds. The game is well presented throughout. We have a lot of fun writing all our iPhone game reviews, but Aera was exceptional. The Aera folks spent much time perfecting this title. It is one that will be replayed over and over again. The in-game Achievements will make sure of that. We can’t wait to unlock all of the aircraft and flight locations. At the current price of $0.99, you cannot afford to miss Aera, a 4-star flight simulator.