I’m not sure how they got the rights. But Ratalaika Games somehow got a hold of Iguana’s classic SNES platformers, and now they’re getting a re-release. It began last month with the original Aero the Acro-Bat. However, now we’re seeing the true gems from their library, as Aero the Acro-Bat 2 is here for modern consoles.
This one is a huge improvement over the original. The gameplay feels better and the presentation is miles ahead, particularly with music. And the emulation is just about spot-on, 16-bit warts and all. However, Ratalaika also added to this package with cheats, a jukebox, viewing options and more. Plus it’s incredibly budget priced at a mere six bucks.
There are slight hiccups, particularly with the very static menu selection screen. But that’s a small price to pay to get your hands on an Iguana classic. Aero the Acro-Bat 2 is pure magic.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2 Brings On the Ektor
Unlike the first game, Aero the Acro-Bat 2 opens into a wider world. The evil Ektor has a new plan in place, and Aero once must again stop him. However, he utilizes a magician’s box that sends him across the globe. From the reaches of a Russian prison to a mysterious music world, there’s some ground to cover here.
Now, this is a Super Nintendo game, so the length will be…short. Just a heads up. There’s no replay value here, and Ratalaika didn’t include the Genesis version for comparison. That said, there’s still a lot to like here.
The gameplay feels better than the original. Aero’s screw attacks feel more natural to use. And the ability to utilize a diving one is great, since enemies will occasionally be right under you. He can throw stars as well as he collects them, and other power-ups enable him to find secrets. These include 1-ups, secret areas and letters to unlock a shell game bonus round. Typical platformer stuff, but done very well here.
On top of that, Ratalaika gave it some good extras. The jukebox is cool, especially with the snowboarding tracks. There are also classic game manuals and posters, along with screen filters. Finally, there are cheats you can unlock, making the game infinitely easier. Maybe too easy. Up to you, of course. Did I mention you can rewind in real-time as well? Useful.
The only downside is that the menu feels slapped together. You can access options easily enough, but they lack flourish. Plus you can’t activate some features while a game is running, it seems.
But, really, for $6, you get a classic SNES game in prime form. And considering what physical copies sell for lately, that’s a saving grace. Aero the Acro-Bat 2 deserves its time in the spotlight, and now more people can discover it. “Yippee!”
A Swell Looking Bat-Venture
To go along with the improved gameplay, Aero the Acro-Bat 2’s presentation also goes the extra mile.
The visuals look way better with its world locales and speed. Rather than being stuck in a circus, you get to explore a much bigger area. The levels are beautiful and harbor all sorts of secret areas. What’s more, the enemy design shows decent variance, including bugs, soldiers and more. They’re cutely designed, for good measure.
Again, it would’ve been nice to have the Genesis version of the game as well. But at least Ratalaika chose the superior one. This SNES coding is a nice little flashback.
On top of that, the soundtrack is excellent. It starts out small with some good platforming music. But once you hit the track with fresh snowboarding (some of the best stages in the game), it’s phenomenal. You’ll feel the rush going down the mountain to some amazing tunes. Don’t be surprised if you revisit them in the jukebox mode.
It’s vintage SNES, so don’t expect a remaster for the ages. But Ratalaika did a solid job porting the classic 16-bit game for a modern era. I didn’t mind this nostalgic approach in the least.
Drives Me Batty!
I didn’t mind the original Aero the Acro-Bat, but the sequel definitely makes all the difference. Aero the Acro-Bat 2 just feels right in every way. The gameplay clicks better; the presentation is amongst the SNES best (for third party); and there’s content galore. Plus the $6 price means your wallet won’t take too heavy a hit from it.
On top of that, the superb Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel drops in just a few weeks. That will continue to show the fine, underappreciated work that Iguana did back in “the day.” I recommend you pick that up alongside Aero the Acro-Bat 2. Nothing wrong with rediscovering some great platformers from the good ol’ days.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5)
Thanks to PR Hound for providing a review code! Aero the Acro-Bat 2 is available now for PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch and Xbox.
