My Played Video Games Review: Super Air Diver 2 for the Super Famicom

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Super Air Diver 2, developed by Copya Systems and published by Asmik Ace Entertainment, Inc, (now a Japanese film production and distribution company). It was released in Japan in 1995 for the Super Famicom. It served as the sequel to the original Super Air Diver, also known as Lock On, which was released for the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) and Super Nintendo in 1992.

From my searches on the Internet, this game apparently only was sold in Japan, and was never released outside of the country. This is quite a shame, because the game is very much complete, with only a few minor bugs, and is very playable. Mostly in English rather than in Japanese, the game makes it very easy to simply jump in and play.

The Story

In Super Air Diver 2, players are thrust into a dynamic 3D war zone, assuming the role of a skilled fighter jet pilot. Their mission revolves around navigating through intense aerial combat scenarios, engaging in high-stakes battles against enemy forces.

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

The graphics in this game use the SNES mode 7 effectively, creating detailed visuals. The aircraft designs are well-executed and realistic, except for the engines which have a cool blue-white glow. The missile smoke might not look perfect, and the explosions could be better, but overall, the game convincingly creates a 3D environment.

The game's perspective is from the outside, giving you a good view. The heads-up display (HUD) is shown as a quarter-screen instrument panel, showing important information like your health, speed, remaining missiles, and flares. The altimeter may not be very useful during dogfights when you're not close to the ground, but it's a nice addition. The radar is the most important part of the HUD, located in the center, and you'll need to keep an eye on it to find distant enemy aircraft.

Considering the time when the game was made, the sound in this game is pretty good, especially considering it was unfinished. The sounds of missiles and afterburners are well done and satisfying. You can also hear nearby aircraft passing by, which adds to the immersive feeling. The explosions, although slightly muted, have a good bass sound that makes them impactful. However, the sound of the cannon is not very good and could be better. On the other hand, the music score is excellent and fits the game perfectly. It has a fast-paced and exciting feel that matches the experience of being a fighter pilot. The percussion in the music is also great, with high-quality drum sounds that make the audio experience even better.

Gameplay video sample of Super Air Diver 2. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

At the beginning of the game, you have four aircraft to choose from: two F-15E Strike Eagles and two Mirage 2000s. You also have a wingman who can join you on certain missions, usually if they're close to your location on the map.

The game's map system works like a chess game, where each move you make is a strategic step forward. The goal is to capture the enemy's airfield and field HQ while protecting your own. The terrain and time of day in each stage depend on your position on the map. This means you can have night missions and encounter different types of terrain.

You have control over your aircraft's speed, and by double-clicking the appropriate button, you can activate the afterburners or the airbrake. You can also perform various aerial maneuvers like barrel rolls, vertical loops, and the Split S. The gameplay is fast-paced, and the game offers a challenging experience overall.

The controls in the game are straightforward, considering the limitations of the SNES controller (which was considered complex during its time). While the controls can be customized, the default settings are user-friendly. It's important to note that the controls may feel a bit counterintuitive, as pressing up makes your aircraft go down, and pressing down makes it go up.

However, when performing aerial maneuvers, such as a split S, you temporarily lose control of your aircraft until the maneuver is complete. This can leave you vulnerable and unable to react during that time. As a result, utilizing these maneuvers requires precise timing and careful consideration, making them more of a calculated strategy rather than a casual action.

Replay value is decent. Like many games, the single-player mode can eventually become repetitive. Nonetheless, you'll likely find yourself returning to the game for more fun and challenges.

My Verdict

Super Air Diver 2 offers an enjoyable experience. It would particularly appeal to those who enjoy shooter games, as well as those who appreciate more laid-back flight simulations, although it doesn't fully qualify as a flight sim. With a two-player mode available, the game maintains its excitement and doesn't become boring quickly, especially when playing with a friend.

Play it on the memorable Super Famicom or play it on a nice emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!