Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Aerial Combat ST delivers a straightforward yet compelling dogfight experience that is immediately accessible to players of all skill levels. From the moment you select your plane type—whether the rickety biplane of World War I, the nimble craft of the present era, or the sleek fighter jet of the future—you’ll find that each aircraft handles distinctly. The control scheme is intuitive, relying on just a few keys to bank, accelerate, and fire, which means newcomers can jump right into the action without wading through a steep learning curve.

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The single-shot limitation per player adds a strategic layer rarely seen in other two-player shooters. Knowing that you cannot spam bullets forces you to time each shot carefully, leading to tense moments of try-and-dodge as you both circle for a clear line of fire. The wrap-around screen design keeps the skirmish contained yet dynamic; chasing an opponent off the left edge only to see them reappear on the right keeps you constantly alert, and often leads to daring maneuvers that turn the tide of battle.

Multiplayer matches are where the game truly shines. With no CPU opponents to pad out the roster, every match is a high-stakes showdown between human pilots. The five-life system grants enough margin for errors and last-ditch comebacks, which enriches the back-and-forth ebb and flow of duels. Whether you decide to dogfight head-on or engage in a long-range standoff, Aerial Combat ST’s gameplay loop is simple but addictive, making each victory feel hard-earned and each defeat a learning opportunity.

Graphics

On the Atari ST, Aerial Combat ST shows what STOS can do in the hands of a creative developer. The three included backgrounds—depicting rolling countryside, modern cityscapes, and futuristic skylines—are stored in the .PI1 Degas format, offering crisp, colorful backdrops that give each era its own distinctive flair. Though the resolution and color palette are limited by the hardware, the backgrounds feel surprisingly detailed and help set the mood for each type of aerial skirmish.

The plane sprites themselves are modest but serviceable, with clear silhouettes that make it easy to distinguish friend from foe in the heat of battle. Each plane type sports unique visual touches—such as the biplane’s brace wires and the jet’s swept wings—that reinforce their thematic differences. Animations are kept minimal, but the occasional smoke trail when a plane is hit or the flash of a fired shot adds just enough visual feedback to keep players engaged.

One of the most appealing aspects of Aerial Combat ST’s graphics is the user customization option. By allowing players to swap in their own .PI1 files, the game opens the door to endless visual variety. Whether you want to stage dogfights over the moon’s surface or your own pixel art masterpiece, the game’s support for custom backgrounds ensures that no two matches have to look the same. For retro enthusiasts and budding artists alike, this feature breathes extra life into the package.

Story

Aerial Combat ST isn’t a narrative-driven title, but it does provide enough context to spark the imagination. The choice of three distinct eras offers a loose storyline: you’re either a daring World War I ace trading clouds of canvas and wire, a modern pilot locked in a contemporary aerial duel, or a future fighter jock battling among sleek, neon-lit spires. While there’s no campaign or cutscenes, the thematic framing is sufficient to lend each match its own flavor.

In lieu of a traditional plot, the game’s “story” emerges organically through the intensity of the duels. Each skirmish feels like a single episode in a broader saga of rival aces, and the limited lives system adds dramatic stakes to every encounter. The absence of a structured storyline means you supply your own narrative: maybe you’re reenacting historical dogfights or engaging in futuristic warfare—either way, the game encourages players to imagine their own aerial legends.

The true narrative drive comes from player rivalry and the scoreboard of close calls. Without scripted missions to follow, the story arc of your gameplay is written in split-second dogfighting decisions. Defeating an opponent with just one life remaining or executing a perfect long-range shot creates memorable moments that feel more personal than any static cutscene. In that sense, Aerial Combat ST’s minimalist approach lets the players write the story together in every match.

Overall Experience

Aerial Combat ST stands out as a pure, unfiltered two-player shooter that celebrates head-to-head competition on the Atari ST. Its blend of accessible controls, era-spanning plane choices, and wrap-around aerial arenas yields a gameplay loop that is both easy to pick up and rich in tactical depth. For fans of retro gaming or anyone seeking a straightforward dogfight simulation, this title offers a solid block of entertainment without unnecessary complexity.

The game’s visual customization is a major plus, extending replay value far beyond the three stock backgrounds. With a little creativity, you and a friend can craft your own aerial battlegrounds, ensuring that each session feels fresh. Additionally, the five-life structure provides a balanced mix of tension and forgiveness, so newcomers can learn the ropes without feeling perpetually outmatched, while veterans can still engage in nail-biting duels.

While Aerial Combat ST lacks modern features like online play, AI opponents, or a full campaign, it excels at what it sets out to do: deliver raw, player-versus-player dogfighting fun. Its focused design means there’s no filler—just you, your opponent, and the open sky. If you’re looking for a retro two-player game that sparks competitive spirit and rewards tactical thinking, Aerial Combat ST is well worth adding to your STOS collection.

Retro Replay Score

null/10