AeroWings | March 4, 1999
AeroWings
Released on March 4, 1999. It is an acrobatic flight simulator that challenges players to perform aerobatics with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 4th Air Wing, 11th Flight Squadron "Blue Impulse."
This is the first title in the series and the first title for the Dreamcast as CRI, focusing on acrobatics with multiple aircraft in formation flying. This is the only title in the series that allows both formation flying and acrobatics training (it is also the only game among realistic flight simulators for home consoles that focuses on acrobatics).
Blue Impulse Mission
This is the main mode where players can virtually experience joining "Blue Impulse." It consists of a total of 20 steps: 10 basic training and 10 performance training. Players must score at least 60 out of 100 points in each stage to attempt the next mission, and by clearing specific missions, they can unlock historic "Blue Impulse" aircraft. The basic aircraft used is Instructor Yamaoka's 5th aircraft (the rightmost in the formation), which has the largest movements, making the difficulty very high in the later stages.
Sky Attack Mission
Simply put, this is the arcade mode. Players aim for high scores by collecting targets placed in the air on the map within a set time (by flying through targets drawn in smoke). The targets include "Point Targets (white)" that provide simple scores, "Double Targets (yellow)" that double the score for a certain time after being collected, and "Check Targets" that must be collected. The mission ends when all "Check Targets" are collected. In the eight stages, players can choose the order for seven stages freely. A new aircraft is unlocked for each stage upon the first clear.
Free Flight
In this mode, players can freely fly across 9 different maps and choose from up to 11 aircraft (initially starting with the T-4 trainer, which increases based on the progression of the above two missions). Players can form a maximum of 4 aircraft in formation with CPU aircraft, and as the leader, they can freely give commands during acrobatic flights.
Multiplayer
This mode allows up to 4 players to play simultaneously. It is not online but rather requires connecting 4 controllers directly to the Dreamcast to play. Players can select from 4 maneuvers and Free Flight. When selecting maneuvers, only the "T-4 Blue Impulse" can be used, and the leader aircraft will be a CPU (forming a formation with the player’s aircraft and 5 others). Additionally, the 4 players cannot choose different aircraft. Since there are no weapons mounted on the aircraft, the game is based on scoring through formation flying and acrobatic flights rather than direct competition.
Library
This mode allows players to watch replays and demonstration flights. It includes "Flight Record" where players can watch their own flying records and "Briefing Video," which shows exemplary acrobatic performances. The "Briefing Video" can be viewed by clearing the "Blue Impulse Mission."
Exhibition
This is a bonus mode available after clearing all stages of the "Blue Impulse Mission." Players can enjoy Blue Impulse's aerobatic flights, including those not featured in the main mission, choosing their formation positions freely. There are no scores or pass/fail ratings, and players can also watch replays.
Available Aircraft
T-4 (Normal), T-4 Blue Impulse, T-2 Blue Impulse, F-86F Blue Impulse, F-4EJ, F-4EJ Upgrade, F-1, F-2, F-15J, F-15DJ (two-seater), RF-4E (reconnaissance aircraft) (a total of 11 types, all unarmed).
