SNES - Aero the Acro-bat 1 or 2?

[j1e]

I was thinking about picking up 1 of these 2 games. They are both pretty cheap, but which one is the superior game? Both about the same? Both of em suck? Any insight would be appreciated.

[Doonzmore]

I enjoyed 2 a lot more than 1. The circus theme grew old in the first one. 2 feels a little darker and the music is superior. I gave up on finishing 1 out of frustration but beat 2 and really enjoyed every level of it.

[Drixxel]

I definitely prefer the sequel, mainly for the same reasons that Doonzmore mentioned. More diverse locales and generally more appealing everything, including more precise controls. Platforming in the first Aero is a bit clunky; the sense of inertia is a bit off, in my opinion. One extra consideration with Aero the Acrobat 2 is, at least whenever I've looked, it's always been the pricier of the two.

[badinsults]

Aero The Acrobat 2 is an awesome platformer. I'd say it is probably where Sunsoft peaked before they went bust. Aero The Acrobat... I don't think I ever got past the first stage.

[Edmond Dantes]

I'd get both, if you can afford it. A duo of greatly underrated games. Aero was a childhood favorite. I replayed both lately expecting them to be soured by an adult perspective, but they actually hold up pretty well.

One thing though, I actually prefer the Genesis version of Aero 1 to the SNES version. There's not a hella lot of difference, except for one of the secret levels.

But yeah, if you can only get one, get Aero 2, if only because its harder to find. Make it a point to come back for Aero 1 later tho.

Personally, I actually think Aero 1 is the better game. Yeah its harder, but also more rewarding, more of a feeling of accomplishment when you succeed (though admittedly there are some cheap deaths, but as its a game liberally sprinkled with 1-ups thats not much of a problem). It's also a more coherent experience--there isn't really a plot per se (its basically about an evil clown trying to destroy the circus that fired him, and for some reason Aero takes it upon himself to stop him) the progression of the levels, from inside a big top to the bad guy's lair, makes sense. By contrast, Aero 2 has cutscenes after every level to try and flesh out the plot more, but the plot winds up making no sense and the levels are just kind of random, so it lacks the clear sense of progress the first one had. It does control better and is slightly easier though, and both games have an awesome soundtrack, so they're both very much worth picking up.

Incidentally, there's a spinoff game called Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel (Zero being a bad guy in both the Aero games, though you never actually fight him). Sadly, I was never able to find this game so I don't know anything about it, other than that it exists.

[starsoldier1]

Ohya, I remember the first one for being a decent action game ruined by bad controls. The second one is much better thankfully.
Aero 1 review:
http://youtu.be/pmLhDkdDHLc

[Edmond Dantes]

I'm gonna be the only guy who thinks Aero 1 is better than Aero 2, ain't I?

[Smashed Brother]

I'm gonna be the only guy who thinks Aero 1 is better than Aero 2, ain't I?

No, I'm with you on this one. I've owned both of them and played them extensively, but I ended up selling the second one. Yeah, Aero 2 does have slightly tighter controls, but I love the atmosphere of the first game. Also, those forced-scrolling snowboard levels in the second game are absolute garbage and nearly ruined the whole experience. Also, the first game's soundtrack is amazing (at least on the SNES)!

[Dr. BaconStein]

Wow, I almost thought I was the only one who played these games. I've had the Genesis version of Aero 1 since I was a child (my aunt got it for me), and it's pretty fun. Standard platformer for the most part, but the environments are vibrant and the music is pretty good too. I have tried the second game via-emulator before, it's okay and the animations are a little nicer, but I have to agree with Smashed Brother that the atmosphere of the first game seems more distinctive and memorable.

I can't recommend one or the other since I haven't played the sequel that much and I haven't really played the SNES versions much, but I'd say if you can't choose, just go for both or do what I do and emulate them to see which one you prefer, then buy it. I know it's taboo for a lot of retro gamers, but it's a great convenience to have any title at your fingertips. Almost like playing a free demo before getting the real thing.

[Gameguy]

Both games are good, but I have the first game on the Genesis and the second on the SNES. I'd rather have both on the Genesis though, if only I could find copies locally.

[Edmond Dantes]

Both games are good, but I have the first game on the Genesis and the second on the SNES.

You too eh?

[Gameguy]

You too eh?
That's just how I found them. I've actually found 2 copies of Aero 2 for SNES over the years but never for the Genesis, my copy of Aero 1 for the Genesis is missing the manual as I'm having trouble coming across other copies of these games. I still need a copy of Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel too. I'm trying to avoid buying these games at game stores and just stick to cheap copies.

[Edmond Dantes]

I still need a copy of Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel too.

You too eh?

Personally I wouldn't mind owning all three games both ways, just for the minor differences (usually cosmetic, AFAIK). Aero is one of the most underrated animal mascots of the 16-bit era, three spots ahead of Bubsy (I know I'll get hanged for that one, but I personally consider the first Bubsy game very good).

[obesolete]

I liked the first one better too.

Both games seem to be totally different games to me. The first one will always be a favorite of mine, and I remember being super excited about the second, only to be kind of thrown off by the whole lack of circus and weird story cut scenes.

...not that it was a bad game, just different than the first.

Controls ARE better for the second, but the first game doesn't take long to get used to the timing on jumps and spins.

I can't say that the Genesis version is any better than the SNES(for the first game that is) as I had both for a period of time and ultimately got rid of the Genesis version. I couldn't stand the sound. It's terrible.

Get both. They're both gems in their own.