Difference between revisions of "Aero the Acro-Bat 2"

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{{otherPage|desc=the 2024 aftermarket re-release|page=Aero the Acro-Bat 2 (Limited Run Games)}}
 
{{Bob
 
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| genre=Action
 
| genre=Action
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
| md_date_eu=1995-08{{fileref|MeanMachinesSega35UK.pdf|page=82}}
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| md_date_us=1995-01{{magref|egm|65|298}}
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| md_code_us=T-15166
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| md_rating_us=ga
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| md_date_eu=1995-08{{magref|mms|35|82}}
 
| md_code_eu=T-15166-50
 
| md_code_eu=T-15166-50
| md_rrp_uk=29.99{{fileref|MeanMachinesSega35UK.pdf|page=82}}
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| md_date_uk=1995-08{{magref|mms|35|82}}
| md_date_us=1995-01{{fileref|EGM US 065.pdf|page=298}}
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| md_code_uk=T-15166-50
| md_code_us=T-15166
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| md_rrp_uk=29.99{{magref|mms|35|82}}
 
| md_date_au=1995
 
| md_date_au=1995
 
| md_code_au=FAER03SMC
 
| md_code_au=FAER03SMC
 +
| md_rating_au=g
 
}}
 
}}
| vrc=ga
 
| oflc=gold
 
 
| esra=3
 
| esra=3
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| otherformats={{NonSega|SNES}}
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| savetype={{SaveType
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|MD|password
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}}
 
}}
 
}}
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is the sequel to ''[[Aero the Acro-Bat]]'', and was released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Super Nintendo]] in 1994. Like its prequel, the game follows the adventures of Aero, a bat tasked with saving the world from Edgar Ektor.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is the sequel to ''[[Aero the Acro-Bat]]'', and was released for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Super Nintendo]] in 1994. Like its prequel, the game follows the adventures of Aero, a bat tasked with saving the world from Edgar Ektor.
  
 
There are several improvements over the original game, such as more moves, cutscenes that progress the game's story in between each world, and a password system that allows progress in the game to be saved.
 
There are several improvements over the original game, such as more moves, cutscenes that progress the game's story in between each world, and a password system that allows progress in the game to be saved.
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
The story starts directly after the events of the original game, where Aero had knocked Edgar Ektor off of a tower. After knocking him off, Aero leaves to explore Ektor's museum, finding a mirror which brings him to an ancient castle. Meanwhile, Ektor's henchman Zero manages to save him before he hits the ground, and tells Zero to prepare a 'Plan B'.
+
{{ScreenThumb|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Batasha.png|width=200|Batasha}}
 +
The story starts directly after the events of the original game, where Aero had knocked his nemesis Edgar Ektor off of a tower. After knocking him off, Aero leaves to explore Ektor's museum, finding a mirror which brings him to an ancient castle. There, Aero meets an Eastern European bat named Batasha, who pleads for his help. Meanwhile, Ektor's henchman Zero manages to save him before he hits the ground and tells Zero to prepare a "Plan B."
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 +
The game is a side-scrolling platformer played as the "bat with attitude," Aero. The game is split into eight worlds, with all of them except for the last consisting of three acts each. The goal of each act is to reach the exit at the end, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups along the way.
  
The game is split into 8 worlds, all of them except for the final world with three 'acts' each. The goal of each level is to find the exit at the end of every act, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups along the way.
+
Aero moves with {{left}} and {{right}} and ducks with {{down}}. He runs after walking a short distance. He can slide along the ground with {{C}} while running, which lets him slide under certain obstacles. He jumps with {{B}} (or somersaults when running). Aero climbs ladders with {{up}} and {{down}} and slides down them with {{C}}. The player can pan the camera by holding {{C}} and using the D-Pad.
  
Aero keeps his drill jump from the original game, an ability that can be aimed either diagonally up or down to reach enemies and platforms. New to this game is the added ability to aim the drill jump straight down, allowing Aero to attack enemies directly below him. Food can be collected for extra points, and stars can be thrown at enemies to defeat them, much like the original game. There are also four hidden letters in each act that spell the word 'Aero'. Finding all four letters will unlock a cup switching game at the end of the act where an extra life can be earned.
+
Aero retains his drill maneuver from the original game, which is his primary means of attack. It is performed by pressing {{B}} in midair. The drill moves diagonally upwards but can be aimed diagonally downwards with {{down}}+{{B}}. He can drill once per jump normally, but he can find an item that allows him to drill twice. He can also drill multiple times in succession by bouncing off enemies. Aero gains a new ability called the drop drill that lets him drill directly downward by pressing {{C}} in midair. This lets him attack enemies directly below him or sometimes uncover hidden areas by busting through the ground. The drop drill can be chained with the diagonal drill. He can also collect stars in each act that can be thrown at enemies with {{A}}. He can throw stars while jumping but not while walking or ducking.  
  
The game is split into eight worlds, each with three 'acts' each. There are three boss fights in the game, two of them at the end of certain worlds, and the third and final fight at the end of the final level.
+
Aero has a health bar and starts each stage with three hit points (which can be extended up to five hit points by collecting items). He loses a hit point whenever he takes damage from an enemy and loses a life when he loses every hit point. Some hazards, such as swinging bells or fans that thrust him into the screen, cost Aero a life regardless of his health meter. Aero can gain more health and more lives by finding items in the stages. There is a password system for continuing.
  
===Controls===
+
===Objects===
:{{A}}: Throw stars
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{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
:{{b}}: Jump
+
{{InfoRow
:{{c}}: Look
+
| title=Cannon
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=62 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=While standing on top of a cannon, Aero can load himself into it with {{down}} and fire it by pressing {{A}}, {{B}}, or {{C}}. The barrel fluctuates up and down while Aero is in it, and Aero flies higher and farther when the barrel is more fully extended.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Aero Box
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=30 | crop_height=24 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Drill into the box to release health pick-ups.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Barber Pole
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=64 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Aero revives at the last checkpoint passed if he loses a life.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Chance Door
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=66 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Teleports Aero to a bonus room where he can earn an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Exit Door
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=66 | crop_height=81 | crop_x=160 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=The goal at the end of the act.
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
:{{up}}+{{b}}: Drill jump diagonally up
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===Items===
:{{down}}+{{b}}: Drill jump diagonally down
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{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
:{{c}} while in the air: Drill jump directly downwards
+
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magical Star
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Collect stars to throw at enemies with {{A}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Health Bar
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increments Aero's health bar by a hit point, up to a maximum of 5.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hamburger
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 10 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Ice Cream Cone
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 20 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Candy Cane
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 30 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Root Beer
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=144 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 40 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Pizza
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=160 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 50 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=AERO
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=64 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Collect all of the AERO letters in an act to play the Ektor shell game.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Bonus Icon
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=208 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Grants Aero access to the bonus act after completing the current act. There is one of these hidden in each world (except the last).
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wings
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=192 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Lets Aero fly for a short time.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Double Drill
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=176 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Lets Aero perform his drill move twice in midair for as long as the timer lasts.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Fire Aero
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=224 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Lets Aero perform a flaming drill move, which can be done twice in succession and plows through enemies instead of bouncing off, for as long as the timer lasts.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Free Aero
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=240 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Worlds===
 +
Each world, with the exception of the last, consists of 3 acts (plus a hidden bonus act). Fort Red Star, Dr. Dis Industries, and Ektor's Engine have boss fights.
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Bell Castle
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Boardin' Zone
 +
| password={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=128}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=0}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=0}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=64}}
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Fort Red Star
 +
| password={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=64}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=64}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=128}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=96}}
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot5=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Boss 2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Disco Fever
 +
| password={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=0}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=160}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=64}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=128}}
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Dr. Dis Industries
 +
| password={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=96}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=128}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=160}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=64}}
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot5=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Boss 2.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Performers' Dungeon
 +
| password={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=160}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=32}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=64}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=0}}
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Ektor's Engine
 +
| password={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=32}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=96}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=160}} {{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png | crop_width=32 | crop_x=128}}
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 7.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 7 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Bonus act===
 +
Aero enters a bonus act after completing the current stage if he finds a Bonus Icon item. Every world has a bonus act except for Ektor's Engine. The bonus act is filled with food items for bonus points and contains no enemies.
 +
 
 +
{{gallery|widths=200|screens=yes|
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1 Bonus.png | Bell Castle bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2 Bonus.png | Boardin' Zone bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Bonus.png | Fort Red Star bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4 Bonus.png | Disco Fever bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Bonus.png | Dr. Dis Industries bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6 Bonus.png | Performers' Dungeon bonus act}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Bonus game===
 +
{{ScreenThumb|Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Bonus Stage.png|width=200|Bonus game}}
 +
The player plays a bonus game if Aero finds all of the AERO letters in a act. It is a shell game where Ektor shuffles three cups around. One cup contains an extra life, another contains 1,000 bonus points, and the last cup contains nothing. The player is shown which item is under which cup before Ektor begins moving them and must pick a cup when he is done (using {{left}} and {{right}} and pressing {{A}}, {{B}}, or {{C}} to confirm). The player receives whichever item is under the chosen cup.
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
 +
{{multicol|
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
{{multicol|
+
*'''Created and Produced by:''' David Siller
*'''Created by''': David Siller
+
*'''Directed by:''' Nigel Cook, Carl Wade
*'''Produced by''': David Siller
+
*'''Design by:''' Nigel Cook
*'''Directed by''': Nigel Cook, Carl Wade
+
*'''Team Leader:''' Carl Wade
*'''Design by''': Nigel Cook
+
*'''Programmers:''' Carl Wade, Richard Cowie
*'''Team Leader''': Carl Wade
+
*'''Additional Programming:''' Iguana UK
*'''Programmers''': Carl Wade, Richard Cowie
+
*'''Project Manager:''' Jay Moon
*'''Additional Programming''': Iguana UK
+
*'''Creative Director:''' Nigel Cook
*'''Project Manager''': Jay Moon
 
*'''Creative Director''': Nigel Cook
 
 
*'''Art Director:''' Matt Stubbington
 
*'''Art Director:''' Matt Stubbington
*'''Technical Director''': Craig Galley
+
*'''Technical Director:''' Craig Galley
*'''Executive Producer''': Jeff Spangenberg
+
*'''Executive Producer:''' [[Jeff Spangenberg]]
*'''Lead Artists''': Jonathan Casco, Michael McCallion
+
*'''Lead Artists:''' Jonathan Casco, Michael McCallion
*'''Artists''': Adrian Ludley, Gregg Hargrove, Patrick Thomas, Adam McCarthy
+
*'''Artists:''' Adrian Ludley, Gregg Hargrove, Patrick Thomas, Adam McCarthy
*'''Additional Art''': William B. Yeatts, Matt Stubbington
+
*'''Additional Art:''' William B. Yeatts, Matt Stubbington
*'''Music Coordinators''': Jay Moon, Darrin Stubbington
+
*'''Music Coordinators:''' Jay Moon, Darrin Stubbington
*'''Music and Sound Effects''': Fox Productions
+
*'''Music and Sound Effects:''' Fox Productions
*'''Sunsoft Art Director''': Mario Zavala
+
*'''Sunsoft Art Director:''' Mario Zavala
*'''Technical Manager''': Al Artus
+
*'''Technical Manager:''' Al Artus
*'''Consumer Product Manager''': Steve Gehrke
+
*'''Consumer Product Manager:''' Steve Gehrke
*'''Marketing Director''': Karen Shadley
+
*'''Marketing Director:''' Karen Shadley
*'''Chairman''': Masami Maeda
+
*'''Chairman:''' Masami Maeda
*'''Vice Chairman''': Tad Shimamoto
+
*'''Vice Chairman:''' Tad Shimamoto
*'''Director Sunsoft Japan''': Kiharu Yoshida
+
*'''Director Sunsoft Japan:''' Kiharu Yoshida
*'''International Coordinator''': Kenji Yoshioka
+
*'''International Coordinator:''' Kenji Yoshioka
*'''Game Test Manager''': Sam Patel
+
*'''Game Test Manager:''' Sam Patel
*'''Game Testing''': Mike Spangenberg, Steve Rizor, Daniel Rizor, Ryan Siller, Matthew Ross, Dan MacArthur, Steve Gehrke, René Boutin, Justin Siller
+
*'''Game Testing:''' Mike Spangenberg, Steve Rizor, Daniel Rizor, Ryan Siller, Matthew Ross, Dan MacArthur, Steve Gehrke, René Boutin, Justin Siller
*'''Game Manual''': Alison Quirion
+
*'''Game Manual:''' Alison Quirion
*'''Executive Assistant''': Nanette Hyssong
+
*'''Executive Assistant:''' Nanette Hyssong
*'''Customer Service and Credit''': Kazuko Harman, June Eckert, Julie Williams, Jamie Jorgenson, Erin Berry, Connie Perez, Jaupale Laster
+
*'''Customer Service and Credit:''' Kazuko Harman, June Eckert, Julie Williams, Jamie Jorgenson, Erin Berry, Connie Perez, Jaupale Laster
*'''Sunsoft Thanks To''': Bruce Reilly, Cathy Juby, Toko Okano, Darin Horgan, John Davis, Karen Lillie, Sherry Ross, Akito Takeuchi, Kazuaki Gotou, Masato Kawai
+
*'''Sunsoft Thanks To:''' Bruce Reilly, Cathy Juby, Toko Okano, Darin Horgan, John Davis, Karen Lillie, Sherry Ross, Akito Takeuchi, Kazuaki Gotou, Masato Kawai
*'''Very Special Thanks''': Debra Siller
+
*'''Very Special Thanks:''' Debra Siller
*'''In Memory Of''': Ayrton Senna
+
*'''In Memory Of:''' [[Ayrton Senna]]
*'''Iguana Thanks To''': Stephen Broumley, Pete Suarez, Beth Spangenberg, Tammy Mullins, Jane Notgrass, John Lowe
+
*'''Iguana Thanks To:''' Stephen Broumley, Pete Suarez, Beth Spangenberg, Tammy Mullins, Jane Notgrass, John Lowe
|cols=3}}
 
 
| source=In-game credits
 
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Aero the Acro-Bat 2 MD credits.pdf
 
| console=MD
 
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
 +
|cols=3}}
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
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{{gallery
 
{{gallery
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
|GamePro US 064.pdf|gamepro|64|165
+
|gamepro|64|165
|EGM2 US 05.pdf|egm2|5|119
+
|egm2|5|119
|EGM US 065.pdf|egm|65|153
+
|egm|65|153
 
}}
 
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
|NextGeneration US 01.pdf|nextgeneration|1|95
+
|nextgeneration|1|95
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|MD}}
| icon=MD
+
{{Scanbox
| egm=78
 
| gamefan=90
 
| gameplayers=70
 
| maniac=78
 
| mms=79
 
| mms_source={{num|35|page=82/83|pdf=MeanMachinesSega35UK.pdf|pdfpage=82}}
 
| nextgeneration=60
 
| nextgeneration_source={{num|3|page=98}}
 
| segamaguk=76
 
| segamaguk_source={{num|21|page=90/91}}
 
| segapro=67
 
| segapro_source={{num|50|page=62}}
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
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| cover=AtA2 MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=AtA2 MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=AtAB2 MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=AtAB2 MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=AerotheAcrobat2 MD EU Manual.pdf
 +
| item1=AtA2 MD EU Manual Back.png
 +
| item1name=Manual (back)
 +
| item2=AtA2 MD EU pcb.jpg
 +
| item2name=PCB
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
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==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
{{romtable|
 
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==References==
 
==References==
 
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Latest revision as of 12:55, 9 February 2024

For the 2024 aftermarket re-release, see Aero the Acro-Bat 2 (Limited Run Games).

n/a

AtA2 Title.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sunsoft
Developer:
Sound driver: GEMS
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US
T-15166
Videogame Rating Council: GA
Sega Mega Drive
EU
T-15166-50
Sega Mega Drive
UK
£29.9929.99[2] T-15166-50
Sega Mega Drive
AU
FAER03SMC
OFLC: G
Non-Sega versions

Aero the Acro-Bat 2 is the sequel to Aero the Acro-Bat, and was released for the Sega Mega Drive and Super Nintendo in 1994. Like its prequel, the game follows the adventures of Aero, a bat tasked with saving the world from Edgar Ektor.

There are several improvements over the original game, such as more moves, cutscenes that progress the game's story in between each world, and a password system that allows progress in the game to be saved.

Story

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Batasha.png

Batasha

The story starts directly after the events of the original game, where Aero had knocked his nemesis Edgar Ektor off of a tower. After knocking him off, Aero leaves to explore Ektor's museum, finding a mirror which brings him to an ancient castle. There, Aero meets an Eastern European bat named Batasha, who pleads for his help. Meanwhile, Ektor's henchman Zero manages to save him before he hits the ground and tells Zero to prepare a "Plan B."

Gameplay

The game is a side-scrolling platformer played as the "bat with attitude," Aero. The game is split into eight worlds, with all of them except for the last consisting of three acts each. The goal of each act is to reach the exit at the end, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups along the way.

Aero moves with Left and Right and ducks with Down. He runs after walking a short distance. He can slide along the ground with C while running, which lets him slide under certain obstacles. He jumps with B (or somersaults when running). Aero climbs ladders with Up and Down and slides down them with C. The player can pan the camera by holding C and using the D-Pad.

Aero retains his drill maneuver from the original game, which is his primary means of attack. It is performed by pressing B in midair. The drill moves diagonally upwards but can be aimed diagonally downwards with Down+B. He can drill once per jump normally, but he can find an item that allows him to drill twice. He can also drill multiple times in succession by bouncing off enemies. Aero gains a new ability called the drop drill that lets him drill directly downward by pressing C in midair. This lets him attack enemies directly below him or sometimes uncover hidden areas by busting through the ground. The drop drill can be chained with the diagonal drill. He can also collect stars in each act that can be thrown at enemies with A. He can throw stars while jumping but not while walking or ducking.

Aero has a health bar and starts each stage with three hit points (which can be extended up to five hit points by collecting items). He loses a hit point whenever he takes damage from an enemy and loses a life when he loses every hit point. Some hazards, such as swinging bells or fans that thrust him into the screen, cost Aero a life regardless of his health meter. Aero can gain more health and more lives by finding items in the stages. There is a password system for continuing.

Objects

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png
Cannon
While standing on top of a cannon, Aero can load himself into it with Down and fire it by pressing A, B, or C. The barrel fluctuates up and down while Aero is in it, and Aero flies higher and farther when the barrel is more fully extended.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png
Aero Box
Drill into the box to release health pick-ups.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png
Barber Pole
Aero revives at the last checkpoint passed if he loses a life.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png
Chance Door
Teleports Aero to a bonus room where he can earn an extra life.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Objects.png
Exit Door
The goal at the end of the act.

Items

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Magical Star
Collect stars to throw at enemies with A.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Health Bar
Increments Aero's health bar by a hit point, up to a maximum of 5.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Hamburger
Worth 10 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Ice Cream Cone
Worth 20 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Candy Cane
Worth 30 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Root Beer
Worth 40 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Pizza
Worth 50 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
AERO
Collect all of the AERO letters in an act to play the Ektor shell game.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Bonus Icon
Grants Aero access to the bonus act after completing the current act. There is one of these hidden in each world (except the last).
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Wings
Lets Aero fly for a short time.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Double Drill
Lets Aero perform his drill move twice in midair for as long as the timer lasts.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Fire Aero
Lets Aero perform a flaming drill move, which can be done twice in succession and plows through enemies instead of bouncing off, for as long as the timer lasts.
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Items.png
Free Aero
Gives the player an extra life.

Worlds

Each world, with the exception of the last, consists of 3 acts (plus a hidden bonus act). Fort Red Star, Dr. Dis Industries, and Ektor's Engine have boss fights.

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1-3.png

The Bell Castle

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2-3.png

The Boardin' Zone
Password:
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
 

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-3.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Boss 1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Boss 2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Boss 1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Boss 2.png

Fort Red Star
Password:
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
 

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4-3.png

Disco Fever
Password:
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
 

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-3.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Boss 1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Boss 2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Boss 1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Boss 2.png

Dr. Dis Industries
Password:
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
 

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6-3.png

Performers' Dungeon
Password:
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
 

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 7.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 7 Boss.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 7.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 7 Boss.png

Ektor's Engine
Password:
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Password.png
 

Bonus act

Aero enters a bonus act after completing the current stage if he finds a Bonus Icon item. Every world has a bonus act except for Ektor's Engine. The bonus act is filled with food items for bonus points and contains no enemies.

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1 Bonus.png

Bell Castle bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 1 Bonus.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2 Bonus.png

Boardin' Zone bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 2 Bonus.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Bonus.png

Fort Red Star bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 3 Bonus.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4 Bonus.png

Disco Fever bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 4 Bonus.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Bonus.png

Dr. Dis Industries bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 5 Bonus.png

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6 Bonus.png

Performers' Dungeon bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Stage 6 Bonus.png

Bonus game

Aero the Acro-Bat 2, Bonus Stage.png

Bonus game

The player plays a bonus game if Aero finds all of the AERO letters in a act. It is a shell game where Ektor shuffles three cups around. One cup contains an extra life, another contains 1,000 bonus points, and the last cup contains nothing. The player is shown which item is under which cup before Ektor begins moving them and must pick a cup when he is done (using Left and Right and pressing A, B, or C to confirm). The player receives whichever item is under the chosen cup.

Production credits

  • Created and Produced by: David Siller
  • Directed by: Nigel Cook, Carl Wade
  • Design by: Nigel Cook
  • Team Leader: Carl Wade
  • Programmers: Carl Wade, Richard Cowie
  • Additional Programming: Iguana UK
  • Project Manager: Jay Moon
  • Creative Director: Nigel Cook
  • Art Director: Matt Stubbington
  • Technical Director: Craig Galley
  • Executive Producer: Jeff Spangenberg
  • Lead Artists: Jonathan Casco, Michael McCallion
  • Artists: Adrian Ludley, Gregg Hargrove, Patrick Thomas, Adam McCarthy
  • Additional Art: William B. Yeatts, Matt Stubbington
  • Music Coordinators: Jay Moon, Darrin Stubbington
  • Music and Sound Effects: Fox Productions
  • Sunsoft Art Director: Mario Zavala
  • Technical Manager: Al Artus
  • Consumer Product Manager: Steve Gehrke
  • Marketing Director: Karen Shadley
  • Chairman: Masami Maeda
  • Vice Chairman: Tad Shimamoto
  • Director Sunsoft Japan: Kiharu Yoshida
  • International Coordinator: Kenji Yoshioka
  • Game Test Manager: Sam Patel
  • Game Testing: Mike Spangenberg, Steve Rizor, Daniel Rizor, Ryan Siller, Matthew Ross, Dan MacArthur, Steve Gehrke, René Boutin, Justin Siller
  • Game Manual: Alison Quirion
  • Executive Assistant: Nanette Hyssong
  • Customer Service and Credit: Kazuko Harman, June Eckert, Julie Williams, Jamie Jorgenson, Erin Berry, Connie Perez, Jaupale Laster
  • Sunsoft Thanks To: Bruce Reilly, Cathy Juby, Toko Okano, Darin Horgan, John Davis, Karen Lillie, Sherry Ross, Akito Takeuchi, Kazuaki Gotou, Masato Kawai
  • Very Special Thanks: Debra Siller
  • In Memory Of: Ayrton Senna
  • Iguana Thanks To: Stephen Broumley, Pete Suarez, Beth Spangenberg, Tammy Mullins, Jane Notgrass, John Lowe
Source:
In-game credits
Aero the Acro-Bat 2 MD credits.pdf
[3]

Magazine articles

Main article: Aero the Acro-Bat 2/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in GamePro (US) #64: "November 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Next Generation (US) #1: "Premiere Issue 1995" (1994-12-08)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
80
[6]
Cool Gamer (RU)
50
[7]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
75
[8]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
78
[9]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
60
[10]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5 (RU)
90
[11]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
90
[12]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
70
[13]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
83
[14]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
78
[15]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
79
[16]
Mean Machines Sega (UK)
79
[2]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
50
[17]
Play Time (DE) PAL
77
[18]
Sega Magazin (DE)
81
[19]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
76
[20]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
67
[21]
Sega Megazone (AU)
65
[22]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
79
[23]
Sega Mega Drive
74
Based on
19 reviews

Aero the Acro-Bat 2

Mega Drive, US
AtA2 MD US Box.jpg
Cover
AtA2 MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
Aero The Acrobat 2 MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
AtA2 MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
AtAB2 MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
AerotheAcrobat2 MD EU Manual.pdf
Manual
AtA2 MD EU Manual Back.png
Manual (back)
AtA2 MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, AU
AtA2 MD AU Box.jpg
Cover
AtA2 MD AU Cart Top.jpg
AtA2 MD AU Cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Aero the Acro-Bat 2/Technical information.

References


Aero the Acro-Bat 2

AtA2 Title.png

Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs


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Aero the Acro-Bat games for Sega systems
Aero the Acro-Bat (1993) | Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel (1994) | Aero the Acro-Bat 2 (1995)