SkyGunner (Game)

SkyGunner

GAME » on September 27, 2001

PlayStation 2 (Platform)PlayStation 4 (Platform)PlayStation 5 (Platform)

An whimsical steampunk flight combat game for the PS2, following at trio of "SkyGunners" as they foil the plot of an evil criminal mastermind.

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Overview

SkyGunner is a third-person flight combat game developed by PixelArts (Company) and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 2 (Platform) in Japan on September 27, 2001, with a North American release by Atlus on June 25, 2002. Set in a European-esque steampunk setting, SkyGunner follows a trio of fighter pilots (or "SkyGunners") as they are tasked with guarding the "Eternal Engine" (an engine capable of perpetual motion independent of any external power source) from the villainous criminal mastermind Ventre. The game is known for its lock-on targeting system, in which the camera is centered towards the currently-chosen target (which can be switched between at-will) and holding the targeting reticle over them adds "Locks" for a barrage of special weapon fire. It is also known for its recovery system, where players can prevent their aircraft from exploding through rapid button presses, for its ranking system, where players are scored with "Prize Money" through efficiently shooting down groups of enemies, and for each of the trio having different objectives throughout the main story game. It later received an enhanced digital re-release for the PlayStation 5 (Platform) and PlayStation 4 (Platform) on September 17, 2024.

Gameplay

SkyGunner differs from many other shooters in that your point of view is always centered on your target, not the direction you are heading. Where you're going is not nearly as important as what you're shooting, and with the game's focus on highscores through its deep combo system, it encourages you to always be shooting something. Each character's plane has a machine gun with unlimited ammunition, as well as a variety more powerful subweapons with limited ammunition. Additionally, each character possess a unique special ability, which can often be used with devastating effect against the enemy to turn the tide. Firing subweapons and using special attacks increases a heat meter, once it is full the player is unable to perform these actions again until heat is dispered. The game uses money to keep score - shooting down enemies will net the player additional money, while shooting weapons or taking excessive damage will cause the player to lose money. The game makes use of an intricate combo/chain system to allow for huge point sums. There are three main characters - Femme, Ciel, and Copain - and five stages to the main story. Each character offers their own unique perspective during missions. For example, one mission sees Ciel and Copain racing to destroy two enemy battleships while Femme provides cover by eliminating the enemy fighter escort. In addition, the third stage is completely unique for each character, often playing to their unique abilities. Additional characters and modes can be unlocked by fulfilling certain conditions within the main game and other modes.

Game Modes

In addition to the standard story mode, Time Attack and Survival modes can also be unlocked. Time Attack is unlocked by completing the game in first place as Ciel. Survival mode is unlocked by completing the game in first place as Copain. Time Attack mode tasks you with destroying as many enemies as quickly as possible. Survival mode has you holding out as long as possible against a never ending supply of enemies.

Pilots / Aircraft

All the stats listed here are taken from the Japanese manual.

Femme (Character)

A rookie Gunner from an industrial town who is asked by the police chief to help guard the museum, ending up joining Ciel and Copain in foiling Ventre's plans. Her aircraft, Branché, is an excellent choice for novice players due to its top-of-the-line speed, maneuverability, and durability. Her special maneuver, Active Turn, instantly re-positions her aircraft towards the targeted enemy. Like Ciel, her unique sub-weapon is Cross Missiles, which latch onto enemy craft and can be detonated in a powerful explosion through gunfire.

Durability: A
Balance Recovery: A
Maneuverability: A
Subweapons: Dog Missiles, Fireworks, Cross Missiles
Max Lock: 3

Her name is French for "woman", and her craft's name is French for "arm".

Ciel

A highly-skilled and famous Gunner who pilots a plane he personally maintains. His aircraft, Avenir, is a solid all-around craft, sacrificing some speed, maneuverability, and durability for some extra firepower. His special maneuver, Air Brake, slows the craft to a near standstill and, when pressed again, unleashes a powerful barrage of gunfire. Like Femme, his unique sub-weapon is Cross Missiles, which latch onto enemy craft and can be detonated in a powerful explosion through gunfire.

Durability: B
Balance Recovery: B
Maneuverability: B
Subweapons: Dog Missiles, Fireworks, Cross Missiles
Max Lock: 3

His name is French for "sky", and his craft's name is French for "future".

Copain (Character)

Ciel's carefree pal and a self-proclaimed "genius" Gunner. He is unlocked for play after clearing the game with Femme. His aircraft, Chevalier, is more challenging to pilot, but is much faster to fly and is more effective with its subweapons. His special maneuver, Vortex, is a more effective barrel roll that reflects projectiles and heavily damages enemies that get sucked into it. His unique sub-weapon is Pumpkin Bombs, drops powerful explosives for strafing runs.

Durability: B
Balance Recovery: C
Maneuverability: B
Subweapons: Dog Missiles, Fireworks, Pumpkin Bombs
Max Lock: 4

His name is French for "friend", and his craft's name is French for "knight".

Rival (Character)

A mysterious Gunner who takes part in Ventre's plan to steal the Eternal Engine, and also has a strong rivalry with Ciel. He is unlocked for play outside of Story Mode by clearing the game with Ciel (and defeating Rival in both encounters). His aircraft, Fanôme, is similar to Ciel's Avenir and carries the same air-braking maneuver. However, it is much faster and more maneuverable, making it excellent for dogfighting, at the cost of being more fragile. He also has access to Bat Missiles, a much stronger and riskier variation of Dog Missiles.

Durability: C
Balance Recovery: E
Maneuverability: A
Subweapons: Dog Missiles, Fireworks, Bat Missiles
Max Lock: 4

His craft's name is French for "ghost".

Hardi (Character)

The captain of the Rive Police Station and a former Gunner who is in charge of the museum's security. He is unlocked for play outside of Story Mode by clearing the game with Femme, Ciel, and Copain with top ranking. His aircraft, Courage, is incredibly durable at the cost of a lack of speed and maneuverability. Rather than flying solo, Hardi has a group of wingmen flying and shooting alongside him. He possesses no sub-weapons or special weapons, and his special maneuver cycles his wingmen into different tactical formations.

Durability: S
Balance Recovery: S
Maneuverability: C
Subweapons: None
Max Lock: None

His name is French for "bold".

Subweapons

Dog Missiles - These missiles zero in on their target and begin chomping at the wings and engines, slowing the enemy craft and making it easier to destroy. They do negligible damage on their own but can be very useful in gaining the advantage on a fast moving enemy.
Fireworks - Colorful and bright, Fireworks are best used against tightly packed groups of enemies. Once they reach their target, they detonate in a large explosion. Locking on multiple Fireworks to a single target increases the blast radius.
Cross Missiles (Femme, Ciel) - As the name implies, these are large, cross shaped projectiles. Once launched, they will attach to their target. They must be detonated with machine gun fire, but they are very powerful. Locking on three Cross Missiles to a single target will result in one massive missile being launched, with added destructive power.
Pumpkin Bombs (Copain) - These bombs will fall towards their intended target, making them largely useless for dogfighting but highly effective at taking out emplaced weapons on battleships or grounded enemies. Lining up several targets and strafing them with Pumpkin Bombs will make short work of anything in their way.
Bat Missiles (Rival) - Similar to Dog Missiles but capable of inflicting massive damage. Care must be taken when using Bat Missiles as they will burn out rather quickly, requiring the target to be at close range or have been slowed with Dog Missiles first.

Story

The story begins in the town of Rive which is hosting the Expo celebrating the completion of the "Eternal Engine", an engine capable of perpetual motion independent of any external power source, which is about to be unveiled on the luxury liner, Merveilleux. Renowned SkyGunners Ciel and Copain are hired to protect the Eternal Engine. However, famed criminal mastermind Ventre has plans to steal away the Eternal Engine for his own nefarious schemes.

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