Air Zonk was developed by RED for the TurboGrafx16 back in 1992. Oddly enough, I mistaken this game to be a Japanese import, as much of its humor and childish charm can easily be recognized by players. Kiddie or not, this game fares well above many games in it’s genre.

The game takes place across five unique stages, each holding small segments completed with two boss battles. Unlike most games I’ve seen in my days, Air Zonk has three difficulties: sweet, spicy and bitter, so any player can play at ease. But from what I’ve seen, there is no difference in terms of difficulty except the game starts you off with a lesser amount of lives in descending order of the difficulty. After losing all your lives, you must start the entire level all over.

Lets talk about the side scrolling for a minute. You control a protagonist who resembles a futuristic character from Baby Geniuses who flies through the stages shooting down anyone who gets in his way. Weapons are littered all over the levels, and are unique in every way. You could utilize boomerangs, shield-esque lasers and actual Japanese playing cards. Air Zonk also allows you to bring a partner to help you alongside if you pick up the large smiling icons floating about. You can manually choose who you want, or just let the game automatically pick one for you. Either way, you’ll be giving major hell with another buddy at your side.

Visually, Air Zonk is stunning. The colors remind me of JJ & Jeff (except this game beats that out clearly) with colorful enemies and backgrounds. The bright colors really help label the game to be “cute” as yellow, pink, blue and others will sprinkle all over the screen. Those who are new to the game will come to the surprise on how visually appealing the weapons can be. Every pickup will leave you with artsy appeal and it makes me feel giddy all over.

A couple complaints about Air Zonk includes how easy the game can be. Defeating enemies maybe easier than shooting fish in a barrel, and it doesn’t help when the game doesn’t recognize you being hit. I swear I’ve been hit more than four times in a level, but I walked out fine. Your buddies seem invincible, and they’ll provide you with so much cover, you’ll never have to move a finger muscle. Of course, I cannot vouch for the end-of level segment bosses, which are very difficult. The bosses themselves don’t seem much of a threat, but the camera angle for the game will frustrate you. Just like China Warrior (but not to that extent), the camera focuses on the main character, so it is difficult to pay attention to the outside world with colors breezing around. Air Zonk doesn’t give you much space to move around, and that could conjure major troubles.

Air Zonk is a magnificent title in the VC collection. But perhaps the overall difficulty may turn off some hardcore gamers ready for an adventure more difficile.

Overall Score: 8/10