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Neo Geo AES

Sonic Wings 3

Neo Geo AES

Neo Geo AES

The third game in this series. The player controls an aircraft whose mission is to combat world terrorism. Each pilot has a storyline that goes along with the game. The game's fighter pilots come from different countries. Each one has a different storyline that unfolds during the gameplay. Als...

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Developer
Video System

Released on
1995

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Neo Geo AES

Requirements
SNK Neo Geo AES

Downloads
Shooter

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

Cooperative
Yes

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Description

The third game in this series. The player controls an aircraft whose mission is to combat world terrorism. Each pilot has a storyline that goes along with the game.

The game’s fighter pilots come from different countries. Each one has a different storyline that unfolds during the gameplay. Also, depending on what country they serve, they get respective currency (or point) bonuses. Each pilot can expand their weapons and collect power-ups for extra large onslaughts.

The object of the game is to fly from country to country and destroy all opposition around the world before flying into outer space to combat the phantom menace responsible for the terrorism. One enemy shot destroys the player’s plane and releases a special power-up that the plane may have been carrying. If the player’s final ship is destroyed, all power-ups and extra bombs are released and can be collected if the player continues or a second player is still active and vice-versa. However, on the final mission in outer space, the player is forced to start again at the beginning of the space mission unless two players are active.

This game is known as Sonic Wings 3 in Japan.

Sonic Wings 3

Overview & History

Developed by Video System and originally released in arcades in 1995 before finding a coveted port on the Neo Geo AES in 1996, *Sonic Wings 3* (known as *Aero Fighters 3* in North America) marks the pinnacle of the classic vertically scrolling shooter series. Departing slightly from the pure modern jet fighter focus of its predecessors, this installment introduces a delightfully absurd alternate-history World War II backdrop where pilots from around the globe, including returning favorites and quirky new additions, battle a mysterious alien threat known as the Neo-Scinfaxe. The AES version delivers arcade-perfect action, boasting vibrant pixel art, memorable stage designs ranging from snowy European countrysides to futuristic lunar bases, and an upbeat, high-tempo soundtrack that keeps adrenaline pumping through all seven relentless stages.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

At its core, *Sonic Wings 3* refines the bullet-hell adjacent formula of the franchise with lightning-fast gameplay and deep tactical elements. Players choose from eight distinct pilot-and-plane pairs, each split into standard and alternate character variants that completely alter their payload. Mechanics center around a three-tier attack system: a standard rapid-fire weapon, highly destructive homing missiles or specialized support drones, and the game's signature screen-clearing Bombs—which temporarily render your craft invulnerable while unleashing devastating elemental or explosive fury across the playfield. A unique scoring system rewards aggressive play, as destroying specific mid-bosses and collecting hidden medal power-ups increases your firepower level up to a maximum threshold where your attacks transform into screen-melting waves of energy. The game also supports intense two-player cooperative play, featuring branching paths and humorous, character-specific ending sequences that depend entirely on which pilot secures the final blow against the alien mothership.