Skygunner puts you in the role of one of three "gunners", selectable from the start, with secret unlockable characters available later. Your mission is, in a conflagration of vast and brightly lit explosions, to destroy legions of enemy fighter pilots across several diverse levels. This is certainly no linear shoot-em-up though, with freedom to fly anywhere in the given level, and take on any of the fighters you wish using a multitude of different weapons.

While arguably short (there are only five main levels), the fact that you can complete each of them with the different characters means the game's size is effectively multiplied threefold. Each character has their own very specific tasks to complete, and while you play, your two co-pilots will busy themselves with their own duties. For example, you could be shooting down fleets of oncoming fighters whilst a comrade sets about distracting the hero’s main rival, Rivale, thereby leaving the third to take out the engines on a giant, immobile battleship. This type of play mechanic makes each play-through very different depending on character selected.

The game’s AI is functional whilst never excessively testing, yet manages to pull a few unexpected surprises out of its hat. The enemies will make mistakes just as you do; they will break off attack patterns when you lock onto them, fly away in panic and, should you prove too elusive, they will go after your co-pilots. Thankfully, unlike so many other games that offer computer assistance, your co-pilots are actually useful, and never do anything idiotic such as fire on you or get in the way. As long as you pull your weight they'll perform their job with flying colours.

It's important to understand that all of the above action takes place in a fully realised world, with its own history and culture, vaguely reminiscent of the painstaking attention to detail found in Panzer Dragoon - everything being fully fleshed out. What with the giant airships and quaint little villages below, it's something more akin to early 20th than 21st century, the atmosphere created having a distinct ‘Steampunk’ quality to it.

The character design deserves special note since, while everyone has an out-of-proportion ‘Super Deformed’ look, it has to some degree forsaken Japanese anime styling. This shouldn't be something to discourage import fans though, since the art direction has clearly been very tight and well thought-out. It seems to be styled more on hundred year-old French comics, with delicate lines and a relaxed attitude. Even the characters' names are derived from the French language. All of which has been lovingly
hand-drawn, the booklet being full of sepia-coloured artwork, painstakingly recreated in 3D for the game. Whilst not cell shaded, the graphics and styling still retain that old comic book feel. To the keen eyed player, there are plenty of little touches to observe as well. Each time you finish firing off a barrage of machine gun fire from your antique craft, the weapons release their load of spent shells. After shooting down an enemy pilot, you see them floating down via parachute complete with scarf and airman goggles. This attention to detail really makes the visuals a joy to behold.

The audio, too, can be praised. From the start of the game, along with a beautifully hand-rendered cartoon intro, there is an entire Japanese song, complete with lyrics. The in-game music is perfectly suited to the style of the game as well, with delicate piano and pipe pieces sitting alongside full-blown orchestral music for the large dogfights. Sound effects can't be faulted either, with loud machine gun fire and explosions perfectly recreated. The English voice acting (for a change) is also quite good, with each character helping to immerse you in their fictional world, though for purists there is the option of voice over with subtitles. Add to that finer touches like radio contact and the enemy threatening revenge as he plunges into the sea, and you have a game where the audio can match the visuals.

The specially designed game engine allows for complete free roaming flight, and a large amount of intense action on screen at any one time. Whilst there is some slow-down at times, it can be argued that this was intentional and aids in the chaining of combos. Regardless, there is a "uniform processor" mode that enables you to play at a set frame-rate, removing the slowdown. Thanks to the extremely friendly lock-on, you should never end up being confused about exactly what you're supposed to be doing or who you should be shooting down. Control-wise, it feels very comfortable, with different options available, including auto-rolling and levelling.

The only real problem that can be raised against Sky Gunner is that, due the complexity offered by such a free-roaming environment, the game can occasionally be too difficult, especially if you are looking for just a quick blast. A single level can take up to twenty minutes to complete. The scoring system can also take some getting used to. Making long chains takes a great deal of practice and patience. The occasional slowdown also might turn some people off, with the "variable processor" option not available from the start.

Beautifully created albeit slightly flawed, filled with some truly stunning gameplay moments and set pieces, it is a game shamefully overlooked by many, and is certainly worthy of greater recognition.