Released in 1992 by Video System, the arcade version of Aero Fighters (known as Sonic Wings in Japan) is a vertical-scrolling shoot ’em up that set the foundation for the Strikers 1945 series. 

Core Gameplay

• Controls: Simple two-button setup: Button A for primary fire and Button B for a limited-use “special” bomb that clears the screen and provides temporary invincibility.
• Power-Up System: Collecting “P” items upgrades your main weapon. A rare “F” (Full Power) item instantly maximizes your firepower.
• Scoring: Destroying ground targets drops currency items (e.g., dollars, yen) specific to your character’s nation. Collecting them higher on the screen yields more points, up to 10,000. 

Pilots and Nations

The game features eight pilots across four nations. Your starting character is determined by which arcade side (Player 1 or Player 2) you use: 

• USA: Blaster Keaton (F/A-18) and Keith Bishop (F-14).
• Japan: Hien (FSX) and Mao Mao (F-15).
• Sweden: Kohful (AJ-37) and Tee-Bee (JAS 39).
• UK: Villiam Syd Pride (Harrier) and Lord River N. White (Tornado).

Mission Structure

• Randomized Start: The first three stages are randomly selected from the home nations of the pilots not chosen.
• Final Stretch: After the initial three stages, players face four fixed stages (totaling seven stages in a standard run).
• The Loop: After defeating the final boss, the game “loops,” restarting at a much higher difficulty. The true ending is only seen after completing the second loop.