Luftrausers

 PlayStation Vita
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Gaming Age
    Mar 27, 2014
    91
    It's a tough sweet spot to hit, but it's one that Luftrausers absolutely nails.
  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    Mar 25, 2014
    90
    Every combo is a perfect and unique snowflake, though some are more conducive to high-score chasing, while others are just a mad curiosities.
  3. The Escapist
    Mar 24, 2014
    90
    Despite a few issues with its end game challenges, Luftrausers is a surprisingly addictive, challenging arcade game that will keep you glued to your Vita for game after game after game.
  5. Pocket Gamer UK
    Mar 18, 2014
    90
    What Luftrausers lacks in sheer amount of stuff, it makes up for by being a finely crafted thrill ride of satisfaction and fun.
  6. IGN
    Mar 21, 2014
    87
    Don't expect great depth or long-term thrills, but the action while it lasts is a master of both second-by-second action, and the structures that effortlessly stretch it out into a good few hours without it overstaying its welcome.
  7. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    Apr 27, 2014
    85
    The definition of a pick up and play that's fiendishly addictive. This is perfect for the Vita. [May 2014, p77]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Multiplayer.it
    Mar 24, 2014
    85
    Frantic, crazy, immediate and fun. Luftrausers is Vlambeer at its best, with well-tuned gameplay mechanics and the possibility to customize your plane before jumping into a rain of bullets. A perfect fit for Vita.
  9. PlayStation LifeStyle
    Mar 21, 2014
    85
    Luftrausers is candy for your mind and hands. Don’t let any hesitation over its presentation keep you from trying an insanely fun and easily addicting game. If you have the chance to play it; play it. Luftrausers is one of – if not the – best pick up and play titles available.
  10. XGN
    May 6, 2014
    80
    This army-themed game runs very smoothly. It is easy to quickly start and end a game, although the controls are something to get used to. It is advisable to give this game a chance, because there is more to it than the funny animation style and sepia colors. For example, a very pleasant system for leveling up, which is typically Vlambeer.
  11. Everyeye.it
    Apr 15, 2014
    80
    Once you take-off, you won't stop playing for quite a bit.
  12. Digitally Downloaded
    Mar 31, 2014
    80
    There is no way that I could advise people to pick this game on any system other than the Vita. It’s not to say that the Steam and PlayStation 3 versions are bad games, some slight control issues aside, but you’re going to find a lot more enjoyment if you’re playing a mobile game on a mobile device.
  13. Digital Spy
    Mar 26, 2014
    80
    From frustrating beginnings to high-score runs involving nukes and boosts, Luftrausers is a game packed with a surprising amount of depth, infinite replayability, and truly satisfying risk versus reward gameplay.
  14. Eurogamer Portugal
    Mar 20, 2014
    80
    Luftrausers continues the awesome Sony promotion of independent studios on their platforms.
  15. 3DJuegos
    Mar 24, 2014
    75
    A great and genuinely conceived 2D shooter arcade game in the veins of Asteroids. Intense classic dogfight action.
  16. LaPS4
    Mar 26, 2014
    72
    Frantic arcade whose strict control mechanics make hard. Perfect for quick playing and the perfect companion for Playstation Vita.
  17. Eurogamer Germany
    Mar 31, 2014
    70
    It's a lot of fun for a considerable amount of time – until you hit that skill-ceiling and wish there was something more to strive for than a place on the leaderboards. Still, with every single go being very short indeed, Vlambeer's newest game is perfect for short bursts where ever you have to kill a few minutes.
  18. VideoGamer
    Mar 27, 2014
    70
    In a genre resplendent with elegantly refined scoring systems and mechanics, Luftrausers lands a little short of brilliance.

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best PS Vita Game of 2014
17
#17 Most Discussed PS Vita Game of 2014
41
#41 Most Shared PS Vita Game of 2014

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 95
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 95
  3. Negative: 11 out of 95
  1. Gypsy__m0th
    Apr 8, 2014
    6
    The game is a lot of fun and making your own planes is awesome. But the game gets repetitive really fast as there is only one theatre ofThe game is a lot of fun and making your own planes is awesome. But the game gets repetitive really fast as there is only one theatre of battle and just a few enemy types. And dying over and over again gets old. But a good blast for a few hours and the odd run when you are bored but that's about it. I hope they can expand on the game and make a sequel with more content.… Full Review »
  2. FlipYa4Real
    Apr 4, 2014
    10
    You gotta give Devolver Digital props. They have delivered some bodacious titles recently. The Shadow Warrior reboot was glorious. EveryYou gotta give Devolver Digital props. They have delivered some bodacious titles recently. The Shadow Warrior reboot was glorious. Every game oozes with quality and this is no exception. For what it is, it brings exactly what is necessary to make a quality video game on Vita. Controls that are easy to pick up but easy to master? Check. Able to be played in short bursts or long marathons? Check. Music that compliments the gameplay? Check (although really, why would you not play your OWN music with this?). Interesting and/or more than adequate graphics? Check. All of this can be adjusted by adjusting your loadout. Sucking too much? Try some different gear. Strap on that cannon and nuke armor and prepare for some residual earnings. Too godly? Try getting by on your farted bullets only to propel you, and some weak armor.

    Actually, the graphics may be one of the things that turns people off when in fact it's what keeps the game playable at higher 'levels' of gameplay. It is easy to see your ship against the bright background as well as enemy ships, missiles, bullets, lasers, kamikazes and whatever else in bullet hell that is seeking to destroy you. Without such contrast it would be difficult to survive. Also, for some they may not appreciate the fact there is no story to speak of. This is an arcade shoot 'em up. Gameplay only.

    Devolver Digital is a studio that seems to really be putting some interesting ideas into play. Although you really cant compare Luftrausers with their AAA titles - this is actually why I was not afraid at all to purchase this game for 10 chucks on PSN - the studios reputation with me.

    In conclusion, the price, gameplay and especially the GAME SIZE (only 66 MB!!) all lead me to give this game a ten. It's not perfect - but factoring in the file size on top of the extreme quality of game play (plays exactly like the arcade shooters of your youth - eat your Big League Chew) it deserves it. It almost feels like the devs are sticking it to Sony with such a tiny, quality game.

    Without the file size buff, a very solid '9'. A '10' because it barely scratches your memory card, and that is something all Vita gamers can appreciate.    … Full Review »
  3. backstory
    Mar 20, 2014
    8
    Vlambeer is back to do what they do best - games that are easy to pick up and play for five minutes, or to get absorbed in for an hour. WithVlambeer is back to do what they do best - games that are easy to pick up and play for five minutes, or to get absorbed in for an hour. With fast, frantic air combat, a great art style, dynamic music, unlockable upgrades, and an addictive mission structure, Luftrausers is a must have for fans of arcade style shooters. There's not a ton of content here, but it's fun to experiment with different plane loadouts as you complete missions with specific objectives like "kill # boats" or "kill # planes without shooting." Bullets can come from anywhere: boats, planes, jets, submarine-fired rockets, battleships, blimps, etc... and you can get into some really tense situations. But if you die, no problem, just refit your ship and get flying, ace.… Full Review »
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