Formation Flyers

Formation Flyers Review

Overview

Formation Flyers presents an intriguing core concept that ultimately feels underdeveloped according to initial player impressions. The game's unique selling point - simultaneous control of five ships with dynamic formation switching - shows flashes of potential but fails to evolve into a compelling experience. What could have been a fresh take on the shoot 'em up genre instead delivers a shallow execution that leaves players wanting significantly more depth and challenge. While the formation mechanics offer a novel foundation, they remain largely unexplored territory rather than a fully realized gameplay system.

A Promising Mechanic Without Purpose

The formation system represents Formation Flyers' sole standout feature, allowing players to control five independent ships while cycling through various flight patterns in real-time. This core concept demonstrates genuine innovation within the vertically scrolling shooter genre, creating moments where strategic formation changes could theoretically add tactical depth. The mechanic functions technically well, with formations switching smoothly during gameplay without noticeable input delay.

It puts you in control of not just one, but five independent ships at the same time. You have a selection of various formations you can fly in, and you can switch between them on the fly.

Gohst

Unfortunately, this promising foundation never evolves beyond its basic implementation. Unlike similar games that build compelling systems around formation mechanics, Formation Flyers treats its central innovation as the complete experience rather than a starting point. The formations exist in isolation rather than serving any meaningful gameplay purpose, becoming a novelty rather than an integral part of the challenge.

Missed Opportunities and Lack of Content

The game's most significant shortcoming lies in its failure to capitalize on its core concept's potential. Levels present minimal challenge with straightforward enemy patterns that rarely require thoughtful formation adjustments. The short stages can be completed without significant risk of failure, removing any sense of tension or accomplishment. This lack of difficulty combines with absent progression systems to create an experience that feels more like a tech demo than a complete game.

No unlockable content, customization options, or difficulty settings exist to extend the experience beyond the initial playthrough. The absence of these fundamental features makes the package feel particularly sparse, especially when compared to other titles in the genre that offer meaningful replay incentives. What could have been an engaging system for mastering complex formation-based strategies instead becomes a superficial gimmick without gameplay consequences.

There is so much possibility which opens up at the thought of having rapidly changing formation of flyers in a vertically scrolling shoot 'em up. It's just not utilised well here.

Gohst

Verdict

Formation Flyers serves as a proof-of-concept demonstration for an interesting control scheme that never evolves into a satisfying game. While the formation mechanics show technical competence and initial promise, the lack of meaningful challenge, progression systems, and content depth prevents it from becoming a recommendation-worthy experience. The game might interest genre enthusiasts curious about control innovations, but most players will find it difficult to justify substantial time with such an underdeveloped package.