Lost Wing

I did enjoy what time I spent with Lost Wing, though that didn't exactly last long.

As we said, it's hard to review Lost Wing, because it's exactly what it looks like – a score attack-style game with ever-increasing difficulty and numerous extra tracks and game variations to unlock. Given how well it does almost every aspect of its core gameplay, it's unfortunate that this review reads like a litany of criticisms. Lost Wing is very good, but the presence of a number of issues – a couple being fairly major – mean that it could have been even better.

Through my multiple sessions of Lost Wing, I realized that the only thing holding back is the nuisance caused by actually running out of ammo; it’s a bit unfathomable given that this is a shmup. Otherwise, this is an interesting entry in the hardcore genre. Fans of the shmup genre will be delighted to play something different, unfortunately it’s not the ideal game for newcomers.

Lost Wing is a simple game that takes the genre that is rather dull and adds a ton of flare.

Lost Wing is a hugely enjoyable and exciting arcade mash-up of endless runner, roguelite, Wipeout and Tron. There's a bit too much grinding for content and the nauseating screen-rotating anomalies, but these are sufficiently offset by thrills of the rest of the game and a budget price point. It's a game that managed to make me both punch the air and slap my face in despair on a regular basis; how many video games can you say that about?

Lost Wing is certainly a capable high score chaser but it's also one that'll make you frustrated with its difficulty and repetition.

Feeling somewhere between a racing game and an endless runner, Lost Wing is at least unique...

It’s poorly designed in some areas and it’s stupidly unfair at first, but its bite-sized length and engaging score system make it a very replayable game that ended up being a perfect fit for a portable like the Switch. It becomes a lot more enjoyable once you finally start unlocking new levels and ships in order to add some extra variety to your runs.

Lost Wing brings cool mechanics and a very well-composed look, which fits in nicely with its soundtrack. There are some problems, such as limited content, the upside-down camera and the slow start. Even so, its addictive gameplay means that anyone who ventures on these planets keeps coming back for new races.

Lost Wing has a fantastic gameplay loop, housed in a shell that shows some rough spots. Actually playing Lost Wing is sublime, but progressing through it can be an occasionally frustrating grind. It looks and sounds fantastic once you get past its menus. In this way, Lost Wing perhaps presents more of a challenge than it intended, but it's a challenge I am happy to accept.