Who's That Flying?! is an action shooter developed by Mediatonic that places players in the role of Earth's Guardian, a powerful defender equipped with a hyper-powered laser arm. The game blends casual shooting mechanics with light narrative elements, tasking the player with protecting cities from waves of invading Doom Beasts while navigating accusations of negligence from the Galactic Council of Justice. Released on PC through digital platforms, it emphasizes precise aiming and quick reactions in a colorful, animated world where showboating can lead to unexpected crises.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around flying over urban landscapes and using the laser arm to eliminate incoming threats. Players control the Guardian with fluid movement, sweeping across screens to target enemies while avoiding hazards that threaten civilian areas. The laser serves as the primary weapon, delivering powerful blasts that handle groups of foes efficiently, though the absence of additional power-ups keeps the focus on positioning and timing. Eleven distinct enemy types appear throughout the experience, ranging from basic swarms to more aggressive variants that require adjusted strategies. Five large boss encounters punctuate the action, demanding sustained focus and pattern recognition to overcome their attacks.
Visuals feature bright, cartoonish artwork with smooth animations that highlight the Guardian's flair and the chaotic beast invasions. The single-player structure keeps attention on individual skill rather than competitive elements, making it suitable for short play sessions or extended runs. Controller support enhances precision for those who prefer it over keyboard and mouse inputs.
Game Modes
Story mode forms the main campaign, consisting of fifteen levels spread across five unique stages set in different global cities. Each stage builds on the invasion narrative, incorporating courtroom cutscenes that advance the plot involving the Galactic Council. Players must clear objectives while managing accusations of incompetence that arise from the initial oversight of the attacks.
Infinite Mode offers four dedicated stages designed for endless play, where the goal shifts to surviving as long as possible against escalating hordes. Challenge Mode expands replayability with twenty-four stages that modify core rules, such as altered enemy behaviors or scoring conditions, to test mastery. Additional content includes fourteen bonus magazine articles that unlock through progression and twelve awards tied to specific accomplishments. Steam achievements and global leaderboards provide further incentives for high scores and completion milestones, with cloud support ensuring progress carries across devices.
Narrative and Progression
The story unfolds through dramatic courtroom sequences that frame the player's actions as the Guardian. Accusations from the council add a layer of tension beyond pure combat, requiring defense of both cities and reputation. Progression involves unlocking articles and awards that expand on the world and the Guardian's past exploits. This structure keeps the experience self-contained, with no ongoing seasonal content or expansions altering the original design.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback highlights the game's charm through its humorous tone, smooth controls, and distinctive art style, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a straightforward action experience. The variety in modes supports multiple playstyles, from focused story runs to high-score chasing in challenges. However, some note that enemy variety per stage remains limited, which can lead to repetition in longer sessions. It suits fans of indie shooters who enjoy precise, arcade-style gameplay without complex systems or multiplayer demands. Availability on PC keeps it accessible for new players interested in its blend of defense action and light satire. Overall, the title delivers consistent entertainment for its length when approached as a casual, self-contained title rather than a modern live-service game.
