Difference between revisions of "Aero the Acro-Bat"

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{{otherPage|desc=the 2024 aftermarket re-release|page=Aero the Acro-Bat (Limited Run Games)}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=AtA Title.png
 
| bobscreen=AtA Title.png
 
| publisher=[[Sunsoft]]
 
| publisher=[[Sunsoft]]
 
| developer=[[Iguana Entertainment]]
 
| developer=[[Iguana Entertainment]]
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Ecofilmes]]|region=PT}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]]
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| romsize=1MB
 
 
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
 
| sounddriver=[[GEMS]]
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
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| genre=Action
 
| genre=Action
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
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| md_date_eu=1993
+
| md_date_us=1993-10{{magref|videogamesus|57|34}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=49.99{{magref|gamepro|51|68}}
 +
| md_code_us=T-15056
 +
| md_date_us_sc=1994-06-01{{intref|Sega Channel schedule (US; 1994-06-01)}}
 +
| md_rrp_us_sc=sub
 +
| md_rating_us_sc=
 +
| md_date_eu=1994-07{{magref|segamaguk|7|86}}
 
| md_code_eu=T-15056-50
 
| md_code_eu=T-15056-50
−
| md_date_us=1993-09{{fileref|GamePro US 051.pdf|page=68}}
+
| md_date_uk=1994-07{{magref|segamaguk|7|86}}
−
| md_rrp_us=49.99{{fileref|GamePro US 051.pdf|page=68}}
+
| md_code_uk=T-15056-50
−
| md_code_us=T-15056
+
| md_rrp_uk=39.99{{magref|segapro|25|27}}{{magref|gamesworld|10|12}}
 +
| md_date_pt=1993
 +
| md_code_pt=MDJ15056
 
}}
 
}}
 +
| otherformats={{NonSega|GBA|SNES}}
 
}}
 
}}
−
'''''Aero the Acro-Bat''''' is a platform game developed by [[Iguana Entertainment]] and published by [[Sunsoft]] for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and SNES in 1993, with a port for the [[Game Boy Advance]] released in 2002. In 2010, the SNES version was made available on the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service. In the game you play as the bat Aero, who needs to stop the mad scientist Edgar Ektor who is trying to rid the world of amusement and fun.
+
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is a platform game developed by [[Iguana Entertainment]] and published by [[Sunsoft]] for the [[Sega Mega Drive]] and [[Super NES]] in 1993. A Japanese version was planned{{fileref|93WinterCatalogueTVGameWorld JP.pdf|page=25}} but cancelled.
  
−
The game was reasonably successful, and therefore saw a sequel, ''[[Aero the Acro-Bat 2]]''.
+
==Story==
 +
A spoiled, rich kid named Edgar Ektor was a regular attendant at the World of Amusement Circus and Funpark, but he was banned after a failed prank almost killed a lion. Twenty years later, Edgar became a powerful and evil industrialist. Aided by Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel and his Psycho Circus gang, Edgar sabotages the funpark and kidnaps all the circus performers. Aero the Acro-Bat, the circus' greatest star, is the only hope for rescuing the performers (including his girlfriend Aeriel) and putting a stop to Edgar's evil schemes.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
The game features 4 worlds, The Circus, The Funpark, The Woods, and the Museum. All worlds except for The Woods have 5 acts and a boss act. Most acts require the player to accomplish a certain goal before finding the exit, such as falling through a number of magic hoops or rescuing a captured circus performer, although a few only require Aero to find the exit before advancing to the next act. It is another '90's platformer trying to latch on to the popularity of Sonic or Mario.
+
The game is a side-scrolling platformer played as the acrobatic bat Aero, who needs to stop the mad scientist Edgar Ektor, who is trying to rid the world of amusement and fun. The game features four worlds, each consisting of four or five acts. Most acts require Aero to accomplish certain goals before finding the exit, such as falling through a number of magic hoops or rescuing a captured circus performer, although a few only require Aero to find the exit before advancing to the next act.
 +
 
 +
Aero moves with {{left}} and {{right}} and ducks with {{down}}. He jumps with {{B}} and hovers with his wings with {{C}}. Aero can also collect stars, which he can throw at enemies with {{A}}. He can throw stars while jumping but not while walking or ducking. Aero climbs ladders with {{up}} and {{down}} and slides down them with {{C}}. When standing on a tightrope, he can drop down and hang on the tightrope with {{C}}.
 +
 
 +
Aero can perform a diagonal drill maneuver with {{B}} again in midair. His drill move is his main method of attack, since jumping on enemies hurts Aero, and can also be used to extend his jump. He can drill once per jump normally, but he can find an item that allows him to drill twice. He drills upward before the apex of the jump and downward after the apex. It can be manually aimed with {{up}}+{{B}} to hit reach enemies and platforms above him or aimed down with {{down}}+{{C}} to attack enemies on the ground.
  
−
Aero's main method of attack is the drill jump. It can be aimed up by pressing {{up}} + {{C}} to hit reach enemies and platforms above him, or aimed down with {{down}} + {{C}} to attack enemies on the ground. Stars can also be collected and thrown at enemies with a press of the {{B}} button.
+
Aero has a health bar and starts each stage with three hit points (which can be extended up to five hit points by collecting items). He loses a hit point whenever he takes damage from an enemy and loses a life when he loses every hit point. Some hazards, such as spikes and lava, cost Aero a life regardless of his health meter. Aero can gain more health and more lives by finding items in the stages. Aero also gets an extra life for every 20,000 points earned. Stages are timed, but the time remaining is used for bonus points and there is otherwise no penalty for running out of time. Aero gets an extra life for completing a "perfect round" (by collecting every item in the stage and finding the exit before time runs out).
  
−
Certain levels have a pick-up that when found, will take Aero to a bonus stage once the current act is completed. In these stages, Aero attempts to dive into a tank of water while falling through as many hoops as he can as Zero, Ektor's henchman, tries to blow him off course with a giant fan.
+
===Objects===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Cannon
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=64 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Aero can push the cannon into position with {{left}} or {{right}}. While standing on it, he can load himself into it with {{down}} and fire it by pressing {{B}} when the height meter is at the desired position.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Bubble Machine
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=64 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Generates bubbles that Aero can use as platforms, but the bubbles pop once they reach a certain height. Like the cannon, Aero can push the bubble machine into position with {{left}} or {{right}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Star Platform
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Acts as a platform. Every time Aero jumps on it, the number of stars decreases; if the platform only has one star, the next jump causes it to disappear.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Checkpoint
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=64 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Aero revives at the last checkpoint passed if he loses a life.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Trampoline
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=80 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=48}}
 +
| desc=Bounces Aero in the air. He bounces a greater height every time he bounces off a trampoline.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Diving Board
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=48 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Aero can jump off a diving board to dive into a water tank, collecting items or passing through hoops on the way down. Diving into a water tank is worth 250 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Trapeze
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=64 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=64}}
 +
| desc=Aero can jump onto a trapeze to hang from it while it swings.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hoop
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=64 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Aero can jump through hoops for bonus points. A normal hoop is worth 100 points, a paper hoop is worth 150 points, and a flaming hoop is worth 100 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Warp Hoop
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=80 | crop_height=48 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=64}}
 +
| desc=Jumping through a warp hoop transports Aero to another part of the stage, often to a hidden room that is otherwise inaccessible. There is also a warp hoop that appears at the end of every stage after Aero has completed the stage objectives.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Balloon
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=176 | crop_y=64}}
 +
| desc=Aero can stand on balloons. Balloons rise upward when Aero is standing on them and drop back down after he jumps off.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Unicycle
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png | 1.5 | crop_width=32 | crop_height=32 | crop_x=144 | crop_y=64}}
 +
| desc=Aero can ride a unicycle down a tightrope. He is invincible while he is on a unicycle and defeats enemies by riding into them.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Sucker
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 100 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Cheese
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 150 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Soda
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 200 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Hot Dog
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 250 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Cupcake
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Worth 300 points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Bonus Icon
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Grants Aero access to the bonus act after completing the current stage. There is one of these hidden in each world.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Parachute
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=96 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Equips Aero with a parachute, allowing him to safely maneuver while falling. It lasts until Aero hits the ground.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Wings
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=112 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Lets Aero fly for a short time.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Magical Stars
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=128 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Collect stars to throw at enemies with {{A}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Lightning
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=144 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Lets Aero perform his drill move twice in midair. Lasts until the end of the stage or until Aero loses a life.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Free Aero
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=160 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player an extra life.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Health Bar
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=176 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increments Aero's health bar by a hit point, up to a maximum of 5.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Clock
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=192 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Adds an extra minute to the timer. It has no effect if the timer has already run down to zero.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Invincibility
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=224 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Makes Aero invincible for a duration.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Key
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=208 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Allows Aero to open doors and cages in some stages.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Worlds===
 +
All worlds except for the Woods have 5 acts and a boss act (as well as a hidden bonus act).
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Circus
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The bosses are the Stilt Brothers.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Funpark
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=The boss is a mechanical clown named Mr. Bubbles, operated by Zero.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=The Woods
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-4.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Museum of Horrors
 +
| screenshot=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-2.png
 +
| screenshot3=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-3.png
 +
| screenshot4=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-4.png
 +
| screenshot5=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-5.png
 +
| screenshot6=Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Bonus act===
 +
Aero enters a bonus act after completing the current stage if he finds a Bonus Icon item. Every world has a bonus act except for the Woods. The bonus act is filled with food items for bonus points and contains no enemies.
 +
 
 +
{{gallery|widths=200|screens=yes|
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 1.png | Circus bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 2.png | Funpark bonus act}}
 +
{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 3.png | Museum bonus act}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
===Legacy===
 +
The game was reasonably successful, and Aero became the mascot of [[Sunsoft]] in the West.{{magref|egm|49|96}} The game received a spin-off, ''[[Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel]]'', and a sequel, ''[[Aero the Acro-Bat 2]]''.
 +
 
 +
==Versions==
 +
A version of the game was planned for the [[Atari Jaguar]] but cancelled.{{ref|http://www.stformat.com/stf56/pages_nx1500/stf56_048.jpg}}{{ref|http://www.stformat.com/stf57/pages_nx1500/stf57_050.jpg}}
 +
 
 +
The game was ported to the [[Game Boy Advance]] in 2002. Unlike the original versions, this version uses a [[battery backup]] for saving and saw release in Japan under the title ''Acrobat Kid'' (アクロバットキッズ).
  
 
==Production credits==
 
==Production credits==
 +
{{multicol|
 
{{creditstable|
 
{{creditstable|
−
{{multicol|
+
*'''Creator and Original Design:''' David Siller
−
*'''Original Design''': David Siller
+
*'''Design and Layout:''' Nigel Cook
−
*'''Design And Layout''': Nigel Cook
+
*'''Additional Design:''' Team Aero
−
*'''Additional Design''': Team Aero
+
*'''Aero Team Leader:''' Carl Wade
−
*'''Aero Team Leader''': Carl Wade
+
*'''Aero Programmers:''' Richard Cowie, Carl Wade, [[Jeff Spangenberg]], Darrin Stubbington, David Brevak, Dave Crummack
−
*'''Aero Programmers''': Richard Cowie, Carl Wade, Jeff Spangenberg, Darrin Stubbington, David Brevak, Dave Crummack
+
*'''Aero Artists:''' Johnathan Casco, Adrian Ludley, Matt Stubbington, Jools Watsham
−
*'''Aero Artists''': Johnathan Casco, Adrian Ludley, Matt Stubbington, Jools Watsham
+
*'''Character Design:''' David Siller, Justin Siller, Nigel Cook
−
*'''Character Design''': David Siller, Justin Siller, Nigel Cook
+
*'''Music and SFX:''' [[Fox Productions]]
−
*'''Music and SFX''': Fox Productions
+
*'''Producers:''' [[Jeff Spangenberg]], J. Moon
−
*'''Producers''': Jeff Spangenberg, J. Moon
+
*'''Executive Producer:''' David Siller
−
*'''Executive Producer''': David Siller
+
*'''Director:''' Nigel Cook
−
*'''Director''': Nigel Cook
+
*'''Art Director:''' Matt Stubbington
−
*'''Art Director''': Matt Stubbington
+
*'''Chairman:''' Masama Meada
−
*'''Chairman''': Masama Meada
+
*'''Vice Chairman:''' Tad Shimamoto
−
*'''Vice Chairman''': Tad Shimamoto
+
*'''Executive Vice President Coproducer:''' Rita Zimmerer
−
*'''Executive Vice President Coproducer''': Rita Zimmerer
+
*'''Director Sunsoft Japan:''' Kiharu Yoshida
−
*'''Director Sunsoft Japan''': Kiharu Yoshida
+
*'''Co-Producers:''' Justin Siller, Rene Boutin, Dan MacArthur
−
*'''Coproducers''': Justin Siller, Rene Boutin, Dan MacArthur
+
*'''Technical Manager:''' Al Artus
−
*'''Technical Manager''': Al Artus
+
*'''Director of Marketing:''' Karen Shadley
−
*'''Director of Marketing''': Karen Shadley
+
*'''Game Manual:''' Alison Quirion
−
*'''Game Manual''': Alison Quirion
+
*'''Executive Assistant:''' Nanette Hyssong
−
*'''Executive Assistant": Nanette Hyssong
+
*'''Game Testers:''' Sam Patel, David Luszcz, Darin Horgan, Matt Ross, Jake Harman, Geoff Gillis, Steve Gerkhe, Laura Luszcz, Ryan Siller, Team Iguna
−
*'''Game Testers''': Sam Patel, David Luszcz, Darin Horgan, Matt Ross, Jake Harman, Geoff Gillis, Steve Gerkhe, Laura Luszcz, Ryan Siller, Team Iguna
+
*'''Thanks To:''' Kazuaki Goto, Masato Kawai, Akito Takeuchi
−
*'''Thanks To''': Kazuaki Goto, Masato Kawai, Akito Takeuchi
+
*'''Customer Service:''' Errin Berry, June Ekert, Kaz Harman, Jamie Jorgensen, Julie Williams
−
*'''Customer Service''': Errin Berry, June Ekert, Kaz Harman, Jamie Jorgensen, Julie Williams
+
*'''Special Thanks:''' Kenji Toshioka, Bruce Reilly, Cathy Juby, Martha Hart, Karen Lillie, Mark Luszcz, Toko Okano, Connie Perez, Sherry Ross, Wunderman, Cato Johnson, Torme Co
−
*'''Special Thanks''': Kenji Toshioka, Bruce Reilly, Cathy Juby, Martha Hart, Karen Lillie, Mark Luszcz, Toko Okano, Connie Perez, Sherry Ross, Wunderman, Cato Johnson, Torme Co
+
*'''Very Special Thanks:''' Debra Siller, Beth Spangenberg, Bo
−
*'''Very Special Thanks''': Debra Siller, Beth Spangenberg, Bo
+
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Aero the Acro-Bat MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 
}}
 
}}
−
| source=In-game credits
 
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Magazine articles==
 +
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
  
 
==Promotional material==
 
==Promotional material==
−
<gallery>
 
−
File:AtAB MD US PrintAdvert.jpg|US print advert
 
−
</gallery>
 
 
{{gallery
 
{{gallery
 +
|{{gitem|Aero the Acro-Bat MD US TVAdvert.mp4|US TV Advert}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|egm|49|179
 +
|egm|50|17
 +
}}
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|gamepro|51|84-85
 +
|videogamesus|58|20
 +
|egm|57|210
 +
}}
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
 
|{{galleryPrintAd
−
|VideoGames US 58.pdf|videogamesus|58|20-21
+
|egm|58|155,157
 +
}}
 +
{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|level|1|52
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
 
}}
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{{ratings
 
{{ratings
 
| icon=MD
 
| icon=MD
−
| consolesplus=90
 
−
| consolesplus_source={{num|35|page=111}}
 
−
| egm=76
 
 
| gameplayers=76
 
| gameplayers=76
−
| gamepro=85
 
−
| gamepro_source={{num|51|page=64/65|pdf=GamePro US 051.pdf|pdfpage=68}}
 
−
| gamesworld=68
 
−
| gamesworld_source={{num|10|page=12}}
 
−
| joypad=81
 
−
| joypad_source={{num|34|page=113}}
 
−
| maniac=59
 
−
| mega=70
 
−
| mega_source={{num|16|page=54}}
 
−
| megaaction=84
 
−
| megaaction_source={{num|9|page=14/15}}
 
−
| megamachines=79
 
−
| megamachines_source={{num|2|page=74/75/76}}
 
−
| mms=80
 
−
| mms_source={{num|15|page=112-114|pdf=MeanMachinesSega15UK.pdf|pdfpage=112}}
 
−
| playerone=95
 
−
| playerone_source={{num|45|page=80/81}}
 
−
| segamaguk=65
 
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| segamaguk_source={{num|7|page=86}}
 
−
| segapower=80
 
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| segapower_source={{num|50|page=94/95}}
 
−
| segapro=84
 
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| segapro_source={{num|27|page=38/39}}
 
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| segazuk=72
 
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| segazuk_source={{num|15|page=66/67}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Scanbox
 
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| cover=AtA MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=AtA MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=AtA MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=AtA MD EU Cart.jpg
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| manual=AeroTheAcrobat MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
|item1=AeroTheAcrobat MD EU Manual (back).png
 +
|item1name=Manual (back)
 +
|item2=AeroTheAcrobat MD EU PCB.jpg
 +
|item2name=PCB
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=PT
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| cover=AerotheAcroBat MD PT cover.jpg
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| cart=AtA MD EU Cart.jpg
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| manual=AerotheAcroBat MD PT manual.jpg
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| item1=AeroTheAcrobat MD EU Manual.jpg
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| item1name=EU Manual
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}}
 
}}
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=438fec09e05337a063f986632b52c9d60dd03ba1|md5=50f04f5c4c10158b757856f3d6845858|crc32=a3a7a8b5|size=1MB|date=1993-06|source=Cartridge (US)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=0a4c99a31e507bcee5b955e4bf3773f4ded827b6|md5=dcab366c82c65fe8c463aac9f5c7a469|crc32=1a3eaf57|size=1MB|date=1993-06|source=Cartridge (EU)|comments=|quality=|prototype=}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
{{AerotheAcroBatOmni}}
 +
{{AerotheAcroBat}}

Latest revision as of 07:20, 15 November 2024

For the 2024 aftermarket re-release, see Aero the Acro-Bat (Limited Run Games).

n/a

AtA Title.png

Aero the Acro-Bat
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Publisher: Sunsoft
Developer:
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT)
Sound driver: GEMS
Genre: Action

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$49.9949.99[2] T-15056
Sega Mega Drive
US ▼
(Sega Channel) 		SUBsub
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		T-15056-50
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJ15056
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£39.9939.99[5][6] T-15056-50
Non-Sega versions

Aero the Acro-Bat is a platform game developed by Iguana Entertainment and published by Sunsoft for the Sega Mega Drive and Super NES in 1993. A Japanese version was planned[7] but cancelled.

Story

A spoiled, rich kid named Edgar Ektor was a regular attendant at the World of Amusement Circus and Funpark, but he was banned after a failed prank almost killed a lion. Twenty years later, Edgar became a powerful and evil industrialist. Aided by Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel and his Psycho Circus gang, Edgar sabotages the funpark and kidnaps all the circus performers. Aero the Acro-Bat, the circus' greatest star, is the only hope for rescuing the performers (including his girlfriend Aeriel) and putting a stop to Edgar's evil schemes.

Gameplay

The game is a side-scrolling platformer played as the acrobatic bat Aero, who needs to stop the mad scientist Edgar Ektor, who is trying to rid the world of amusement and fun. The game features four worlds, each consisting of four or five acts. Most acts require Aero to accomplish certain goals before finding the exit, such as falling through a number of magic hoops or rescuing a captured circus performer, although a few only require Aero to find the exit before advancing to the next act.

Aero moves with Left and Right and ducks with Down. He jumps with B and hovers with his wings with C. Aero can also collect stars, which he can throw at enemies with A. He can throw stars while jumping but not while walking or ducking. Aero climbs ladders with Up and Down and slides down them with C. When standing on a tightrope, he can drop down and hang on the tightrope with C.

Aero can perform a diagonal drill maneuver with B again in midair. His drill move is his main method of attack, since jumping on enemies hurts Aero, and can also be used to extend his jump. He can drill once per jump normally, but he can find an item that allows him to drill twice. He drills upward before the apex of the jump and downward after the apex. It can be manually aimed with Up+B to hit reach enemies and platforms above him or aimed down with Down+C to attack enemies on the ground.

Aero has a health bar and starts each stage with three hit points (which can be extended up to five hit points by collecting items). He loses a hit point whenever he takes damage from an enemy and loses a life when he loses every hit point. Some hazards, such as spikes and lava, cost Aero a life regardless of his health meter. Aero can gain more health and more lives by finding items in the stages. Aero also gets an extra life for every 20,000 points earned. Stages are timed, but the time remaining is used for bonus points and there is otherwise no penalty for running out of time. Aero gets an extra life for completing a "perfect round" (by collecting every item in the stage and finding the exit before time runs out).

Objects

Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Cannon
Aero can push the cannon into position with Left or Right. While standing on it, he can load himself into it with Down and fire it by pressing B when the height meter is at the desired position.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Bubble Machine
Generates bubbles that Aero can use as platforms, but the bubbles pop once they reach a certain height. Like the cannon, Aero can push the bubble machine into position with Left or Right.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Star Platform
Acts as a platform. Every time Aero jumps on it, the number of stars decreases; if the platform only has one star, the next jump causes it to disappear.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Checkpoint
Aero revives at the last checkpoint passed if he loses a life.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Trampoline
Bounces Aero in the air. He bounces a greater height every time he bounces off a trampoline.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Diving Board
Aero can jump off a diving board to dive into a water tank, collecting items or passing through hoops on the way down. Diving into a water tank is worth 250 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Trapeze
Aero can jump onto a trapeze to hang from it while it swings.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Hoop
Aero can jump through hoops for bonus points. A normal hoop is worth 100 points, a paper hoop is worth 150 points, and a flaming hoop is worth 100 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Warp Hoop
Jumping through a warp hoop transports Aero to another part of the stage, often to a hidden room that is otherwise inaccessible. There is also a warp hoop that appears at the end of every stage after Aero has completed the stage objectives.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Balloon
Aero can stand on balloons. Balloons rise upward when Aero is standing on them and drop back down after he jumps off.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Objects.png
 Unicycle
Aero can ride a unicycle down a tightrope. He is invincible while he is on a unicycle and defeats enemies by riding into them.

Items

Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Sucker
Worth 100 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Cheese
Worth 150 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Soda
Worth 200 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Hot Dog
Worth 250 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Cupcake
Worth 300 points.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Bonus Icon
Grants Aero access to the bonus act after completing the current stage. There is one of these hidden in each world.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Parachute
Equips Aero with a parachute, allowing him to safely maneuver while falling. It lasts until Aero hits the ground.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Wings
Lets Aero fly for a short time.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Magical Stars
Collect stars to throw at enemies with A.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Lightning
Lets Aero perform his drill move twice in midair. Lasts until the end of the stage or until Aero loses a life.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Free Aero
Gives the player an extra life.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Health Bar
Increments Aero's health bar by a hit point, up to a maximum of 5.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Clock
Adds an extra minute to the timer. It has no effect if the timer has already run down to zero.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Invincibility
Makes Aero invincible for a duration.
Aero the Acro-Bat, Items.png
 Key
Allows Aero to open doors and cages in some stages.

Worlds

All worlds except for the Woods have 5 acts and a boss act (as well as a hidden bonus act).

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-3.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-4.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-5.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-4.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1-5.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 1 Boss.png

Circus
The bosses are the Stilt Brothers.

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-3.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-4.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-5.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-4.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2-5.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 2 Boss.png

Funpark
The boss is a mechanical clown named Mr. Bubbles, operated by Zero.

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-3.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-4.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 3-4.png

The Woods

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-3.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-4.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-5.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4 Boss.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-1.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-2.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-3.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-4.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4-5.png

  • Aero the Acro-Bat, Stage 4 Boss.png

Museum of Horrors

Bonus act

Aero enters a bonus act after completing the current stage if he finds a Bonus Icon item. Every world has a bonus act except for the Woods. The bonus act is filled with food items for bonus points and contains no enemies.

Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 1.png

Circus bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 1.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 2.png

Funpark bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 2.png

Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 3.png

Museum bonus act
Aero the Acro-Bat, Bonus Stage 3.png

History

Legacy

The game was reasonably successful, and Aero became the mascot of Sunsoft in the West.[8] The game received a spin-off, Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel, and a sequel, Aero the Acro-Bat 2.

Versions

A version of the game was planned for the Atari Jaguar but cancelled.[9][10]

The game was ported to the Game Boy Advance in 2002. Unlike the original versions, this version uses a battery backup for saving and saw release in Japan under the title Acrobat Kid (アクロバットキッズ).

Production credits

  • Creator and Original Design: David Siller
  • Design and Layout: Nigel Cook
  • Additional Design: Team Aero
  • Aero Team Leader: Carl Wade
  • Aero Programmers: Richard Cowie, Carl Wade, Jeff Spangenberg, Darrin Stubbington, David Brevak, Dave Crummack
  • Aero Artists: Johnathan Casco, Adrian Ludley, Matt Stubbington, Jools Watsham
  • Character Design: David Siller, Justin Siller, Nigel Cook
  • Music and SFX: Fox Productions
  • Producers: Jeff Spangenberg, J. Moon
  • Executive Producer: David Siller
  • Director: Nigel Cook
  • Art Director: Matt Stubbington
  • Chairman: Masama Meada
  • Vice Chairman: Tad Shimamoto
  • Executive Vice President Coproducer: Rita Zimmerer
  • Director Sunsoft Japan: Kiharu Yoshida
  • Co-Producers: Justin Siller, Rene Boutin, Dan MacArthur
  • Technical Manager: Al Artus
  • Director of Marketing: Karen Shadley
  • Game Manual: Alison Quirion
  • Executive Assistant: Nanette Hyssong
  • Game Testers: Sam Patel, David Luszcz, Darin Horgan, Matt Ross, Jake Harman, Geoff Gillis, Steve Gerkhe, Laura Luszcz, Ryan Siller, Team Iguna
  • Thanks To: Kazuaki Goto, Masato Kawai, Akito Takeuchi
  • Customer Service: Errin Berry, June Ekert, Kaz Harman, Jamie Jorgensen, Julie Williams
  • Special Thanks: Kenji Toshioka, Bruce Reilly, Cathy Juby, Martha Hart, Karen Lillie, Mark Luszcz, Toko Okano, Connie Perez, Sherry Ross, Wunderman, Cato Johnson, Torme Co
  • Very Special Thanks: Debra Siller, Beth Spangenberg, Bo
Source:
In-game credits
Aero the Acro-Bat MD credits.pdf
[11]

Magazine articles

Main article: Aero the Acro-Bat/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #49: "August 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in GamePro (US) #51: "October 1993" (1993-xx-xx)
also published in:
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) #58: "May 1994" (1994-xx-xx)
Logo-pdf.svg
Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in LeveL (CZ) #1: "Leden 1995" (1995-01-24)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
Sega Mega Drive
 Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
80
[15]
Alaab Alcomputtar (SA)
80
[16]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
83
[17]
Consoles + (FR)
90
[18]
Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
76
[19]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
70
[20]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5 (RU)
70
[21]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
85
[22]
Games World: The Magazine (UK) PAL
68
[6]
Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
69
[23]
Joypad (FR)
81
[24]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
59
[25]
Mega (UK) NTSC-U
70
[26]
Mega Action (UK) PAL
84
[27]
Mega Force (FR) PAL
92
[28]
Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-U
78
[29]
Mega Machines (UK) PAL
79
[30]
MegaTech (UK) NTSC-U
70
[31]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) NTSC-U
80
[32]
Player One (FR)
95
[33]
Power Unlimited (NL)
92
[34]
Score (CZ)
65
[35]
Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
65
[4]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC-U
82
[36]
Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-U
84
[37]
Sega Zone (UK) NTSC-U
72
[38]
Sega Force (SE)
72
[39]
Todo Sega (ES)
76
[40]
Tricks (RU)
78
[41]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
77
[42]
Video Games (DE) PAL
73
[43]
Sega Mega Drive
 77
Based on
31 reviews

Aero the Acro-Bat

Mega Drive, US
AtA MD US Box.jpg
Cover
Aero The Acrobat md us Cart.jpg
Cart
Aero The Acrobat MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, EU
AtA MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
AtA MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
AeroTheAcrobat MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
AeroTheAcrobat MD EU Manual (back).png
Manual (back)
AeroTheAcrobat MD EU PCB.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, PT
AerotheAcroBat MD PT cover.jpg
Cover
AtA MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
AerotheAcroBat MD PT manual.jpg
Manual
AeroTheAcrobat MD EU Manual.jpg
EU Manual

Technical information

Main article: Aero the Acro-Bat/Technical information.

References

  1. ↑ VideoGames, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 34
  2. ↑ GamePro, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 68
  3. ↑ Sega Channel schedule (US; 1994-06-01)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Sega Magazine, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-16), page 86
  5. ↑ Sega Pro, "November 1993" (UK; 1993-10-14), page 27
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Games World: The Magazine, "April 1995" (UK; 1995-0x-xx), page 12
  7. ↑ Sega '93 Winter Catalogue: TV Game World, page 25
  8. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "August 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 96
  9. ↑ http://www.stformat.com/stf56/pages_nx1500/stf56_048.jpg
  10. ↑ http://www.stformat.com/stf57/pages_nx1500/stf57_050.jpg
  11. ↑ File:Aero the Acro-Bat MD credits.pdf
  12. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "September 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 17
  13. ↑ VideoGames, "November 1993" (US; 1993-1x-xx), page 20
  14. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 210
  15. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 12
  16. ↑ Alaab Alcomputtar, "" (SA; 1995-06-xx), page 80
  17. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "September 1994" (DE; 1994-08-08), page 125
  18. ↑ Consoles +, "Septembre 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 111
  19. ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "January 1994" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 46
  20. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 286
  21. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 5, "" (RU; 200x-xx-xx), page 10
  22. ↑ GamePro, "October 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 66
  23. ↑ Game Informer, "September/October 1993" (US; 1993-0x-xx), page 30
  24. ↑ Joypad, "Septembre 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 113
  25. ↑ MAN!AC, "04/94" (DE; 1994-03-09), page 45
  26. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 54
  27. ↑ Mega Action, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-30), page 14
  28. ↑ Mega Force, "Septembre 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 98
  29. ↑ Mega Fun, "01/94" (DE; 1993-12-22), page 72
  30. ↑ Mega Machines, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-09), page 74
  31. ↑ MegaTech, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-21), page 52
  32. ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-11-30), page 112
  33. ↑ Player One, "Septembre 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 80
  34. ↑ Power Unlimited, "Jaargang 2, Nummer 1, Januari 1994" (NL; 1993-12-29), page 32
  35. ↑ Score, "Říjen 1994" (CZ; 1994-10-01), page 55
  36. ↑ Sega Power, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 94
  37. ↑ Sega Pro, "Xmas Special 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 38
  38. ↑ Sega Zone, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-23), page 66
  39. ↑ Sega Force, "4/94" (SE; 1994-06-01), page 12
  40. ↑ Todo Sega, "Febrero 1995" (ES; 1995-0x-xx), page 42
  41. ↑ Tricks, "Vypusk 7" (RU; 1996-xx-xx), page 22
  42. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 6
  43. ↑ Video Games, "1/94" (DE; 1993-12-19), page 92


Aero the Acro-Bat

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Aero the Acro-Bat games for Sega systems
Aero the Acro-Bat (1993) | Zero the Kamikaze Squirrel (1994) | Aero the Acro-Bat 2 (1995)
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