Hello everyone! Welcome back to Blueprints, where I explain some of the design decisions of Aerostrike. In this issue, we take a look at the big showdowns in Aerostrike, the bossfights. Minor spoiler warning for the game!

Bossfights in Aerostrike were designed to serve several purposes. First and foremost, they have to be an entertaining battle. Each brings something new to the table to shake things up. Second, they work as a skill test for their respective chapter. Any new weapons or equipment will likely play an important role in the next big battle. Lastly, they serve as a conclusion to the chapter's storyline. They are an obstacle that prevent the protagonist from achieving their goal until they are dealt with. As an example, I'll disect the first boss of the game, Helga "Hel" Thorne, the Queen of Battle.

She appears half-way through the first chapter of the game. Our protagonist, Pilot #8, stumbles upon her as he's trying to make his way through the UHG's underground base. She lives for combat, and sees Pilot #8 as a worthy opponent that will give her the fight of her life. As such, she gets in his way, blocking his path and preventing any progress unless she gets a duel to the death. She is highly regarded as a mercenary and as a duelist, flying a unique ship that no one ever has or ever will see a second time. Now, Pilot #8 will have to face his first mighty opponent in his journey.

Up to this point, all the fights in the game have been against multiple opponents. However, the fight against Hel is the first one-on-one duel between skilled pilots, on their own unique ships. Her ship, the Orca, has strong shields and strong armor, requiring effective use of the Aerostrike's weapons to wear her down. She also has access to a lot of firepower that can quickly tear the Aerostrike apart, which has to be avoided or blocked using the Forward Shield. And finally, her fight ends the introductory chapter to the world of Aerostrike, and becomes the catalyst in the story that causes the Rebels that have taken over the base to consider Pilot #8 as a significant threat.

With these three basic rules, the various bosses of Aerostrike were designed and brought to life. However, how does one take down such mighty foes? What kind of weaponry does the Aerostrike possess? Join me next issue to find out. Stay safe, Pilots!