I got the download version, so installation was as simple as dragging the application from the disk image to my hard drive. I imagine the CD version would have just as simple of an install process.

Wingnuts is an arcade game with some really neat features. From the 360° overhead view, to the Asteroids/scrolling shooter mix, to the crazy music and announcers, this game is a lot of fun. Pretty much the only thing that could really make it better, would be if it supported networked play.

Let's first talk about the game play. At first glance, one might think this game is just another Asteroids clone. But once you get playing it for a few minutes, you will realize it is very different. First off, did Asteroids ever have a progression of time throughout the game? Nope, but this game does. You start out with old wooden planes, which aren't very fast, and don't handle all that well. As you make progress in the game, your ship (and the enemy ships) progress through history, improving as the levels increase. In no time, you will be dogfighting with fighter jets, as you try to catch the elusive Baron.

This game also has the whole top/side scrolling shooter feel of such popular games as Defender, but it is taken to he next level. As you fly around, blowing thy enemies to tiny bits, you will be saving fallen comrades, pick up bonuses, and increasing your arsenal. All of these power-ups will certainly be helpful you, as you try to achieve the highest score. The mix between these two types of game plays is really special, and makes for an intriguing style of game.

Speaking of taking scrolling style games to the next level, let's see how that is done. Well, there is a fairly large (and luckily wrap around) map which you have 360° control of. You can fly any which way, even having the ability to strafe left and right for those tight situations. It's so much more than the old unidirectional flying and fighting of games gone past.

Wingnuts may not have the most spectacular graphics on the planet, but that doesn't mean they aren't. On the contrary, this game does feature some very nice OpenGL effects (such as explosions and depth given by flying through the clouds), and the whole arcade theme works very nicely. The game has a cartoony feel to it, and the graphics fit in perfectly.

The same can be said for the sounds. Wingnuts will not be winning a Grammy any time soon, but it won't send you scrambling for your mute button either. The music is pleasing to listen to, your fly buddy/announcer gives you some handy tips and encouragement, and even the Baron pops in from time to time. Again, the overall theme of the game is cartoon based, and the music/sounds work well with this setup.

One turnoff to the game is that is has a somewhat steep learning curve. It took me a few games to really get the hang of it. Don't get discouraged when you start playing, and you're not a master ace from the beginning. With a little practice, you will be flying and fighting your way out of some pretty tough situations. Just remember, we have to catch that Baron!

Not a single problem from this game.

Wingnuts is much more fun than even I expected. I routinely found myself engulfed in the game for hours on end. It's a great arcade style game, which nearly anyone can enjoy.

Pros	Cons
Unique style of game play Fun graphics and sounds Dozens of enemies, power-ups, weapons, etc. 30 levels means nonstop play for hours Great arcade-like action Fitting AI	Needs a bit more variety in the levels Has a slightly large learning curve No network play
8/10 stars