• Bearplane is exactly what it sounds like—or at least, pretty close.
• Take control of a rocket-propelled bear
• Stunning 1940s art style with a big-band soundtrack

Every now and then, we stumble upon a piece of history so unusual that it simply demands attention—and that’s precisely what indie developer Matthew Burton unearthed with Bearplane. This appropriately named arcade shooter puts you in the shoes—or rather, the paws—of a bear on a plane. Except you’re not just riding a plane; you are the plane, thanks to a rocket strapped to your back, fueled by raw power and zero mercy.

In Bearplane, you clear the skies of enemies by slamming into them, incinerating them, or roaring with such force that their insides burst. All the while, you do it with a grin on your face, accompanied by an infectious big-band swing soundtrack—so catchy, I wish I could add it to my Spotify playlist right now.

What makes it even more intriguing is the real-life inspiration: a bear named Wojtek, who served in World War II with the Polish army. Rumor has it, he was even promoted to Corporal—a fact that still amazes me.

And when the going gets tough, you can always call on Rocket Rat and jump into local co-op. After all, two rocket-fueled critters are always better than one.

If that sounds like your kind of fun, why not explore our picks for the best arcade games on Android to find more titles you'll love?

In the meantime, if you’re excited to join the chaos, head over to Steam and try it out while waiting for the mobile version.

Stay connected with the community by following the official YouTube page for updates, visit the official website for details, or watch the clip above to soak in the game’s style and atmosphere.