Airlift (1984)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Airlift (1984)

Airlift is a clone of the classic arcade game Choplifter, released in 1984 for the Commodore 64, Atari 8-bit family, and ZX Spectrum. Like Choplifter, Airlift is a side-scrolling helicopter rescue game in which the player controls a helicopter pilot tasked with rescuing civilians from a war-torn city.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Airlift is very similar to that of Choplifter. The player controls a helicopter pilot who must fly over a war-torn city and rescue civilians who are fleeing from enemy forces. The civilians are represented by small, running figures, and the player must land the helicopter near them and then pick them up. Once the civilians are safely aboard, the player must then fly them back to their base.

The player’s helicopter is armed with a machine gun and rockets, which can be used to destroy enemy forces. The player must also be careful to avoid colliding with buildings and other obstacles.

Levels

Airlift features a total of 32 levels, each with a different layout and enemy configuration. The levels become increasingly difficult as the player progresses, with more enemy forces and obstacles to contend with.

Graphics and sound

The graphics in Airlift are simple but effective. The city is depicted in a top-down perspective, with buildings and other objects represented by simple shapes and colors. The helicopter is also simple in design, but it is well-animated and moves smoothly across the screen.

The sound in Airlift is also simple, but it is effective in creating a sense of atmosphere. The sound of the helicopter’s rotors and the explosions of enemy fire help to create a sense of urgency and excitement.

Reception

Airlift was well-received by critics upon its release. Many praised the game’s addictive gameplay, challenging levels, and responsive controls. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to Choplifter, and they felt that it did not offer enough new or innovative features.

Overall, Airlift is a solid Choplifter clone that offers plenty of frantic helicopter rescue action. The game’s simple but effective graphics and sound, challenging levels, and responsive controls make it a fun and rewarding experience for fans of the genre.

Legacy

Airlift was one of the many Choplifter clones that were released in the early 1980s. While it was not as popular as Choplifter itself, Airlift was still a successful game in its own right. The game was ported to a number of different platforms, and it was even released as an arcade game in Japan.

Airlift’s legacy is as a solid Choplifter clone that offered a fun and challenging experience for fans of the genre. The game’s simple but effective graphics and sound, challenging levels, and responsive controls make it a worthy addition to any retro gaming collection.

Tips for playing Airlift

  • Be careful when landing your helicopter. It is important to land your helicopter as close to the civilians as possible, but you must also be careful not to collide with any buildings or other obstacles.
  • Use your machine gun and rockets to destroy enemy forces. Enemy forces can be a major threat to your helicopter, so it is important to use your machine gun and rockets to destroy them whenever possible.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. It is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This will help you to avoid colliding with buildings and other obstacles, and it will also help you to identify enemy forces before they can attack you.
  • Don’t be afraid to restart a level if you need to. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to restart the level. This will give you a chance to start over and try a different approach.

Conclusion

Airlift is a fun and challenging Choplifter clone that offers plenty of frantic helicopter rescue action. The game’s simple but effective graphics and sound, challenging levels, and responsive controls make it a worthy addition to any retro gaming collection.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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