Choplifter 3D (Review) Xbox 360

Review Score:

Developed by Dan Gorlin and released on the Apple II in 1982, Choplifter was ported to many home computers and console systems over the years. After being licensed by Sega, Choplifter made its debut in arcades in 1985.

Like the versions before it, Choplifter 3D places the gamer in the pilot seat of various helicopters, while rescuing civilians and injured soldiers from behind enemy lines. The classic gameplay and basic mechanics from the original Choplifter have remained the same.

The game begins with a tutorial campaign that explains how to pilot your helicopter. These missions explain, in great detail, how to use the radar system, prioritize wounded pickups, and refuel your helicopter. Once the four tutorial missions are completed, the first chapter unlocks and the real missions begin.

Choplifter 3D has multiple helicopters to unlock. The first model, Mantis, has average capabilities, and it’s the first helicopter you will pilot. The Snow Bunny, Raven, and Navajo are increasingly better in different areas. The Snow Bunny, for example, is faster than the other helicopter models, but the Navajo is capable of carrying more passengers.

Each helicopter can be unlocked by using performance stars; these stars are rewarded at the end of each mission. Since performance stars accumulate over time, you may find yourself completing the same missions more than once before unlocking anything.

The gameplay is classic arcade action at its best. As you fly your helicopter through enemy terrain, soldiers attack from the ground and atop buildings, while anti-aircraft guns launch heat-seeking RPGs to bring down your helicopter. Vehicles manned by terrorists chase after you through the streets, taking back roads at the very last second to avoid your gunfire. Tanks roll slowly through the terrain; their gun barrels making an all too familiar clicking sound as they reload for their next attack.

Enemy artillery and soldiers are not the only obstacles to be concerned about. The environment has its own obstacles, like hanging rock formations and cranes. While it’s easy to maneuver underneath these objects, it can be difficult to avoid them if you’re flying  too fast.

A map of the stage is located at the top of the screen. People that need rescuing appear as white human icons, while refueling stations appear as blue gas pumps. Your home base for extracting survivors is designated by an ‘H’ on the map. Landing at home base will refuel your helicopter and replenish your missiles.

The refueling depots are your lifeline during lengthy missions. Since there is a fuel gauge, you must watch it constantly. When fuel is low, you must fly to a refueling station on the map and land carefully on the helipad. Usually, the location is guarded by enemy solders.

When rescuing people, it’s always important to expect the unexpected. Enemy solders will sometimes emerge from behind buildings to sabotage your rescue attempt. When this occurs, it usually results in abandoning the rescue to eliminate the enemy.  Even though this happens randomly, it’s important to always be prepared.

The controls are simple and easy to learn. The left analog stick controls the helicopter, while the right analog stick aims your gun turret and target for missiles. Taping the LB or RB button once will make your helicopter face the foreground. Since combat also occurs in the foreground, it’s important to remember to face forward when engaging enemies there.

Choplifter’s gameplay stretches across thirty missions that are divided into four chapters. The missions are a combination of rescue missions, destroying anti-aircraft guns, and protecting neighborhoods from the flesh-eating undead. While destroying hordes of zombies may seem out of place to Choplifter veterans, it’s not nearly as bad as it sounds — especially when they’re clinging to the side of your helicopter and devouring pedestrians on the streets.

The game also focuses heavily on combat, something the original didn’t do. At times, the screen becomes overwhelmed with enemy gunfire and RPG missiles, making it difficult to concentrate on a specific target. Choplifter fans may moan and groan over this change in gameplay, but luckily it doesn’t affect the classic elements that are still present in the game.

Choplifter 3D by inXile Entertainment is more of a re-envisioning than a remake. It marries the basic gameplay elements of Choplifter with modern game mechanics, and it does it well. Classic gamers hoping for a verbatim remake of their favorite helicopter game will not find it here, but what they will find is a well-polished shooter that pays homage to one of the best classic games in history.

Choplifter 3D’s Official Website

Mike Pittaro
Platform: Xbox 360 (Also Available for Playstation 3)
Developer: inXile Entertainment
Publisher: Konami
ESRB: T (Teen)
Price: 1200 MS Points

Review Score
Graphics
Choplifter 3D has beautiful, vibrant graphics
Sound
The cries of those being rescued, and the pilot's snide remarks during combat, really add to the experience.
Gameplay
This is arcade action at its finest.

Overall
Choplifter 3D is a solid shooter that takes the classic one step further.