Summary
- Release Year: 1985
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Arcade, Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Toaplan
- Publishers: Acclaim Entertainment, Pony Canyon, Taito
Tiger Heli: A Forgotten Gem from the Golden Age of Arcade Gaming
Released in 1985 by Toaplan and Taito, Tiger Heli is a classic arcade game that helped define the helicopter shooter genre. It is a fast-paced, top-down shooter that puts players in the cockpit of a heavily armed helicopter as they battle their way through waves of enemy forces.
Tiger Heli was one of the first games to feature a helicopter as the player’s main vehicle. This gave the game a unique perspective and gameplay experience compared to other shooters of the time, which were typically ground-based. The game’s controls are simple and intuitive, with players using a joystick to control the helicopter’s movement and fire button to shoot.
One of the things that sets Tiger Heli apart from other helicopter shooters is its focus on strategy. Players must carefully manage their helicopter’s speed and altitude to avoid enemy fire and obstacles. They must also choose their targets carefully, as different enemies have different strengths and weaknesses.
Tiger Heli features a variety of enemy types, including ground troops, tanks, helicopters, and airplanes. Each enemy type requires a different strategy to defeat. For example, ground troops can be easily dispatched with a few well-placed shots, while tanks require more firepower to take down. Helicopters and airplanes can be challenging to hit, but they can also be deadly if they get too close.
In addition to the standard enemies, Tiger Heli also features a number of boss battles. These bosses are much larger and more powerful than the regular enemies, and they require a significant amount of firepower to defeat.
Tiger Heli is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s fast-paced action and strategic gameplay will keep players on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Gameplay
Tiger Heli is a top-down shooter in which the player controls a helicopter. The player’s goal is to destroy all of the enemy forces on each level. The player can use a variety of weapons to defeat the enemy, including machine guns, missiles, and bombs.
The player’s helicopter is equipped with a limited amount of fuel and ammunition. The player must carefully manage their resources in order to complete each level. The player can collect power-ups to replenish their fuel and ammunition.
Tiger Heli features a variety of different enemy types, including ground troops, tanks, helicopters, and airplanes. Each enemy type has its own strengths and weaknesses. The player must choose their targets carefully in order to defeat them efficiently.
Tiger Heli also features a number of boss battles. These bosses are much larger and more powerful than the regular enemies. The player must use all of their skills and resources to defeat them.
Development
Tiger Heli was developed by Toaplan, a Japanese video game developer. Toaplan was founded in 1984 by a group of former employees of Taito. Tiger Heli was one of Toaplan’s first games, and it was a critical and commercial success.
Tiger Heli was ported to a number of home computers, including the Commodore 64, the ZX Spectrum, and the MSX. The home computer ports were not as successful as the arcade version, but they helped to introduce Tiger Heli to a wider audience.
Legacy
Tiger Heli is a classic arcade game that helped to define the helicopter shooter genre. The game’s fast-paced action and strategic gameplay have made it a favorite of gamers for over 30 years. Tiger Heli has been ported to a number of home computers and consoles, and it is still available to play on modern platforms.
Tiger Heli has had a significant influence on the video game industry. The game’s top-down perspective and focus on strategy have been used in a number of other helicopter shooters, including Twin Cobra, Super Cobra, and Desert Strike. Tiger Heli has also been cited as an inspiration for the popular video game Grand Theft Auto.
Conclusion
Tiger Heli is a forgotten gem from the golden age of arcade gaming. The game’s fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and variety of enemy types make it a must-play for fans of helicopter shooters. If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding game to play, give Tiger Heli a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Review Score
8.5/10
