AirStrike 3D

Airstrike 3D is a helicopter flight simulator game with a Hollywood flair. The 3D graphics are beautifully engineered and hyper-realistic, to the point that the player could be forgiven for thinking that he or she was looking at real photographs or footage from a movie. Even traditionally difficult subjects to capture in animation, like sparks, flames, water splashes, steam and smoke – even shadows – are expertly rendered for complete realism. These special effects, and others – the explosions are large, powerful and exciting – combined with trackable camera angles can make the player feel like the hero of an action movie, rather than a gamer!

The game features five different types of terrain and runs over twenty levels. There are more than one hundred enemy units to defeat and three 'bosses': terrorist leaders, to overcome. The player is aided by a choice of ten helicopters, each with their own specialist features and fittings. The player is given missions of ever-increasing difficulty, and successful completion of these unlocks achievements and rewards. There are also more sophisticated helicopters to be unlocked and powerful weapons to be tried out. These weapons include the G.O.R.O.X. which fires powerful and devastating plasma pellets, the Plasma Cannon which shoots plasma bullets with almost as much damage. The Wave Gun, Flamethrower and Meteorite Gun also offer untold damage and can be intensely satisfying to use, unleashing destruction on the landscape and enemies below.

The player will have to undertake missions in all sorts of weather, including rain and storms, and will also have to undertake night missions, all of which adds to the not-inconsiderable difficulty of the harder missions. Rising to the challenge and completing the mission brings rewards and satisfaction!

The game readily accepts the use of a joystick for greater realism with the helicopter controls. There are also several levels of difficulty from 'Very easy' through to 'Nightmare'.

Pros

• Fun helicopter flying simulator game
• Plenty of challenges to keep the player enthralled
• Unlock achievements to progress

Cons

• None known