Atari 5200

Choplifter!

The SuperSystem edition of the smash computer game Choplifter combines the best elements of both the Atari Computer and Apple II versions, making it the best one available. The 5200 Choplifter's decent animation and graphics are reminiscent of the 400/800 cartridge, but the two-button action from the original Apple II game has been restored, thanks to the 5200 controller's two button joystick. In Choplifter, you direct an armed helicopter, which forays across the border into hostile enemy territory. The object of the mission is to rescue as many of the American hostages as possible and bring them back to safety in U.S grounds. However, the chopper can only carry 16 at a time, and each successive trip brings new hazards to be overcome, like tanks, fighter planes, and smart bombs. With its terrific blend of action, strategy and challenge, Choplifter offers replay value like few others.

This is the exact same version of Choplifter that was released by Broderbund for the Atari 8-bit computers in 1982. It may have been an easy port, but Atari really should have reworked the game to take advantage of the Atari 5200's capabilities. The graphics are drab. The helicopter and hostages are well-rendered, but in a single, bland color. The real problems begin when the screen gets crowded with objects. The action slows to a crawl, animation becomes choppy, and the collision detection goes out the window. It's not good. In addition, the sound effects are almost non-existent! Still, the helicopter controls well enough, and the game certainly has an addictive quality. Once all the hostages are rescued (or killed), the game's over. Sure, you'll have fun with Choplifter for a while, but the fun doesn't last.