Page 36 - OSG Presents Classic Gamer Magazine #6

Let’s be honest here: there’s no way anyone’s going to be doing a complete and comprehensive history of video and computer war
games. At least it’s not going to be me. There’s a tradition that goes all the way back to Avalon Hill and primitive Pentagon WWIII
sims, all the way up to modern-day 3-D shooters based on everything from the Battle of Antietam to the Gulf War.
Even if one is going to set out to do a general overview of arcade-style war games, one has to define the parameters. After all,
aren’t virtually all games based on some kind of struggle? (Granted, I suppose Dr. J And Larry Bird Go One On One could just be an
exception, along with the old Strawberry Shortcake cartridge for the VCS.) For the purposes of this glance at some of my favorites,
we’re going to define war games as games based on modern-day combat. Star Wars won’t make it into this category; nor will Zaxxon,
Xevious, or any number of other space-based games.
In the interest of staying within topic, I’m not going to mention the vague feeling of ridiculousness I feel writing these reviews just
as the TV blares details of the latest bombings in Iraq. It feels just a little silly, y’know, while real munitions are raining down from the
sky somewhere in the world, to be talking about Time Pilot.
But that’s just in my head. Your mileage may vary. Now let’s dip into the past and blow some stuff up. -Earl Green

DEATH FROM ABOVE
DEATH FROM ABOVE
DEATH FROM ABOVE
DEATH FROM ABOVE
DEATH FROM ABOVE
DEATH FROM ABOVE

Choplifter! Skyfox Time Pilot
Choplifter!
Skyfox
Time Pilot

5200/7800/Home Computers Home Computers Arcade

I have always liked the scenario of The moment flight simulators were Before it sounds like I’ve shut out the
this game. A helicopter rescue mission created, it was inevitable – just as with arcade classics like a bunch of curious
behind enemy lines. The enemy forces the invention of real aircraft – that reporters in a Gulf War Pentagon press
have tanks and planes. You must clear someone would attach weapons to briefing, I’d be remiss in my duties if I
a landing area in order to pick up your them. Countless combat flight sims didn’t shine a light on one of my per-
stranded comrades and fly them back to have hit the shelves, and I am by no sonal favorites, the Centuri-licensed
base to gain points. The problem I have means an expert on them all (nor, in- Konami classic Time Pilot. Though it
always had with this game is the tricky deed, am I a fan of the complexity of skirts the edge of breaking my no-sci-fi
control. The helicopter has to be ma- we’ve-duplicated-every-switch-in-the- rule for these reviews with its time travel
neuvered in a certain way because the cockpit accuracy). One of my few favor- element, Time Pilot pits players against
rockets only fire straight ahead. So far, ites in that genre, however, was Elec- combat aircraft from the 1940s, 1970s,
the 7800 version has the best control tronic Arts’ Skyfox for the Apple II. With and beyond, until finally one is faced
that I have come across on any system. its Defender-inspired radar screen, as with enemies with equal maneuvering
well as an all-knowing flight computer, and firepower. A sequel, Time Pilot ’84,
Rated C+ this futuristic combat sim occupied my never really enthralled me as much as
time on many a weekend (between Ul- the original. Coleco latched onto the
- Al Backiel tima IV marathons, that is). Time Pilot license and ported it to the
Colecovision and the VCS, with mixed
A 2600 version was in the works, but Rated: A results. However, to close on a happy
so far it hasn't turned up in any form. note, Time Pilot was included on the
-Earl Green Konami Arcade Classics collection for
the PlayStation about a year ago, and
it’s an excellent emulation. I highly rec-
ommend it – and I get my ass kicked by
it with startling regularity.
War is hell, ain’t it?

Rated: A

-Earl

Classic Gamer Magazine Spring 2001 36