SNK Playmore brings back another arcade classic in its large library of games with 1988’s Chopper I. This game certainly redefines insane top-down shooters. While it doesn’t have the charm of The Next Space when it comes to crazy power-ups amongst waves and waves of enemies, it certainly brings a new form of difficulty.
Chopper I puts you in the seat of a helicopter (shocked?) that is sent on what could essentially be called a suicide mission to destroy many, many, many enemies. As I have written about in the past few SNK Playmore mini reviews, there is an insane amount of difficulty to their arcade games (sans Gang Wars), and Chopper I is no exception. You start off the game in a large valley filled with tons of enemy helicopters, tanks attached to railroad tracks and other types of guns. The game sends non-stop waves of enemies that won’t allow you a free moment to think. Along the way, you’ll have chances at grabbing power-ups to help you thwart the enemies easier, but there are so many that it will be difficult with anything less than a nuclear bomb.
That game will certainly challenge you to continue and keep moving forward. After you die in Chopper I, it will either start you off where you perished or, if you’re far enough along, will propel you forward a bit on the level. It’s like the game knows you’re going to die continuously and encourages you through level placement to keep going. It was enough to keep me going forward, even though I kept continually meeting my fate at the hands of enemy fire. You know what, though? That’s really the joy to the game, as it emulates the arcade style of quarter-munching.
Thankfully, your quarter is a one-time payment of $2.99, and you can put as many credits in the game as you want. What you get from the game is a fast-paced, intense top-down shooter that doesn’t let up. As you might have read in previous SNK Playmore mini reviews that I’ve written, this is a common theme (sans Gang Wars). And as I’ve stated many times in those reviews, I’m okay with the difficulty, as SNK (during that time period) wanted quarters pumped into their machines, and rightfully so.
Anyway, it’s a fun top-down that will challenge the hell out of you, and it’s cheap enough to warrant the frustration. If you want a challenge then Chopper I might be the game for you. Regardless, give it a shot to see what arcade top-down shooters were in their prime.