🎮 Play Choplifter Online (Atari 7800)

Choplifter is a classic 1982 action-shooter originally developed by Dan Gorlin, later brought to the Atari 7800. You pilot a combat helicopter across enemy lines to rescue prisoners of war from hostile territory. Unlike most arcade shooters of the era that simply tasked you with destroying enemies, your primary goal is to carefully protect and extract hostages while fending off tanks, jets, and anti-aircraft fire.

How to play

Your objective is to rescue hostages and return them safely to your base. Land carefully near the enemy barracks to allow prisoners to board your helicopter. The helicopter can face left, right, or forward, allowing you to shoot enemies on the ground or in the air.

Tips

• Land gently: Descending too quickly or firing near the barracks can accidentally kill the very hostages you are trying to rescue.
• Manage capacity: Only a limited number of hostages can fit in your helicopter at once. You must make multiple trips back to your home base to drop them off safely.
• Watch your angles: The ability to rotate your helicopter’s facing direction is crucial. Turn to face enemies directly when shooting, but be prepared to evade incoming fire.