LHX Attack Chopper review - Sega Megadrive

Everyone in the West has been rejoicing in the new world peace that has come after the end of the Cold War. But even though the Russians have become our allies, we can't let ourselves be caught with out guard down by the many enemies of freedom that still hold out around the world. Take Libya for example...

This is the stern warning for those who come to fly the LHX Attack Chopper in Electronic Arts' new flight sim. This conversion of the PC hit takes you into some modern day combat zones in order to create some serious disorder. You have over 30 missions to fly, covering a wide variety of tasks, including dropping supplies and taking out command bunkers with the latest in weapon technology. at your disposal is either the McDonnell Douglas AH-64A Apache, or the untested LHX Stealth Chopper.

Between you and your objectives lies a vast range of enemy hardware that demand some precision flying to avoid or destroy. The Dictator seems to have assembled an endless arsenal of SAM batteries, GASKIN missile launchers and HIND helicopters to pit against you - and you alone.

What the Mean Machines staff thought

I must admit it took me a bit of time to get into LHX Attack Chopper. At first it looked like F-22 with the best bits but out, but with a little perseverance I had to change my mind. The control system is a little tricky, with all the functions so close together and it was inevitable that some of the features of the PC version would be left out. What remains, though, is a damn fine combat game, made all the better for the varied and well though out missions it offers. My favourite involves rescuing POWs from a remote camp with the ack-ack fire coming from all sides. The challenge of all five skill levels is massive. The idea of altering the viewpoint, which was a bit of a gimmick in F-22 is enhanced considerably here. With a bit of practice you'll soon be seeing yourself strafing a gun emplacement from above and watching it explode from close-range. It loses out to F-22 in some ways, for example the dogfights aren't as ace, but it more than makes up for it in the strategy department. The bottom like is that this is a game which is bound to reward from a little patience and attention. Take a look and see.

Once I'd worked out all the controls, I had no trouble getting into LHX Attack Chopper. What's more I found it to be a whole lot better than F-22 Interceptor. Whereas the latter concentrated on fact, dogfighting action, LHX is a lot more of a tactical game. Each mission requires a good deal of thought and examination of maps in order to progress. Just flying straight in leads to a lead-related death! That's not to say that LHX is devoid of action. Some of the missions are very intense, calling on your chopper-related abilities in order to escape in one piece. Graphically the game isn't very detailed, but the 3D update is respectable and depicts the action very well. The sound is similarly functional with decent blasting noises and a good chopper effect (the speech sounds a bit suspect though). Electronic Arts hold all the aces when it comes to flight sims. F-22 is perfect for action fans. LHX Attack Chopper comes into its own in terms of realism and depth. Personally, I prefer the latter - a great game for serious Megadrive players.