1995 · Synergistic Software · Shoot 'em up · Shooter

Air Cavalry

Nintendo exclusive

A standard helicopter war-game, featuring the Air Cavalry division. The game is played in a third person view using mode 7 graphics, with the cockpit displayed in splitscreen. There are three campaign areas to fly in: Middle East, Indonesia, and Central America. There are also 2 player versus and co-op split-screen modes.

Released: 1995
Platforms: SNES
Genres: Shoot 'em up Shooter Simulation
Developers: Synergistic Software
Publishers: Cybersoft
Modes: Single-player
Perspective: Third person
Themes: Action Warfare
Country: United States
Age ratings: ESRB E

About

Air Cavalry is a flight simulation video game developed by Synergistic Software. It was released by Cybersoft and GameTek for the Super NES in 1995.

Keywords

modern warfare
flight
modern military
flight simulation

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

In the game, players control an advanced helicopter gunship. Flying above multiple types of terrain, players have to complete a number of objectives using different types of helicopters with different uses for each. Players can select from three theatres of operations with six or more objectives that increase in difficulty. Players can also practice in the training mission.

Reception

Air Cavalry received generally mixed reviews. The four reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly commented that the low supply of ammunition and the unfailing accuracy of enemy fire make the game unpleasantly difficult, and that the Mode 7 sequences look poor. They nonetheless assessed the game as "decent", and said that enthusiasts of military games would find it very appealing.

GamePro, in contrast, praised the Mode 7 sequences and remarked that "Easy targeting and non-moving enemies makes this a better game for rookies than veterans." While they criticized the slow-moving helicopter and simplistic gameplay compared to the Strike series, they concluded that "if you're looking for a solid shooter, Air Cavalry comes to the rescue." Next Generation reviewed the game, and stated that "Success is as much of luck as skill, which makes it frustrating as well as overly repetitive."