If you’re a fan of exhilarating helicopter games and simulations, you’ve come to the right place. Unlike airplanes, helicopters have the unique ability to take off and land vertically, making them the perfect choice for various missions in both urban and remote areas. Whether you’re interested in military combat or civilian adventures, this list of the 15 best helicopter games of 2023 has something for everyone to enjoy.
The Nature of Helicopter Games
Before we dive into the exciting world of helicopter games, let’s explore the different types available. You’ll find both military and civilian helicopter simulations, each offering its own unique experience. While military games tend to have more restrictions, they captivate fans with their thrilling missions and intense gameplay. On the other hand, civilian games offer a more relaxed and immersive experience, allowing players to explore a variety of scenarios. Whichever type you choose, prepare for an adrenaline-fueled adventure!
Thunder Blade – A Classic Combat Flight Simulator
Platform: Atari ST, Arcade, Commodore 64
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: Free
Kicking off our list is Sega’s Thunder Blade, a legendary combat flight simulator released in 1987. Despite its age, this game remains relevant today. In this third-person shooting game, you’ll take control of an armed helicopter with the sole objective of demolishing enemy buildings and military establishments. With top-down gameplay and the option to play online, Thunder Blade is a must-play for any helicopter game enthusiast.
Gunship 2000 – An Enhanced Helicopter Simulation
Platform: DOS, Windows
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: Free
Next up is Gunship 2000, an enhanced version of the original Gunship game released in 1991. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock different helicopters, each offering a unique experience. Engage in combat using real-life military tactics, such as low altitude flying and pop attacks. While the game may have some flaws, its wide variety of weapons and in-game features make it a worthwhile experience.
Gunship Battle2 VR – Dive into an Immersive VR Experience
Platform: Android, Steam
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: $9.99
Virtual reality gaming has revolutionized the industry, and Gunship Battle2 VR takes full advantage of this immersive technology. Step into the shoes of Dylan, a former secret agent, as you pilot an experimental gunship to save the world. With its complete VR experience, this game will transport you into a whole new dimension of helicopter simulation.
Enemy Engaged: RAH-66 Comanche vs. KA-52 Hokum – Engage in Intense Combat
Platform: Windows, Mac OS X
Mode(s) of play: Single-player, multiplayer
Price: $1.49
Enemy Engaged: Comanche vs. Hokum is one of the two original helicopter simulation games in the Enemy Engaged series. Praised for its artificial intelligence and realistic flight physics, this game offers an intense combat experience. Take control of American and Russian attack helicopters, engage in thrilling missions, and test your skills against challenging enemies. It’s no wonder this game was nominated for the “Simulation of the Year” award in 2000.
Jungle Strike – Combine Strategy and Action
Platform: MS-DOS, Game Boy, PlayStation Portable
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: Free
Jungle Strike, the sequel to the highly popular Desert Strike, offers a unique blend of action and strategy. As you control an attack helicopter, your main objective is to stop enemy assaults. With its superb design, flawless graphics, and intuitive controls, Jungle Strike received worldwide acclaim. Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure that will test your skills and strategic thinking.
Take On Helicopters – Embark on a Civilian Helicopter Adventure
Platform: Windows, Steam
Mode(s) of play: Single-player, multiplayer
Price: $19.99
If you’re seeking a civilian helicopter game, Take On Helicopters is the perfect choice. With three different helicopter classes to choose from, you’ll have the opportunity to complete time trials, challenges, and engage in multiplayer modes. Immerse yourself in a captivating storyline as you try to save a struggling helicopter business. This well-rounded flight simulator is sure to entertain both new and experienced gamers.
Air Missions: Hind – Unleash the Power of the “Flying Tank”
Platform: Windows, Xbox One, Steam
Mode of play: Single-player and multiplayer
Get ready to take control of the powerful Russian Mil Mi-24 attack helicopter, also known as the “Flying Tank,” in Air Missions: Hind. With a wide array of weapons and avionics at your disposal, you’ll engage in thrilling missions across different environments. While this game may lack depth in certain areas, its excellent graphics and exciting gameplay make it a top-notch combat flight simulator.
Desert Strike – A Classic Single-Player Shooting Game
Platform: DOS, macOS, Amiga, Game Boy
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: Free
Desert Strike, inspired by the Gulf War of the ’90s, places you in control of an Apache helicopter. Engage in various missions, from hostage rescue to attacking enemy installations, in this popular shooting game. Choose your weapons wisely, as each one affects your helicopter’s carrying potential. With its immersive gameplay and strategic choices, Desert Strike is a must-play for helicopter game enthusiasts.
Apache: Air Assault – Combat Terrorism in a Multiplayer World
Platform: Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: Free
In Apache: Air Assault, you’ll find yourself in the midst of a combat-style flight simulator, combating terrorism in unstable regions of the world. With customizable Apache helicopter variants and intense missions, this game offers an engaging experience for both single-player and multiplayer modes. Prepare to defend against various fictional terrorist attacks as you become the hero the world needs.
Comanche 3 – Master the Art of Helicopter Navigation
Platform: MS-DOS, Windows 95/98
Mode of play: Single-player, multiplayer
Release: 1997
Comanche 3, the third installment in the Comanche series, offers an immersive helicopter simulation experience. Navigate through different terrains, engage enemies, and complete a variety of missions. With its realistic terrain and a host of training missions, this game is perfect for both newcomers and experienced players. Be sure to check out the upgraded Comanche 3 Gold version for even more content and excitement.
FlightGear Flight Simulator – Take to the Skies in Open-Source Style
Platform: Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD
Price: Open source
FlightGear Flight Simulator is a free and open-source simulator with a focus on realism. With over 20,000 real-world airports and a variety of helicopters to choose from, this simulator offers a unique and customizable experience. While it may lack a realistic virtual cockpit, FlightGear makes up for it with its accurate runway markings and elevations. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this simulator is bound to impress.
Comanche 4 – A Classic Helicopter Game with Engaging Missions
Platform: Windows, Steam
Mode of play: Single-player
Comanche 4, released in 2001, is a classic helicopter game that has stood the test of time. Despite its outdated graphics, this game offers engaging missions, intuitive controls, and an overall enjoyable gameplay experience. Challenge yourself with its varied missions and navigate the helicopter through intense situations. If you’re a hardcore fan of military helicopter simulation, Comanche 4 is a must-play.
Microsoft Flight Simulator X – Soar through the Skies in Style
Platform: Windows
Price: $24.99
Microsoft Flight Simulator X, developed exclusively for Windows, is an award-winning flight and helicopter simulation game. While the original game features only two helicopters, you can use add-ons to expand your collection. Immerse yourself in a realistic flying experience as you explore a wide variety of helicopters from well-known manufacturers. With its extensive content and availability of add-ons, this simulator is a must-have for aviation enthusiasts.
DCS: Black Shark 2 – Experience Realistic Graphics and Maneuverability
Platform: Windows
Mode of play: Single-player
Price: $49.99
DCS: Black Shark 2, set in the DCS world, features the legendary Russian Kamov Ka-50 attack helicopter. With its realistic graphics and advanced automation features, this simulator offers an immersive experience. Customize your helicopter for different roles and take advantage of the game’s state-of-the-art targeting system. Expand your options with additional DCS modules, including other helicopter emulations. Get ready for a true-to-life helicopter simulation experience.
X-Plane – Discover the Revolutionary Blade Element Theory
Platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Price: $59.99
Closing our list is X-Plane, a simulator known for its revolutionary aerodynamic model, the blade element theory. Unlike other simulators, X-Plane evaluates every part of an aircraft individually, resulting in a more realistic flying experience. With its unique plugin architecture, you can even build your customized modules. Explore a wide range of civilian and military aircraft and enjoy an immersive flying experience like no other.
So there you have it, the 15 best helicopter games of 2023. Whether you’re a fan of combat simulations or civilian adventures, there’s something for everyone on this list. So buckle up, take control of your favorite helicopter, and get ready for an unforgettable gaming experience.
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