Heli Fire

Released by Nintendo in September 1980 for arcades, Heli Fire is a shooting game in which you pilot a helicopter, advancing while dodging enemy attacks. This title is part of the lineage of arcade games developed by Nintendo during that era, offering a glimpse into the trial-and-error process that led to the company’s later masterpieces. The heavy, diagonal scrolling across the screen and a game design that creates tension with limited resources perfectly convey the raw energy of early 1980s video games. We invite you to enjoy this simple yet challenging experience that once defined the arcade scene.

Players control a submarine, battling enemy helicopters that drop missiles and depth charges from above, as well as underwater obstacles. In each level, you are required to shoot down a total of 30 helicopters within a time limit. As the levels progress, the water level rises, closing the distance between the submarine and the aerial enemies and underwater traps, thereby increasing the difficulty. Once a certain number of helicopters are shot down, the submarine surfaces and a woman dancing on the island boards, earning the player bonus points.