HeliCops - a Helicopter Action Shooter

HeliCops is a flash animation action shooter created by Newgrounds.com user The-EXP and produced by Armor Games, with artwork done by Newgrounds.com artist Chris O'Neill (Oney). Music tracks for this flash-based animation were also done by Oney. Track titles include: Sneaky Manbat, Stopper Chopper Loop, Sky Fury, Victory is Easy, and Victory Hill. This action shooter was submitted to Newgrounds.com on January 18, 2010 and won a Daily 2nd Place award on January 19, 2010.

Game Background

Criminals have crowded the skies of your city! As a HeliCop, clear the skies of your city by taking down those rotten baddies.

Gameplay

The objective of each stage is to take out all the other choppers by shooting them down. The enemy, as usual, can fire back.

As you play, not only will you encounter enemy helicopters, but you will also face stationary artillery that will also fire at you. Avoid taking too much fire or your helicopter will take a fatal nosedive.

To advance the game, you must complete each checkpoint. At the bottom of the screen, you can view the checkpoint, which tells you what you have to do, such as take down a certain number of enemies. Below that, you have your health bar. To the right of those two things, you can see your weapon choices.

At the bottom-left of the screen, you have your game map, which can help you locate enemies.

At the end of each stage, you will have the opportunity to purchase upgrades. Upgrades include:
-increase health
-upgrade ammo and/or power of Shell Cannon
-upgrade ammo and/or power of Plasma Minigun
-upgrade ammo and/or power of Rocket Launcher
-upgrade ammo and/or power of Flame Thrower
-increase ammo of E.M.P.

There are two ways you can choose to play this game. You can either use the mouse to control the helicopter, or you can use the keyboard.

Game Review

HeliCops is a fun little arcade-type action shooter. What is especially nice about this game is the option to use either keyboard or mouse. Though the mouse gives the game a more classic arcade joystick feel, the keyboard option is great for those with touch pads and lack a mouse. The music fits exceptionally well with the game and heightens the action of the game. The gameplay itself, though dizzying at times, is quite entertaining. Though repetitive, the game does include multiple upgrade and weapon options that can keep players playing for a while.

HeliCops scores a 7/10 for its good level of entertainment. Changing the stages up a bit more and reducing the dizziness of the game would help make the game more enjoyable.