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Game Information

Release Date: November 1, 1996
Developer: Electronic Arts
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Platform(s): PlayStation, Sega Saturn
Genre: Shooter
Players: 1

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Synopsis

The Soviet Union has crumbled into tiny pieces. With security measures being taken for granted, terrorists seize upon the opportunity to steal nuclear warheads and it's up to you to stop them. Strap yourself behind the controls of a Super Apache attack helicopter and fly into five different Eastern European regions. Each region has been recreated using photographs and maps, meaning you'll see them in the game as they are in real life. In each area, you are confronted with a number of missions. Before each mission, the objectives are spelled out in full-motion video sequences, with objectives ranging from rescuing hostages to taking out radar stations. As expected, you will encounter heavy resistance, but your Apache is well equipped with plenty of weapons. Defend the world from nuclear terrorism in SOVIET STRIKE.

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Gameplay

In Soviet Strike, the player gets to play as a U.S. Air Force pilot flying an Apache helicopter throughout eastern Europe attempting to complete several task during each mission. Some of these tasks include stealing documents by flying into buildings, destroying enemy defensive positions that may, or may not be hidden, destroying bridges, and preventing convoys from reaching their destinations. Along the way, you will encounter heavy anti-aircraft weapons, enemy helicopters and airplanes, and air-mines that blow up on contact. After each mission is complete, you are rewarded credits based on how you did that can be used towards upgrading your current helicopters armory, agility, speed, and armor, or to purchase a newer and better one. There are about twenty missions that sort of get more challenging along the way, but it's not really noticeable if you know what you're doing, besides the fact that it is all played with a birds-eye view.

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Graphics

Whilst this game is shown through a birds-eye point of view, it doesn't lack the detail you would expect. The helicopters, tanks, planes, and explosions all look great and are pretty close to realistic. The background (or 'ground') is the least appealing since it is all you see really. Although it attempts to mimic trees and brush on the ground, it comes off as a blob of random colors that look like a mess. And this is for most missions with the exception of a few. The rest of the environment such as water, lighting, and mountains also look well, but could use some sharp improvements. The framerate also runs excellent so there are no glitches anywhere.

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Controls

Fairly simple flying game considering the helicopter moves on it's own and always goes forward. Both of the triggers will fire either weapon of your choosing and the D-Pad will control your left-to-right movement, or strafe, when needed. Nothing too complex so it's very easy to pick up and play right off the bat.

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Ratings

Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 7/10
Controls: 10/10
Overall: 9/10