Army Men: Air Attack

Description

Army Men: Air Attack, released for PlayStation in 1999, brings to the screen the story of the green plastic soldiers many of us remember from our childhood. However, this title, part of the wider Army Men series, puts an attractive twist on the usual infantry action - players take command of a helicopter.

The first thing that catches the eye is the aesthetics of the game. The graphics are tailored to the period in which the game was released, and while not up to today's standards, the rendered plastic worlds are full of detail and colour that evoke memories of the playground. The helicopter models and other military equipment are well designed, and the animations in common missions and battles are smooth and satisfying.

The gameplay mechanics are fairly straightforward, but offer enough depth to keep you interested. Players will undertake a variety of missions that include everything from rescuing hostages to destroying enemy bases. The controls of the helicopter are intuitive and the gradual increase in mission complexity ensures that players won't get bored. On the other hand, the occasional repetitiveness of the missions may be a minor setback for some players.

One of the most deserved features of Army Men: Air Attack is its sound system. The sounds of gunfire, explosions, and helicopter rotors are surprisingly detailed and realistic, adding to the overall immersive experience. The accompanying music has just the right mix of tension and action, adding a dynamic to the game that both younger and older players will enjoy.

In terms of story, the game offers a simple but functional framework. Players play as Captain William Blade, who, along with his loyal crew, fights against the brown soldiers led by General Plastroe. The narrative isn't the main driver of the game, but that doesn't hurt; it's the gameplay that makes Army Men: Air Attack an entertaining title.

The co-op mode is an added bonus that allows two players to take part in missions together, bringing more strategic depth and additional hours of fun gameplay. However, multiplayer modes can suffer over time due to a lack of variability, limiting their long-term longevity.

Overall, Army Men: Air Attack is a nostalgic game that brings back more than just memories of plastic soldiers. Despite its obvious limitations, such as repetitive missions and aging graphics, it offers solid action gameplay that manages to entertain and engage. For fans of the Army Men series or fans of arcade flight games, this title is definitely worth checking out.