Choplifter II

 

“I was there”, I can truly say that, and I still have my trusty original 1990 Game Boy, with Choplifter II among the most played games in my collection. The graphics are beautifully crafted on its tiny monochromatic LCD screen, which is just 1.9x1.7 inches. Recently, I picked up this 1991 gem once more, and I have to say, it remains a highly enjoyable side-scrolling arcade game despite its venerable age. 

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The graphics are well-designed, and the backgrounds are varied. The controls are very responsive, and the scrolling is smooth. All of this on a Game Boy… Top-notch!

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Choplifter II was developed by Beam Software published by JVC Musical Industries. Their combined effort brought this portable rescue mission to life, creating a faithful adaptation of the classic Choplifter experience for the Game Boy.

The core gameplay is much like that of the original Choplifter, but with expanded structure. This sequel offers a more defined level-based format, with passwords and specific rescue targets in each mission, adding more depth and challenge than its predecessor. Choplifter II was released exclusively for the Game Boy in 1991, making it the first title in the series available on a handheld platform.

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Choplifter II on my Game Boy: it’s like using a little time machine.

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In this chapter of Choplifter, you take on the role of a helicopter pilot tasked with daring rescues. The mission is simple: to swoop into enemy territory and bring stranded hostages back to safety, evading or eliminating any obstacles in your path. While the premise remains similar to the original, this Game Boy entry reintroduces it in a portable, compact form, 

The Game Boy version introduces sector-based levels, each having unique rescue objectives. As you progress, each sector unveils distinct environments—from barren deserts and dense forests to fortified military bases and sprawling urban landscapes. Each area brings its own hazards and enemy types, which increases the challenge as you move forward. 

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Each sector of the game has its own unique setting.

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The controls on the Game Boy are remarkably responsive and watching your monochromatic helicopter, sharply defined and smooth in motion, zip across the screen as you dodge enemy fire or dive in for a rescue adds a sense of exhilaration to the gameplay. The Game Boy’s limitations actually work in the game’s favor here, emphasizing clean, essential details that bring each environment to life. 

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The final sector is set in an urban environment.

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The Verdict

As I mentioned in my article dedicated to Choplifter, this second chapter, in my opinion, is the best in the entire series. It surpasses even the later titles on more advanced and powerful platforms in terms of playability and longevity. Play it.

Pros:

• Faithful adaptation of the original Choplifter gameplay, with added depth through level progression and objectives.

• Engaging and responsive controls, allowing precise movements and quick reactions. 

• Visually impressive for a Game Boy game, with detailed environments and well-defined animations. 

Cons:

• Limited color palette on the Game Boy may feel restrictive, especially in more crowded scenes. 

• Some levels can feel repetitive due to recurring enemy types and similar rescue objectives.

• Too difficult and frustrating as the game progresses.

Score	Rating
Game Boy Game	90%