Description

Desert Strike on the Sega Master System brings mission-driven helicopter combat to 8-bit with an emphasis on planning under pressure. Each operation drops you into an open, isometric map dotted with radar sites, armor columns, depots, and hostage pickups. The Apache’s trio of meters—fuel, ammo, armor—govern tempo: scout targets, soften defenses, and refuel/rearm at captured pads to keep the sortie alive. Objectives chain logically—destroy power, cripple comms, then raid high-value installations—while side goals like POW rescues and intel grabs boost score and survivability. Controls balance hover precision and momentum to make strafing runs feel deliberate. Clean HUD readouts and distinct explosions keep situational awareness high despite busy screens. It’s a thoughtful blend of arcade action and light tactics that rewards efficient routes, disciplined shots, and cool-headed extraction amid rising chaos.