Overview and Gameplay
A renegade military force threatens the world from a secret base, sending the Super Thunder Blade attack helicopter into cities, deserts, caves, ocean zones, and industrial complexes. This early Mega Drive launch title reworks ideas from Sega’s 1987 arcade game Thunder Blade for the console.
Four stages alternate between behind-the-helicopter pseudo-3D runs and vertically scrolling overhead attacks. Enemy tanks, aircraft, ships, gun emplacements, buildings, cave walls, and pipes demand careful steering. Each stage ends with a major target, while score bonuses reward quick completion and high enemy counts.
Controls And Mechanics
- Directions: Steer the helicopter and navigate menus.
- A or C: Fire the cannon and missiles together.
- B: Use the air brake and hover system to slow forward movement and adjust position.
- Start: Begin, pause, or resume play.
Difficulty, starting helicopters, and hover orientation can be adjusted in the options menu. The game is strictly single-player.
Release And Credits
- First release: 1988 for the Japanese Mega Drive.
- Developer and publisher: Sega Enterprises.
- Historical context: One of the original Mega Drive launch titles.
