Chopper Strike (1976) Board Game

Chopper Strike is a classic board game released in 1976, designed by John Sands Pty Ltd and Milton Bradley. It falls under the categories of Aviation / Flight, Miniatures, Modern Warfare, and Wargame. The game is designed for 2 players, with a runtime of approximately 45 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Chopper Strike

Game board

Two plastic sky levels

Six plastic legs to hold up the sky

6 tan Jeeps and 6 green Jeeps (Mobile AA gun carriers)

6 tan helicopters and 6 green helicopters

A rules book

Two dice: one six-sided and one with numbers 1, 2, and 3[5,.

How To Setup Chopper Strike

To set up the game, place the board lengthwise between the players. Position the choppers on any space on the back row of the upper plastic level near you, and place the jeeps on any space on the back row of the game board. Jeeps can be placed directly under choppers. The player with the light-colored force moves first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Piece Movement: Players roll two dice to determine the number of pieces to move and the distance each piece can move. The black die (d3) indicates how many pieces, and the spotted die (d6) indicates how far each piece moves.

Terrain: Choppers move on the elevated “air” board, while jeeps move on the ground board. Jeeps cannot cross hills or lakes, but can pass between them to enter the opponent’s side.

Combat: Choppers can jump over other choppers to destroy them, and can bomb jeeps by stopping above them. Jeeps can destroy jeeps by landing on them and can shoot down choppers using AA guns by stopping directly under them.

Game Objective

Win by destroying all of your opponent’s choppers or all of their jeeps.

Player Experience

Chopper Strike offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, requiring players to maneuver both aerial and ground units effectively. The game’s three-dimensional setup adds a unique visual and tactical element, making it engaging for players who enjoy military strategy and competitive gameplay.

Pros

Unique 3D Setup: Adds a visually appealing and strategic layer to the game.

Dual Unit Management: Players must manage both choppers and jeeps, requiring balanced strategy.

Simple yet Engaging Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Short Game Time: Typically lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick and intense game session.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players.

Vintage Availability: May be difficult to find due to its age.

Complex Setup: Requires careful placement of the 3D components.

Personal Thoughts on Chopper Strike

Chopper Strike is ideal for fans of vintage board games and military strategy. It is a great choice for those who enjoy competitive, two-player games that require strategic thinking. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it accessible to a wide range of players, while its unique mechanics provide enough depth for experienced gamers. However, its availability and setup complexity might be deterrents for some players.

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