WARNING: This game attempts to emulate old 8-bit flight simulators from the 80s and 90s. The flight model leans towards realism rather than easy-to-pickup arcade gameplay (even if it's somewhat primitive compared to serious modern-day flight simulators). As such it's not an easy to pickup game - controlling the helicopter is challenging and takes practice. In combat, even more so.
Welcome to Combat Chopper, an 80s helicopter combat flight simulator for Pico-8!
Pilot your P8 64k Apachi armored attack helicopter on a series of missions destroying key targets in enemy territory.
Getting started
Training mode
Use the 'Training' mode to practice controlling the helicopter before trying to take on any missions. You will need to be comfortable with keeping low, stopping and hovering, and landing, before attempting to engage in combat.
Training mode is exactly like career mode, except there are no objectives, and you cannot be shot down.
Flight controls
The helicopter and weapon systems can be fully controlled using a single controller.
When no button is held:

Updown -> Pitch
Leftright -> Roll

When the circle button (Z) is held:

Updown -> Collective
Leftright -> Tail rotor

To take off, hold circle (Z) and press the up arrow until the helicopter starts climbing.
A little bit of collective will make the helicopter hover just above the ground (due to the 'ground cushion effect'). Adding more collective will cause the helicopter to continue climbing.
Once airborne, press the arrow keys (without holding circle) to tilt the helicopter, which will cause it to accelerate in that direction.
The cockpit gauges help you control your flight:

Player 2 controls (optional)
Although the game can be played with just one controller you can use a second controller for extra precision.
The player 2 arrow keys control the collective (updown) and tail rotor (leftright).
Stopping<