Summary
Airwolf (1985) arrived fuelled by TV hype, cello solos, and the promise of airborne firepower. In the arcades, it delivered the goods: a slick horizontal shooter that captured Airwolf's speed, danger, and wide-open skies perfectly. Home computer versions, however, told a harsher story. Cramped screens, brutal difficulty, and awkward controls turned high-flying fantasy into a claustrophobic struggle for survival. The helicopter mostly looked right and peril was constant, but excitement often gave way to frustration. Airwolf soared in the arcade - and stalled badly at home.
What it does well
Excellent arcade adaptation, strong atmosphere, iconic license, fast-paced shooting, and a helicopter that mostly looked spot on.
Where it falls short
Home versions felt cramped, excessively difficult, poorly balanced, and struggled to recreate the arcade’s sense of freedom.
Verdict
A tale of two Airwolves: exhilarating arcade action undermined by unforgiving and cramped home computer conversions.