Choplifter on NES is one of those classic arcade-style games that looks simple but gets intense fast. You're piloting a rescue helicopter, dodging enemy fire while trying to scoop up stranded hostages—except everything wants to shoot you down. Tanks, jets, even the hostages panic if you take too long. The controls feel a little stiff at first, but once you get the hang of banking turns and timing your landings, it's weirdly satisfying.

What I like is how the game keeps escalating—you start with just a few easy rescues, then suddenly you're weaving through missile barrages with a full cabin. The Japanese version has slightly different enemy patterns, so even if you've played the US release, it throws some surprises at you. Just don't get too attached to your passengers; one wrong move and they're toast.