Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf
From Sega Retro
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf, called Desert Strike: Wangan Sakusen (デザートストライク 湾岸作戦) in Japan and better known simply as Desert Strike, is an isometric-projection shoot-em-up by Electronic Arts released for the Sega Mega Drive in 1992, and subsequently ported to other platforms. It is the first game in EA's so-called Strike series of isometric shoot-em-ups.
Contents
Story
A terrorist named General Kilbaba violently takes over a small Arab emirate and plans a major nuclear strike, to which the president of the United States orders a helicopter (A Super Apache as named in game) team in the Special Forces (US Marine Corps in the Master System version) to intervene. You are in control of one such helicopter.
Gameplay
Missions are mostly intertwined with each other. For example blowing up a radar station will in return make you harder for enemies to hit you. Failing one of missions usually results in game over.
You are also given co-pilot that will assist you with your mission. These pilots have varying degrees of skills with marksmanship and winch control. Reading their dossiers will usually give you a rough idea about their skill levels. 5th pilot Valdez is missing and can be found in first mission. He is near the north-western part of the map nearby a crashed F-14.
Your helicopter has limited ammo and fuel. It also has limited armor. Without ammo, you can attack enemies. If fuel depletes, your helicopter will eventually crash and you will lose life. If armor reaches zero you will also lose a life. Ammo and fuel can be recovered by acquiring ammo boxes or fuel drums respectively with your winch. Armor can be recovered two ways : either find an Armor Repair (very, very rare. In later levels map don't even show their locations) or by rescuing people and dropping them off near a friendly landing zone. Each rescued person will increase the armor by 100 points. Be careful though as power ups can be destroyed and prisoners can be killed. Each level also has extra lives but these are, again, very difficult to find.
You are required to return to your home base (usually the frigate you take off from at the beginning of each level) when you complete or fail the level. There are total of 3 lives. Losing all of them will end the game.
Game contains 5 levels with different missions, with some of them having time limits.
Desert Strike also has a password system.
Mega Drive
Each of the game's four levels is a separate mission with different objectives. To complete the objectives, you are given ammunition of varying power levels (shot by pressing (Hellfires and Jink), (Hydras), or (Guns), listed in order of decreasing power). Though the game uses an isometric projection, the control behaves more like a full 3D game, where using and rotates your chopper, moves you forward in t he direction you're facing, and moves you backward. Hitting START allows you to access a map, a summary of the mission, and mission status.
Master System
Due to limitation of buttons on Master System's control pad, control scheme is somewhat different than Mega Drive version. Pressing both and fire Hellfire, while holding down is need for strafing. Pause button is the status screen.
Levels
Air Superiority | |
---|---|
SCUD Buster | |
Embassy City | |
Nuclear Storm | |
History
Development
According to Desert Strike's original design document (dated 1990-06-18), the game was originally titled Beirut Breakout, being based on the then-ongoing Lebanese Civil War[16] . It was later advertised as Apache AHX: Desert Madman.
Release
Desert Strike's similarities with the Gulf War caused controversy at the time of release, thought to be glorifying Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Reportedly some Gulf War veterans in the US openly burned copies of the Mega Drive game in public in protest[17].
Versions
Localised names
Language | Localised Name | English Translation |
---|---|---|
English | Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf | Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf |
English (US) | Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf | Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf |
Japanese | デザートストライク 湾岸作戦 | Desert Strike: Wangan Sakusen |
Production credits
Mega Drive version
- By Mike Posehn
- Programming: Mike Posehn
- Game Design: Mike Posehn, John Manley
- Art: Paul Vernon, Gary Martin, Amy Hennig
- Sound and Music: Rob Hubbard, Brian Schmidt
- Technical Director: Carl Mey
- Producer: Richard Robbins
- Design: Mike Posehn, John Manley
- Programming: Mike Posehn
- Producer: Richard Robbins
- Art: Paul Vernon
- Additional Art:Gary Martin, Amy Hennig
- Apache 3-D Model: Joe Sparks
- Additional 3-D Models: Tim Calvin
- Sound and Music: Rob Hubbard, Brian Schmidt
- Production Assistant: Michael Lubuguin
- Technical Director: Carl Mey
- Script and Documentation: T. S. Flanagan
- Product Manager: Chip Lange
- Package Design: E. J. Sarraille
- Package Illustration: Keith Birdsong
- Product Testing: Jeff Glazier, Randy Delucchi
- Product Mastering: Brent Allard
- Quality Assurance: Kevin Hogan, Tim LeTourneau
- Documentation Layout: Jennie Maruyama
- Documentation Illustrations: Mike Farrar
- Special Thanks to: Tom Casey, Paul Grace, Susan Manley, Cindy Posehn
Master System version
- Published Under License by: Domark Software Limited
- Desert Strike is a Trademark of Electronic Arts
- Desert Strike Presented by: The Kremlin
- Programmed by: Michael A Carr (The Magi)
- Graphic Artists: Matthew Hicks, Mike Adams
- Music Composed by: Andy Taylor
- Sound Effects by: Michael A Carr
- Original Game by: Mike Posehn, Paul Vernon and John Manley
- Copyright 1992 Electronic Arts
- All Rights Reserved
Digital manuals
Magazine articles
- Main article: Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
- Main article: Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf/Promotional material.
Physical scans
Mega Drive version
Sega Retro Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
84 | |
---|---|
Based on 50 reviews |
Mega Drive, US (cardboard Slipcase; Majesco Sales) |
---|
Mega Drive, EU (EA Console Classics; 4 Language Manual) |
---|
Mega Drive, EU (EA Console Classics; 5 Language Manual) |
---|
Mega Drive, PT (EA Console Classics) |
---|
Mega Drive, SE (rental; Hent; black) |
---|
Mega Drive, GR (Zegetron) |
---|
|
Mega Drive, GR (EA Console Classics; Zegetron) |
---|
|
Mega Drive, CZ (Datart) |
---|
|
Mega Drive, CZ/SK (EA Console Classics; DDC Agency) |
---|
Mega Drive, ZA (EA Console Classics) |
---|
Master System version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
88 | |
---|---|
Based on 11 reviews |
Game Gear version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
81 | |
---|---|
Based on 11 reviews |
Technical information
- Main article: Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf/Technical information.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 File:Desertstrike md jp cover.jpg
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
- ↑ File:DesertStrike GG EU Box Back.jpg
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 GamePro, "March 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 46
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "May 1992" (US; 1992-0x-xx), page 50
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sega Power, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-06), page 11
- ↑ Mean Machines, "February 1992" (UK; 1992-01-27), page 21
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-15), page 30
- ↑ Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1996-09-09), page 97
- ↑ GamesMaster, "October 1996" (UK; 1996-08-29), page 11
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Sega Pro, "February 1994" (UK; 1993-12-30), page 14
- ↑ Sega Force Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 71
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Mean Machines Sega, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-10-xx), page 104
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 GamePro, "January 1994" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 206
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Sega Pro, "Xmas Special 1993" (UK; 1993-12-02), page 60
- ↑ [Retro Gamer issue #45 Retro Gamer issue #45]
- ↑ [CU Amiga, 1993-04 CU Amiga, 1993-04]
- ↑ File:Desert Strike MD credits.pdf
- ↑ File:DesertStrike MD US MDMini2 manual.pdf, page 2
- ↑ File:Desert Strike SMS credits.pdf
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 57
- ↑ ACE, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-08), page 42
- ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "Juni 1992" (DE; 1992-05-08), page 118
- ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "May 1993" (JP; 1993-04-08), page 24
- ↑ Consoles +, "Mars 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 100
- ↑ Console XS, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-04-23), page 128
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 62
- ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-15), page 74
- ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "April 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 26
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 305
- ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 56
- ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 37
- ↑ Famitsu, "1993-04-30" (JP; 1993-04-16), page 1
- ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
- ↑ Game Power, "Giugno 1992" (IT; 1992-0x-xx), page 30
- ↑ Games-X, "27th February-4th March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-27), page 23
- ↑ Génération 4, "Juin 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 152
- ↑ Game Informer, "Summer 1992" (US; 1992-0x-xx), page 6
- ↑ Game Zone, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-21), page 26
- ↑ Hippon Super, "April 1993" (JP; 1993-03-04), page 44
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Julio 1992" (ES; 1992-0x-xx), page 46
- ↑ Igry Sega Luchshiye iz luchshikh. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2001-08-27), page 83
- ↑ Joypad, "Mars 1992" (FR; 1992-02-1x), page 94
- ↑ Joystick, "Février 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 120
- ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 91
- ↑ Mega, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-17), page 81
- ↑ Mega, "August 1994" (UK; 1994-07-21), page 79
- ↑ Mega Action, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 65
- ↑ Mega Fun, "06/92" (DE; 1992-0x-xx), page 30
- ↑ Mega Play, "June 1992" (US; 1992-0x-xx), page 62
- ↑ MegaTech, "March 1992" (UK; 1992-02-20), page 18
- ↑ MegaTech, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-20), page 56
- ↑ Mean Machines, "February 1992" (UK; 1992-01-27), page 18
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 138
- ↑ Player One, "Mai 1992" (FR; 1992-05-10), page 62
- ↑ Play Time, "7/92" (DE; 1992-06-03), page 93
- ↑ Power Play, "6/92" (DE; 1992-05-13), page 144
- ↑ Sega Power, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-05), page 16
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 60
- ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 65
- ↑ Sega Force, "April 1992" (UK; 1992-03-19), page 62
- ↑ Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 40
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
- ↑ Supergame, "Junho 1992" (BR; 1992-06-xx), page 34
- ↑ Supersonic, "Mai/Juin 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 4
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 12
- ↑ User, "Októvrios 1992" (GR; 1992-xx-xx), page 90
- ↑ Video Games, "6/92" (DE; 1992-05-29), page 45
- ↑ Consoles +, "Janvier 1994" (FR; 1994-xx-xx), page 144
- ↑ Joypad, "Janvier 1994" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 106
- ↑ Player One, "Janvier 1994" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 114
- ↑ Sega Magazine, "February 1994" (UK; 1994-01-10), page 110
- ↑ Sega Power, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-xx), page 106
- ↑ Sega Pro, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-11), page 62
- ↑ Sega Zone, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-25), page 29
- ↑ Sega Master Force, "December 1993" (UK; 1993-11-11), page 70
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Diciembre 1993" (ES; 1993-1x-xx), page 80
- ↑ VideoGames Shopper, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 31
- ↑ Alaab Alcomputtar, "" (SA; 1995-08-xx), page 74
- ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "December 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 55
- ↑ Gamer, "Noémvrios 1994" (GR; 1994-xx-xx), page 1
- ↑ Joypad, "Février 1994" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 115
- ↑ Mega Force, "Janvier 1994" (FR; 1994-01-08), page 116
- ↑ Player One, "Février 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 116
- ↑ Sonic Mag: B.D. & Jeux-Video!, "Mai 1994" (FR; 1994-04-15), page 38
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Febrero 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 42
- ↑ Video Games, "4/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 112
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf | |
---|---|
Main page | Comparisons | Maps | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Promotional material | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs |
Strike games for Sega systems |
---|
Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf (1992) | Jungle Strike (1993) | Urban Strike (1994) | Soviet Strike (1997) |
- 1 player games
- JP Mega Drive games
- All JP games
- US Mega Drive games
- All US games
- EU Mega Drive games
- All EU games
- DE Mega Drive games
- All DE games
- PT Mega Drive games
- All PT games
- UK Mega Drive games
- All UK games
- SE Mega Drive games
- All SE games
- GR Mega Drive games
- All GR games
- CZ Mega Drive games
- All CZ games
- AU Mega Drive games
- All AU games
- BR Mega Drive games
- All BR games
- KR Mega Drive games
- All KR games
- ZA Mega Drive games
- All ZA games
- Mega Drive games
- 1992 Mega Drive games
- All 1992 games
- Mega Drive simulation games
- All simulation games
- EU Master System games
- PT Master System games
- UK Master System games
- AU Master System games
- Master System games
- 1993 Master System games
- All 1993 games
- Master System simulation games
- US Game Gear games
- EU Game Gear games
- PT Game Gear games
- UK Game Gear games
- Game Gear games
- 1993 Game Gear games
- Game Gear simulation games
- All games
- Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf
- Strike
- Sega Channel games
- Mega Drive Mini 2 games