Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Army Men: Air Attack marks a significant departure from the top-down infantry skirmishes of previous entries, thrusting players into the cockpit for third-person aerial combat in full 3D. From the moment you choose your helicopter—be it the nimble Huey, the transport-focused Chinook, the heavy-lift Super Stallion, or the attack-oriented Apache—you’ll feel the distinct handling characteristics and weapon loadouts that differentiate each craft. This variety ensures that no two missions ever feel quite the same, as you tailor your approach to the objectives at hand.

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The mission design spans 16 diverse engagements, ranging from daring rescue operations in dense jungle foliage to precision air support over desert encampments. Objective markers guide you to stranded infantry units or hostile gun emplacements, but the dynamic battlefield constantly throws surprises your way: insect swarms that obscure your vision, hidden AA turrets that demand swift evasive maneuvers, and rival choppers that dogfight overhead. The balance between escort duties, search-and-destroy tasks, and timed extractions keeps the pacing brisk and the tension high.

Controls are responsive, with a straightforward mix of pitch, yaw, and throttle that even newcomers can grasp quickly. Advanced players can master strafing runs, tight turns, and altitude changes to dodge incoming fire or line up that perfect rocket salvo. The ammunition management introduces an extra layer of strategy—knocking out ground targets with machine guns conserves your heavier missiles for armored threats. And once you’ve grown comfortable in single-player, the multiplayer mode opens up both competitive dogfights and cooperative campaign runs, doubling the replay value.

Graphics

Visually, Army Men: Air Attack leverages its full 3D engine to create sprawling battlefields that stretch to the horizon. The vibrant color palette—deep greens in forest levels, sun-bleached yellows in desert maps, and moody grays in nighttime sorties—gives each environment its own personality. The draw distance is impressive for its era, letting you spot enemy convoys or shinier insect carapaces far off in the distance before you swoop in for the kill.

Helicopter models are rendered with satisfying detail: turbine exhaust flares, rotating rotor blades, and reflective cockpit glass all contribute to a convincing aerial experience. Every rocket fired leaves a glowing trail, and explosions bloom with particle effects that dazzle without bogging down the frame rate. Ground units—from tiny infantry figures to lumbering insect bosses—are similarly well-done, with animation cycles that bring the battlefield to life.

Lighting and weather systems further enhance immersion. Sunrise missions bathe the world in orange hues, while sudden rain showers introduce reflective surfaces and slippery controls. Shadows sweep across terrain features as you bank your chopper, and dynamic debris from destroyed vehicles adds a visceral flourish to every engagement. Though not cutting-edge by today’s standards, the graphics still deliver a charming, toy-soldier aesthetic that complements the franchise’s whimsical tone.

Story

Army Men: Air Attack doesn’t strive for deep narrative complexity, but it provides enough context to keep your rotor blades spinning. You’re cast as an elite pilot in the tan-colored army, answering urgent calls for air support in a world where plastic armies wage war across backyards and basements. Each mission briefing sets the stage: intelligence reports hint at insect incursions, rogue toy factions, or critical VIP extractions that hinge on your timely arrival.

Cutscenes bookend key battles with simple yet effective storytelling. As you clear wave after wave of green or tan foes, briefings update you on shifting battle lines, uncover enemy strategies, or introduce sudden betrayals by traitorous units. The emphasis remains squarely on action, but the narrative framework provides enjoyable context for why you’re hurling missiles at ant swarms one moment and chasing down an escape chopper the next.

Characterization is minimal—your pilot remains a silent protagonist, and most “voices” come through radio chatter or on-screen text. However, the banter between mission control and ground troops adds personality, delivering quips when you pull off a genuine hero move or ribbing you for accidentally flattening friendly armor. This lighthearted approach aligns perfectly with the game’s toy-soldier motif and keeps the tone buoyant even amid the heaviest firefights.

Overall Experience

Army Men: Air Attack succeeds in delivering a fresh spin on the long-running franchise by elevating the action into the sky. The game’s tight controls, mission variety, and robust multiplayer modes combine to create an experience that’s easy to pick up yet offers plenty of depth for those chasing perfect runs. Each helicopter brings its own strengths and trade-offs, encouraging experimentation and strategic loadout choices.

Visually, the game strikes a balance between charming toy-soldier aesthetics and the practical demands of clear combat visuals. Environments feel distinct and memorable, while particle effects and weather systems add spice to your missions without overshadowing the core gameplay. The light narrative provides just enough motivation to keep you moving through the campaign, and the radio banter injects humor when you need it most.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Army Men series or a newcomer looking for accessible aerial action, Army Men: Air Attack delivers an engaging package. Its blend of varied missions, responsive controls, and toy-themed spectacle make it a standout title for anyone craving a toybox-sized dogfight. Strap in, take off, and prepare to evacuate, escort, and eliminate—this is plastic warfare at its airborne best.

Retro Replay Score

7.2/10