It’s a modern take on Desert Strike, but with modern graphics and sound.
MicroProse and Not Knowing Corporation have unleashed Cleared Hot, a physics-driven helicopter shooter with tactical flair, now available on Steam Early Access. Fans of classic 90s titles like Desert Strike will find plenty to love in the game’s combination of strategic objectives, vehicular mayhem, and modern physics-fueled destruction.
I’ve been keeping my eye on this one, as I was one of those Desert Strike players. Admittedly, I found the Amiga version to be a touch sluggish, but the Mega Drive original played much better.
Retro inspiration meets modern chaos
From slinging tanks across the map to rescuing your squad (or accidentally dropping them), Cleared Hot balances tactical decision-making with a healthy disregard for flight manuals. The game captures the spirit of the classic top-down and isometric helicopter shooters while bringing modern graphics and physics-based interactions to every mission.
As someone who loves retro-style gameplay, I find Cleared Hot particularly compelling. On one level, there is the simple playability, and on another, the mix of strategic squad deployment, environmental interaction, and helicopter combat. The Desert Strike element is strong, but the game’s dynamic physics system promises to take it to a new level.
This means explosions, objects, and vehicles all obeying physical laws, potentially opening up interactions with the battlefield. Intriguing!
Key features of Cleared Hot
Other features of this retro-style military shooter include:
- Upgradeable helicopters: Customize your chopper to fit your style, whether stealthy strikes or full-on chaos.
- Rope and magnet gameplay: Pick up almost anything and weaponize it against enemies or objectives.
- Tactical squad support: Deploy troops, capture objectives, and provide covering fire — just avoid dropping them.
- Three distinct biomes: Desert, jungle, and arctic maps each offer unique terrain and tactical opportunities.
- Day and night missions: Use night vision or thermal optics to gain the upper hand in low-light conditions.
- Creative destruction: Improvise solutions by slinging debris, clearing obstacles, and exploiting physics to your advantage.
Squad support looks particularly interesting to me — but then I’ve been impressed with this game since I saw the trailer.
Early Access and ongoing updates
The Early Access release includes a substantial portion of the single-player campaign, multiple mission types, upgradeable helicopters, and plenty of physics chaos. Future updates will expand the campaign, introduce new vehicles and biomes, and refine gameplay based on community feedback.
MicroProse, known for classics like X-COM, Gunship, Project Stealth Fighter (and its sequels), and F15 Strike Eagle, brings decades of simulation and strategy experience to Cleared Hot, while Not Knowing Corporation’s philosophy of creative experimentation ensures every mission is unpredictable and fun. The result is a game that pays homage to 90s helicopter shooters while adding modern flair and limitless possibilities.
Cleared Hot is available now on Steam Early Access.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
