New version of arcade classic Tiger-Heli developed for atari consoles – That’s Gaming

Global leading publisher and video game developer PLAION and Atari, one of the world’s most iconic brands and producer of interactive entertainment, today announced that Tiger-Heli will be available worldwide on July 18. This is a newly developed version of the arcade classic that will be playable for the first time on Atari consoles. In addition, this release will be supported with official releases of modern homebrew ports including Avalanche, Countermeasure II, Dark Chambers and Super Circus Atari.

Tiger-Heli is a vertically scrolling shoot-’em-up in which players must discharge a helicopter through various levels filled with enemies, obstacles and powerful bosses. The game offers intense action, tight controls and the challenge of surviving waves of enemy fire. The decision to redevelop this game fell mainly thanks to Tiger-Heli’s legacy, as this was a title that had a major impact on the shoot-’em-up genre. It introduced the “bullet hell” concept long before “bullet time” became synonymous with action shooters.

Unlike many other well-known arcade games, Tiger-Heli has never before appeared on an Atari console, something that will change on July 18.

“In recent years we have really increased our investment in retro gaming, we mainly focused on releasing retro consoles like the Atari 2600+ and 7800+. Now we want to release new games for these systems. Tiger-Heli represents our first step toward developing retro software internally. This new cartridge is for players who supported us by buying the new Atari consoles – we want the offering to continue to grow for them,” said Ben Jones, Commercial Director of Retro at PLAION.

Key features of the new Tiger-Heli:

• Developed specifically for Atari consoles for the first time
• Single player helicopter combat
• Power-ups that improve firepower and grant special powers
• Multiple levels in various environments
• Enemies include ground vehicles, aircraft and turrets
• Iconic, Pokey-based, music
• Compatible with the original Atari 7800 and the Atari 2600+ and 7800+

In addition to Tiger-Heli PLAION and Atari will also release the following games on July 18, 2025:

• Avalanche – A lightning-fast puzzle-action game in which players must catch falling avalanche rocks before they cause too much damage. This game is for one or two players and is available on the original Atari 2600 & 7800, as well as for the 2600+ and 7800+.
• Countermeasure II – This single player experience focuses on using countermeasures to fend off the enemy’s incoming arsenal. These super-fast, intense battles are available on the original Atari 7800 and on the new ‘plus’ series consoles.
• Dark Chambers – Originally released in 1988 for the Atari 7800, this game was a standout title. In the re-release of this classic dungeon crawler, players must find the hidden treasures of the Dark Wizard of AaZor.
• Super Circus Atari – After exploring dark dungeons in Dark Chambers or after they come under fire in Countermeasure II, gamers may welcome the more light-hearted experience of Super Circus Atari. Players control the infamous seesaw that launches daredevil clowns to pop as many balloons as possible for the highest score. Available on Atari 7800, 7800+ and 2600+.