#AH 3 THUNDERSTRIKE

[retrocgads]

USA 1993

[archoneddzs15]

Sega Saturn - Thunder Hawk 2 (AH-3 Thunderstrike 2 Air Assault / Firestorm)

Title: Thunder Hawk 2 / サンダーホーク II

Developer: Core Design Limited

Publisher: Victor Entertainment

Release date: 23 February 1996

Catalogue No.: T-6006G

Genre: 3D Helicopter Shooting

The original Thunder Hawk was a Mega CD game also by Core Design and just like this Saturn version it was very good, especially considering it was running on a Mega CD. This Saturn version improves upon the Mega CD version in every way possible. The areas are now far more populated with enemies, mountains, trees, and so on plus the helicopter's cockpit view is actually made of polygons instead of a 2D drawing like most companies do. This really adds to the 3D feel of cockpit action as the shadows move around it and missiles make it shudder when they hit. So, graphically the game does look good and moves quite smoothly as well. Don't forget that this is an early Saturn title. There is quite a lot of polygon pop-up but it's not that noticeable thanks to a very nice trick by Core. What they've done is actually build the polygon areas over mode 2D flat models. This gives an infinite view distance which takes your attention away from things popping up. It's not perfect but certainly a good idea.

Game wise I really like Thunder Hawk II. The controls are tight and responsive unlike that awful Black Fire game and also quite easy to learn after a few minutes of play. The missions are varied enough to keep you entertained over and over again and are packed with nice little touches such as when you blow up a tank or truck the driver will run from the vehicle allowing you to follow him in your helicopter and gun him down in cold blood. I like to nuke the little sods but that's because I'm evil.

There are quite a few western developed games like this which necessarily don't use helicopters but still fall into the same style of game play. Titles such as Ghen War, Black Fire, A+M+O+K as well as others. However, Thunder Hawk II beats them all to the ground (well A+M+O+K is pretty good) making it well worth your money if you can find it.

[boxartcomparisons]

Box art comparison (JP/US/EU): AH-3 Thunderstrike.

[tsuki-sennin]

a

That's it, no funny intro this time, I've been waiting all goddamn day to see this and I don't exactly know how to phrase my excitement.

Aside from that, here's some Spoilers, I guess...

-Also, I was spoiled on the fact that George is indeed transforming. I uh... didn't mean to spoil myself, but I follow Noritaka Hamao on Twitter and he was super jazzed about the whole thing so good for him!

-Aaaaand there he is! Ikki-nii!

-He's physically incapable of calling Sakura anything other than "Karate Girl". I mean, he's not wrong, but I assume that he might break out into hives if he does call her by name.

-Ohhhh, somebody's dying. Or perhaps truly becoming one.

-"They defy all scientific reason, but 'God damn' I hope they make it."

-Demons moment!

-Wait... from a few episodes ago... when Vail left the Demons Driver and Olteca raged about his modifications...

-He modded it for himself, didn't he.

-Hey, hey, hey, hey!

-He's not your average science man! He's basically playing god.

-His English is truly glorious.

-Hey, fellas. You okay?

-Oh, I guess not!

-Ohhhh, that's spooky.

-We're all the way back in the past. ...or at least, in what Ikki remembers.

-"No one can ever know" feels a lot more ominous now.

-Very... lovely twinkling music!

-Oh god, we really are back in the past.

-OH GOD DEMONS

-Er, that is, the Gifterians.

-This is... a lot scarier than I was expecting?

-He's having an inner struggle, he's fine.

-AGUILERA NO

-Oh, he's a douchebag fiance too! ...I mean, he is a groomer, a mass-murderer, probably very racist, and a literal demonic god, but that slap caught me off guard.

-Cults are monstrous beyond my comprehension. Fuck Gifu and fuck Akaishi, I can't wait to kick their asses.

-OHHHHH HE'S GIFU NOW

-Olteca, you mad man!

-Phase 4 then?

-Jesus Christ, I'm getting really bad vibes from these demons.

-OHHHH

-FUCK DUDE

-Man, looks like Dai-chan's already struggling.

-Tamaki, bro, pls

-George, buddy, I know you're having the time of your life right now, but you gotta rein it in a little.

-Ah, yep, looks like he took a bit too much.

-Vail's got a real twisted sense of partnership. He's basically Genta's salty douchebag ex-boyfriend.

-"Fuck the fighting. Go play Minecraft or something instead!"

-Ohhhh, there he is. A Shadow, of Ikki's true inner self. All of his Vice centered into a physical form. Insert I'll Face Myself here. Preferably the Reincarnation version, that's the best one.

-Oh he's healin'. Cheating bitch.

-You logically should know all of his moves, man.

-Remember the fam!

-Damn, these feels

-Aibou...

-Ikki stands to protecc

-They're back up!

-THUNDER GALE!

-COME ON! THUNDER GALE GO!

-Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh the wind's blowing!

-HEY HEY HEY HEY!!!!

-Revice!

-Thunder Gale! Amazing!

-REVICE DA!

-OHHHH HE FAST

-That Cross of Fire burns real hot!

-OHHH THEY SPEAK AT THE SAME TIME THAT'S SO COOL

-STOMP HIM

-Now that. Is a fucking thunderstrike.

-Not gonna do a count down? I'll do it then!

-3!

-2!

-1!

-De-merged!

-OH GOD OLTECA

-oHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THAT'S NOT GOOD AT ALL

-Guess he got everything he wanted and is going home to his apartment to smoke weed or something. He doesn't even acknowledge Aguilera.

-We're back!

-...and also we're fucked!

-Let her go, man. She absolutely needs to have a good long think.

-Hello, Daddy. You probably owe a lot of child support.

-Yeah, I don't blame you, George.

-Fuck you Akaishi.

-It seems we're all fighting from a different angle for the same purpose. Sakura with the Weekenders, Daiji with internal reformation, and Ikki and Vice on call for whatever comes up.

-There's a whole 6 stamps left on that sheet. It would seem our time with the Igarashi family has yet to come close to over.

-MOVIE WHAT

-Goddamn, looks like we're gonna have to do some funky detensioning. I hope it's not like a glorified recap episode or clipshow.

-(*Looks left.. looks right... leans into microphone...*)

-...where Jeanne super form?

[tangledaddict]

Ranking Tangled the Series Season 3 Episodes

1. Cassandra’s Revenge: Episode 12

I loved every single moment of this episode. Of course, I was angry with Cassandra. But, it was still REALLY GOOD. I was not expecting Rapunzel to get Eugene a ring and when I saw it, I was like AHHH. Eugene’s birthday party, Eugene seeing the ring, Rapunzel saying LET HIM GO. This episode WAS AMAZING!!!

2. Plus Est en Vous: Episode 17

The finale felt like it flew by so fast for it to actually be an hour and a half! I wish there was more songs, the episode answered all of our questions (answered most, but not all), and it would be longer (maybe just another half an hour). I like the overall feel of the finale, but I wish they added more to it. My favorite moment in this episode was the proposal. When I first watched this episode, I was REALLY scared for a moment it wasn’t going to happen. But, when it did, I was like YAY!!!!!!! I loved every moment of that proposal. Except, I was

3. Rapunzel’s Return: Episode 1

This was another shocking episode. We thought it was enough that Cassandra betrayed Rapunzel. But, Cassandra’s mother was mother gothel??!?!?! Crossing the Line and Stronger than Ever Before are a BOP. Eugene was so cute being so encouraging for Rapunzel. It was hard when Rapunzel gave a fake smile after what Cassandra did.  I love the ending of the episode because that’s when Rapunzel started opening up to Eugene about the whole and I loved that he said “I’m all ears Sunshine”. This was overall a really good episode. Definitely one I look back at.

4. The King and Queen of Hearts: Episode 7

SO.MANY.NEW DREAM MOMENTS!!! AHHH!!! When they finally signed the book and the kiss AHH!!! Also, Frederic’s obsession with eggs lol.

5. Flynnposter: Episode 15

Eugene as captain was something I didn’t know I needed. First of all, he looks really good in that outfit. Second of all, it makes sense, he did a lot for Rapunzel and her parents. Anyway, I heard Brock Thunderstrike…I’m not going to lie, I LAUGHED! Also, when Brock named his crab. Also, SO MANY MOVIE REFERENCES IN THIS EPISODE…I LOVED IT!!!

6. Once a Handmaiden: Episode 16

Why can’t Cassandra just calm down for ONE MINUTE! They were so CLOSE to being friends again. Freaking Zhan Tiri has to ruin it! Also, Eugene and Rapunzel talking about places not to get married at, LOL. This was a great transition into the season finale/the final episode.  

7. No Time Like the Past: Episode 5

Eugene and Lance as kids?!?!?! YESSS!!! And Rapunzel meeting Eugene and Lance as kids?!?!? YESSS!!! Also, Eugene telling Rapunzel he doesn’t want to see her hurt anymore OMG. I LOVE.

8. Islands Apart: Episode 11

So. Many. CASSANDRA’S! AH! But, it was funny. Eugene complaining about Lance opening his moisturizer, Rapunzel and her father looking through her journal. I honestly thought for a moment that the moonstone Cassandra was real. I’m glad to know she wasn’t real.

9. Beginnings: Episode 6

When Eugene said “Hey, Hey, it’s okay” THAT BROKE MY HEART OKAY. Also, I feel like we got to know the reason why Rapunzel never gave up on Cass. It’s because of that event, Rapunzel knew that Cass gave up her dream to stay with Rapunzel.

10. Return of the King: Episode 2

I love we got to see more interactions between Edmund and Eugene. It was amazing to see how much they have in common. If Rapunzel wasn’t there encouraging Eugene to interact with his Dad, their relationship wouldn’t have soared in this episode. I really Stan New Dream in this episode. :)

11. Race to the Spire: Episode 13

TWIRL ATTACK! Eugene getting scared, New Dream holding each other, Eugene loving Rapunzel’s compassion were my favorite moments in this episode.

12. Be Very Afraid: Episode 9

Not more rocks! Ah! It was good to see the last moments of Cassandra not wanting to harm Rapunzel. Lances fear and song was really funny! I’m not surprised of Eugene’s fear and Rapunzel not having a fear. And poor Varian.

13. Pascal’s Dragon: Episode 10

The dragon was so cute!!! I’m sad that Pascal and the Dragon were separated. But, I’m glad to see that created such a great friendship. Also, when little big guy rolled over Eugene and later licked his face LOL!

14. The Lost Treasure of Herz Der Sonne: Episode 4

It was awesome to see most of the Corona characters and all the animals all together on a mission. I liked how Lance and Eugene were just sipping tea and eating food while everyone left.

15. Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad, Wolf: Episode 3

I’m glad we got we see Red and Angry this season. I’m really glad we got to see a true side of red. But, these characters are not my favorite, that’s why this episode is not highly ranked. I feel like this episode should’ve been released a little later in the season.

16. A Tale of Two Sisters: Episode 14

I was really mad at Cassandra in this one because Rapunzel was stating the OBVIOUS of how horrible Gothel was. I can’t believe how gullible Cassandra was to fall for the mirror and Zhan Tiri, of course.

17. Day of the Animals: Episode 8

It was great to see more relationships. But, this is a episode I skip. It’s because the animals are not my favorite characters in the series. I really liked Dwayne though, I wish we got to see more of him in the series overall.  

[gamephd-wallpapers]

Play AH-3 Thunderstrike Play AH-3 Thunderstrike Online Play this Sega CD game in your web browser, here on GamePhD! Use Chrome/Firefox if Internet Explorer doesn't load the game.