Desert Strike (1993-)

• Developer: Telegames

• Publisher: Electronic Arts

• Genre: Shoot 'Em Up

Desert Strike for the Atari Lynx was developed by Telegames and released in 1993, with Electronic Arts serving as the original publisher of the franchise. The Lynx version was an adaptation of the 1992 hit Desert Strike: Return to the Gulf, which had first appeared on the Sega Genesis and was later ported to numerous platforms including the Super Nintendo, Amiga, and DOS computers. The Lynx edition attempted to translate the isometric helicopter combat experience to a handheld format, scaling down the graphics and interface while retaining the core mission structure and strategic action.

The game cast players as the pilot of an Apache helicopter carrying out a series of military operations inspired by real-world events in the Gulf region. Missions involved rescuing hostages, destroying enemy installations, and managing limited fuel and ammunition supplies while navigating expansive desert maps. Its design was influenced by both arcade-style shooters and strategy titles, blending direct action with tactical decision-making. The mix of high-intensity firefights with careful resource management distinguished Desert Strike from traditional shoot ’em ups, offering a hybrid experience that demanded both reflexes and planning.

On the Lynx, gameplay was adjusted to accommodate the smaller screen but still featured the hallmark elements of the series. Players balanced offense with survival, deploying rockets, chain guns, and carefully rationing fuel pickups across mission objectives. The control scheme was simplified but functional, giving handheld players a reasonable approximation of the home console versions. Sound on the Lynx consisted of brief looping music and sharp effects for gunfire, explosions, and radio transmissions. While the handheld audio was limited compared to the Genesis original, it delivered enough atmosphere to reinforce the military theme and the tension of missions.

Desert Strike’s success on the Genesis led to several sequels, including Jungle Strike, Urban Strike, Soviet Strike, and Nuclear Strike, though these never appeared on the Lynx. The Lynx port itself was promoted as one of the more ambitious action titles available for the system, highlighted in advertising as proof of the handheld’s ability to deliver complex console-style experiences. Reception of the Lynx version was mixed but generally positive, with praise for the attempt to capture the scale of the original balanced against critiques of reduced graphics and performance compared to the console editions. Nevertheless, Desert Strike on the Lynx stands as one of the more notable late releases for the handheld, giving players a portable take on one of Electronic Arts’ most successful early franchises.

Images from MobyGames