BundleIrem Arcade HitsAug 21, 2011Multi-item package
Release
Jun 1990
Player score
52/100
Platform families
Not announced
Connected releases
2
Editorial overview
What it is
The player selects from a jet fighter or helicopter, shoot enemies in the air and ground, collect power-ups, and defeat bosses to advance levels.
The game differs from most others in the genre in that you can change the aircraft you use at the start of each level. The jet fighter always shoots straight forward; power-ups increase the width and strength of its shots. The helicopter fires thinner and weaker shots, but turns in the direction it moves (similar to the later Zero Gunner), giving it great range; powerups increase the strength of shots, as well as the number of bullets per shot (adding a small "spread" effect to the shot while moving around). Both the fighter and the helicopter also start with three bombs which wipe out everything in their path, including enemy shots. These bombs are also unique compared to similar games, in that they produce a line of small horizontal blasts that can be "directed" at the line travels across the ground, by pressing left and right (similar to the helicopter's shots). Additional bombs can be picked up during the course of the game.
Losing a life resets your power and bomb count to the amount you start with. "Air Duel" is a challenging game, and later levels can become nearly unplayable if a single life is lost.
Play styles
Single player · Multiplayer · Co-operative
More like this
Game data from IGDB
Perspective
Bird view / Isometric
Themes
Action · Warfare
Cinematic archive
Official footage, in-game captures, and production artwork—collected into one immersive gallery.
Gameplay Video
Content map
DLC, expansions, editions, and bundles are different products. Each stays in its own lane so you always know what you are looking at.
Store collections
Packages combining this title with other games or downloadable content.
Production dossier
Cast, creators, hardware, release history, and the details that define how this game plays.

Arcade