20 Nov 1996
20 Nov 1996 - PC (Microsoft Windows)
SimCopter lets players explore SimCity 2000 environments from a helicopter pilot's perspective. Players respond to various emergencies across custom or pre-made cities, including fires, bank robberies, and medical evacuations. The game integrates with emergency services, allowing players to coordinate with police, fire departments, and ambulances while completing missions in their aircraft.
SimCopter, released in 1996, takes the simulation genre to new heights by letting players soar through the skies as a helicopter pilot in a dynamic, interconnected city. Developed by Maxis, the game seamlessly integrates with SimCity 2000, allowing players to import their city creations and address various challenges from an aerial perspective. While the concept of combining city-building and helicopter simulation was innovative, SimCopter faced criticism for its initial technical issues and erratic AI behavior. However, its open-world exploration and emergent gameplay possibilities, such as responding to disasters or completing missions, added a layer of unpredictability. SimCopter remains a unique and ambitious title, offering a distinctive blend of simulation and action that, despite its flaws, contributes to the nostalgic charm of Maxis' classic lineup.