Choplifter NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Shoot 'em Up

Choplifter

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1986 (originally 1982)
GenreAction, Shoot 'em Up
DeveloperBrøderbund Software
PublisherJaleco
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
SeriesChoplifter
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 5

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, Choplifter is an action game developed by Brøderbund Software and published by Jaleco. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1982. It blends action and shoot 'em up elements.

It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Arkanoid, Metroid and Dragon Quest.

It is part of the Choplifter series. The series also appears on other systems with Choplifter (5200) and Choplifter (ColecoVision). Brøderbund Software also made Prince of Persia, Championship Lode Runner and Karateka for the NES.

Choplifter supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests

What playing Choplifter is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Choplifter gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Choplifter cheats & codes

5 codes on file (Other codes). Here are a few Other codes codes to start with:

Infinite LivesSKXOOGVG
Infinite FuelSGUEVUVK
InvincibilitySZXKIZSA
Infinite Lives0353:02 00BD:02
Helicopter Holds 15 HostagesYESUANAE YAEUYNAE

See all Choplifter cheats

Choplifter walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Choplifter.

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Playing NES games today

NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.

Choplifter FAQ

When did Choplifter come out on the NES?

Choplifter was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986; the original game dates back to 1982.

Who made Choplifter?

It was developed by Brøderbund Software and published by Jaleco.

Is Choplifter multiplayer?

Yes. Choplifter supports up to 2 players.

How long does Choplifter take to play?

As an action game, Choplifter typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Choplifter on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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