Infiltrator is a curious, ambitious hybrid that attempts to bridge the gap between 8-bit flight simulation and stealth-action. Developed by Chris Gray Enterprises and published by Mindscape, the game places players in the cockpit of the Gizmo DHX-1 Attack Chopper as Johnny "Jimbo Baby" McGibbits. The structure is split into two distinct phases: navigating hostile airspace to reach enemy territory and then infiltrating secret facilities on foot. While the concept was forward-thinking for 1987, the NES hardware often struggles to convey the complexity of its PC roots, resulting in a title that feels cluttered and frequently overwhelming for the uninitiated.
The flight sequences serve as a primitive precursor to the combat flight sims of the 16-bit era, requiring players to manage an array of cockpit instruments, from ADF tracking to defensive flares. Unfortunately, the NES controller simply lacks the buttons required for such a granular simulation, forcing players to memorize convoluted button combinations to toggle essential systems. Combat is equally frustrating, as the choppy frame rate makes dogfighting more a matter of luck than skill. While the sense of scale is impressive, the technical limitations of the console turn what should be a tense aerial approach into a chore of trial and error.
Once on the ground, the perspective shifts to an overhead isometric view where McGibbits must complete various sabotage objectives. These segments prioritize stealth and inventory management, requiring you to search desks and use gas grenades or disguises to bypass guards. The lack of clear direction is the game’s greatest hurdle; players are often dropped into missions with little indication of where to go, and the clunky movement makes avoiding detection more difficult than intended. Ultimately, Infiltrator is a fascinating relic of an era when developers were still experimenting with genre-mashing, but its execution lacks the polish necessary to make it a true NES classic.
