Games

Published on August 20th, 2025 | by Andrew Paul

Tiger-Heli Takes Flight on Atari: PLAION REPLAI and Atari Launch the Flagship Title of a New Retro Cartridge Line-Up

PLAION REPLAI, a leading global publisher and developer of retro video game software and hardware, and Atari, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce the release of Tiger-Heli on cartridge for the Atari 7800, 7800+, and 2600+.  This new title is the flagship release in a bold new wave of officially licensed retro games out now. The other titles launching on Atari include Avalanche, Countermeasure II, Dark Chambers and Super Circus Atari.

Watch the launch trailer here.

Tiger-Heli brings the adrenaline-pumping, vertically scrolling shooter action of the arcade original to Atari hardware for the first time ever.  Developed from the ground up, this homebrew-built edition unleashes fast, fluid gameplay that honours the spirit of the 1985 arcade classic while optimising for the power of Atari’s newest consoles.

“Tiger-Heli isn’t just a port, it’s a full-throttle reimagining, built specifically for Atari players,” said PLAION REPLAI’s Commercial Director, Ben Jones. “We’ve made sure it looks, sounds, and plays like a dream on original and new hardware alike.  It’s both a tribute and a statement about the future of physical retro gaming.”

Key Features of the new Tiger-Heli include:

  • Intense single-player helicopter combat.
  • Power-ups that boost firepower and unlock new abilities.
  • Diverse stages filled with tanks, turrets, aircraft, and bosses.
  • Original Pokey-based soundtrack that hits all the right nostalgic notes.
  • Compatible with Atari 7800, 7800+, and 2600+.
  • Packaged in a premium retro-style box with a collector’s manual.

Tiger-Heli headlines a broader cross-genre showcase of five new cartridges, each designed to rekindle the spirit of Atari’s golden age while appealing to today’s collectors and retro gamers. These include:

  • Avalanche: A fast-paced puzzle-action classic of falling chaos.
  • Countermeasure II: Tactical tank warfare meets Cold War codebreaking.
  • Dark Chambers: The return of the legendary dungeon crawl.
  • Super Circus Atari: Balloon-popping, clown-launching arcade mayhem.

Each release has been carefully selected and crafted – some are reimagined homebrew favourites, while others are cult classics getting their first-ever official cartridge editions.

Together, they form a cohesive physical collection that showcases the best of 8-bit imagination across action, strategy, and arcade genres.

Tiger-Heli and the additional four games are now available to buy at major retailers, priced at $44.95.

For more information, visit: www.atari.com.


About the Author



Back to Top ↑
  • Quick Navigation

  • Advertisement

  • First Look

  • Join us on Facebook